Nearly 40 members of the Kenseido US HQ Dojo in San Antonio, Texas, learned Japanese
samurai sword skills and competed in contests that were fun and taught many aspects of Samurai
history and culture. A perfect balance of camaraderie, fun, and serious training was reached
and
made for a great weekend.
Samuari weekend began with Iaido (sword kata), a great asian meal and the
viewing
of a
samurai movie. Here Gadier Sensei takes in the fun and action.
Samurai weekend organized members into teams and challenged their ability to master sets of
skills as individuals, while improving teamwork.
The levels of focus and mutual commitment brought forth to achieving share goals by
the young participants, greatly impressed the instructors and judges.
The leader (sempai) of the “water team” prepares for battle.
Here is the “water bending” team earlier in their training
The water team perfecting their team kata
The wind team aka “air benders” on the road to victory
The “earth” team was a strong as the name implied
The Fire Team was also as dynamic as their name implied
Girl power was a central theme throughout the weekend. This team was the kaminari or
thunder team and wore the ancient samuarai “kaminari mon” crest.
Alex Katzman sensei with his son Evan
The group takes a lesson
Swart and Takamoto sensei’s demonstrate the samurai posture “Sonnkyo no Gamae”
Takamoto sensei guide a young samurai
Kyoshi Shihan Winslow Swart
Pre-training
Practicing sword Kata
Fire Team
Water Team
Kokoro Team
Kaminari Team
Earth Team
Cup-filling Relay
Good concentration
Hitting with your eyes
Focus
Fording the River
Rock Breaking
Sparring in the River
Congratulations
Honorable Shimpan
Best Shodan/Web Designer ever! Who wasn't late! Not me!
Gallery
