April 2010 | Iaido Seminar by Stephen Cruise Sensei

• - Do good cuts, with a definite stopping point.
• - If the cut can not be controlled, some power must be taken away.
• - Control and precision are more important that raw power.
• - We must work, when standing from iaigoshi (not fully erect).
• - All our energy while moving and during cuts must come from the hara.
• - When cutting, the energy from the hara and the movement of the blade meet to deliver true power.

March 2010 | Gilles Valiquette Sensei visits Shidokan

Feb 2010 | Lawrence Tsuji Sensei visits Shidokan

" Thanks to Santoso and to all the Shidokan members for the practice on Saturday, January 16th. It was a pleasure to be at Shidokan after so many years. The physical location does not matter so much (the old place on de Maisonneuve to the Tri-Star gym on Jean Talon and now at Concordia's Loyola campus); the spirit of the club is with its members and the collective passion for kendo. I cannot express enough how happy I am to see the Shidokan kendo club doing so well. I especially liked the enthusiasm shown by everyone during the practice.

At this time, please allow me to make three main comments:
1. Practicing sincerely and pushing yourself to do your best are key in improving not only your personal kendo but also the dojo as a whole.
2. Please continue to work on good kihon (basics): footwork, posture and striking. Strong kendo starts with strong basics.
3. Please continue to watch out for each other and support each other. This can mean things like keeping an eye out for each other regarding wearing the uniform and bogu properly (no twisted himo, no tenugui flap hanging out), being good motodachi for your partner (making sure to have good posture and spirit, watch distance and present good targets for striking) and pointing out bad kendo habits (for example, starting too close, left foot flat, too much right arm striking, not enough snap, weak kiai, etc.). Of course, please always follow the guidance of Santoso-sensei.

The final thought that I would like to leave with everyone is something that I heard from another sensei many years ago. There is a saying that can apply to kendo. In Japanese, it is Tadashiku, Tanoshiku, Nakayoku. Loosely translated in English, it means: With correctness/properly, With enjoyment, By working together/getting along. I stressed some aspects of kendo etiquette at the end of Saturday's class because it is important to remember that kendo is a martial art and not just stick fighting. Further to that, the proper kendo manner is meant to foster the respect and understanding between individuals so that kendo practice has meaning. Most importantly though: Have Fun! I hope to see everyone again soon."

Best regards,
Lawrence Tsuji

Based on a popular manga (BUSHIDO SIXTEEN written by HONDA TETSUYA and drawn by ANDO JIRO)

ISOYAMA KAORI has been practicing KENDO under the stern eye of her father since she was three. As her father only shows warmth and affection to winners, she throws herself into training. Now in junior high school, she places 2nd in the Junior High School kendo tournament, yet all she sees is the shame of failure. Determined to fight until victory, she enters a small local tournament where she encounters KOUMOTO SANAE in the first round.

Koumoto Sanae is from a broken home and is a mediocre kendo student at best. She is not overly concerned with winning but is facinated by the beauty of kendo but her attitude comes off as casual and somewhat wimpy to Isoyama Kaori.

What happens when these two girls meet?