It was another Saturday morning at Shidokan, Kendo class was about to start after our fellow Iaidoka were clearing the dojo; Nobody was expecting a wonderful surprise.

Hugo Renaud, a former Shidokan member who trained with Santoso Sensei under the guidance of Funamoto Sensei (Shidokan founder) came into the dojo for a Keiko-visit. His kendo was very impressive, showing the new Shidokan generation how things should be done. We feel very proud and honoured to receive such visit.

At the beginning of December an important Shidokan contingent travelled to Toronto to participate in the Iaido grading and the related seminars. Our members attempted grading for the ranks of ikkyu, shodan, nidan and sandan. All of the Shidokan members passed the exam and obtained the above mentioned ranks.

In the morning before the grading exam we participated in a seminar where finishing touches were put on our katas by very experienced and patient Sensei. In the evening we celebrated the complete success with a Japanese dinner. Early next morning we took part in the Iaido class given by Cruise sensei at Etobicoke. Team Canada Kendo was practicing next door.

Takanabe Susumu and his experience at the 13th WKC
2006 was a year that won't be forgotten in the history of kendo. In the 13th Edition of the World Kendo Championship, held that year in Taiwan, Team Japan formed by known kendoka such as Teramoto Shoji, Shoudai Kenji, Susumu Takanabe and Uchimura Ryoichi was defeated by Team USA led by their captain Chris Yang.

Japan obtained 3rd place after the USA. Korea then went on to beat the US to take the title away from Japan for the first time ever.
Takanabe won the last 'All Japan Kendo Championship' in November 2011, A second title in a row.