What has been happening

See the blog here for details of the Japanese trip

Please click here for the photos from Japan - there are a LOT!

Please click here for the photo gallery

Iaido and Kendo

Two sides of the same coin

Iaido

The art of drawing and using a Japanese Samurai sword.

This is taught using a set of very carefully defined forms, these are known as Kata. These teach the basics of swordsmanship, including Nukitsuke (Drawing to sword), Kiritsuke (Cutting), Chiburi (Cleaning the blade), and Noto (Re-sheathing the sword)

Kendo

The art of the Sword. Both proscribed in the formal Kata, and more free form in Gikeiko (free fighting)

This is taught using a a Shinai (Bamboo sword), and wearing Bogu (armor), This is made up of a Men (helmet), Do (breastplate), Tare (waist protector) and Kote (gloves)