Australian Kendo Championships

The Australian Championships were held over the Easter weekend.
Congratulations to all the SKC members who participated.

Here is a quick wrap up of SKC results:
Kyu
Luke Lee - Champion
Nick Sordon - 3rd place

Women's
Vivian Yung - 3rd Place

Kyu Team
Luke Lee, Nick Sordon & David Banbury - Champions

Women's Team
Vivian Yung - Champion

Open Team
Takashi Itakura - Runner's Up

Kata Pairs
Takashi Itakura - Runner's Up

Full results can be found here:
http://www.nswkendo.org/akc2008/page_DRAW.html

Shinai maintenance

Expanding more on Nick's post about equipment and also to act as a follow up to the shinai maintenance class we had a few weeks ago, here is something I found on youtube.

Wonderful world of Bogu Manufacture

Not sure if any of you have seen this, but I was browsing around youtube and saw these two vids.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=r1Xege-59rg

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=fJE5TxdKpsc

I found it very interesting how the expert craftsman put together the essential pieces of equipment to minimise injury (unless you up against Taiatari Chris!). It actually made me stop and realise that I don't think enough about the hard work and dedication that goes into making our gear and thankful that a lot is still done by hand.

That being said, I know I've been in the "Risk Assessment" game too long when I watch a vid like this and immediately think "Where is their safety gear and why doesn't that saw have a guard rail with interlocker..."

Old School kendo

Including leg sweeps
Don't get any ideas......

Photos from the 2007 NSW Championships