St Andrews Kangeiko 2009

This year fewer people attended but that did not stop anyone from having a good
time. The weather was cold but there was no wind at all and the rain stopped in
time. Steve Bishop sensei led the session which kicked off with several rounds
of kirikaeshi to get the blood flowing. We then went into jigeiko and uchikomi
geiko for the two ex beginners not yet in armour.

Our feet went numb in minutes but the rest of the body was fine in these
conditions. The sand was quite hard and attempts at fumikomi were made. After a
short period of acclimatisation most of us went into the surf which in turn was
extremely cold. One guest from Glasgow somehow managed to get his gi wet from
the top.

It was heartening to see that those who have been preparing for the Dublin and
Glasgow gradings took this opportunity to practise very seriously. Still, the
unusual conditions seem to encourage people to try unorthodox kendo. Some
kendoka kicked sand into their opponents’ eyes and I - for my part - improvised
a pre-war footswipe but Noemi had execellent balance and stayed upright.

As in previous years, we then retired to the pub to celebrate the start of a new
year in kendo. Good luck to all in their gradings and gambate.

Michael Gratzke, StAKC dojo leader