To Enrich and Be Enriched by Way of the Sword

Kendo, the ancient Japanese martial art of fencing with long bamboo swords, is attracting increased attention from foreigners even as its popularity wanes among the Japanese.

The spread of kendo abroad has been driven in part by 65-year-old Akira Kubo, the sensei who directs Kyumeikan Kendo Dojo, whose martial arts academies extend from Tokyo to China and Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Israel, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Lithuania.

Mr. Kubo, who holds a 7th dan ranking in kendo -- just below the top-ranking 8th dan -- has traveled to more than 50 countries to teach and promote kendo since 1970 when he took over the leadership of Kyumeikan, the dojo started by his father. "The Wall Street Juornal"...

Dear Readers,

It has been a very long time since I`ve been able to update this blog, but I am happy to provide you with some news about Kubo senseis activities along with a few new pictures.

Kubo sensei has been to China to teach Kendo and was also able to attend the wedding of one of Kyumeikan Dojos members. Please enjoy

Travel to Taiwan

In December last year there was one very important date in Kancho Sensei`s schedule. The travel to Taiwan to practice with Liu Sensei. Liu Sensei is the president of the Taiwanese Kendo Federation and a very good friend of Kancho Sensei. Together with some Kyumeikan Dojo members and Kendoka from Chichibu, Kancho Sensei went to Taiwan and enjoyed excellent Kendo and the hospitality of Taiwan and its people.

Christmas in Lithuania

Today I would like to present you a very nice picture of a Christmas party in our Lithuania Kyumeikan Dojo. Under the care of Ricardas Zilaitis, a huge number of children practices the Japanese Art of Kendo.


We wish them all the best for the future and hope for many more children to join.

Dear Readers,

It has been a very long time since I last updated this blog and I sincerely apologize for it. The last month was a very busy one and I will try through the next few posts to inform you about what has been going on.




I would like to start with a very happy memory. After the Kendo examination last month we had a big party with more than 70 people attending. There was even a band that entertained us with fantastic music. Please enjoy the beautiful pictures.

Kyumeikan Dojo

Congratulations

This Monday Kendo examination took place in Itabashi district and as you can see on the picture, many, many members of the Kyumeikan family participated. We had guests from Kazakhstan, Hong Kong and Russia. Of course Tokyo Kyumeikan Dojo members were giving their best as well.

It was a tough day, but I`m happy to announce that nearly everyone passed. For the ones who couldn`t pass this time, let`s continue our practice together and there is no doubt it will work next time.

Once again, congratulations to everyone, it was a pleasure to welcome you all in Japan.

















Kyumeikan Dojo

Hong Kong Kendo

Today I would like to introduce Alex Chan and his wife from Hong Kong.

Alex Chan is a long time member of the Kyumeikan family and he came to Japan in order to take his 4th Dan examination.

We all wish him good luck and are looking forward to continue playing nice Kendo with him.

Sincerely,

Kyumeikan Dojo

Welcome at Tokyo Kyumeikan Dojo

Dear Readers,

It has been a long time since my last post on this blog, for which I sincerely apologize. We are now in Kendo examination time and preperations keep us all quite busy.

Lately we`ve had quite a few newcomers and guests and I would like to give you some impressions of the last few days.

As you can see, the Dojo is filled with life and all of us are very grateful to be able to spend time with our friends from all over the world.

Let us continue good Kendo.

Kyumeikan Dojo

PS: Tokyo Kyumeikan Dojo wishes good luck to Mr. Wada and Mr. Chan who are taking their 4th Dan examination today.