9 June 2008

Sumitaka Nagae, Kyoshi, Kendo 7 Dan to return to Japan

Sadly, on 12 June 2008, Nagae sensei will depart from Australia, with his wife, Reiko, to live permanently in Japan.

In 1975 Sensei Sumitaka Nagae (then a Kendo 5th Dan) and his wife arrived in Australia. Nagae Sensei had been appointed as Vice chairman of The Murray Goulburn Snow Company. A dairy product export company, which was based at Cobram in central north Victoria. As if he wasn't busy already, sensei was also asked to introduce and further develop Kendo within Australia. That request came from Mr.Mitsugi Saito, who was the Company President and also a Vice President of the All Japan Kendo Federation.

During the following 33 years, Nagae sensei made many contributions to kendo, iaido and jodo in Australia. Sensei was appointed Patron and Life Membership of the AKR as acknowledgement for his valued and many contributions.

During his kendo career Nagae sensei also filled many functional positions within the Australian kendo community, some of them are -

  • AKR Team Coach at respective World Kendo Championships
  • National Director of Coaching. Sensei developed a curriculum to train kendo instructors and lobbied the Australian Government for official recognition of kendo.
  • Nagae sensei was responsible for the establishment of the Kenshikan Dojo in Melbourne. The dojo is unique in that it was developed primarily to be a training place for kendo.
  • Sensei was also instrumental in attracting many high level and highly esteemed kendo, iaido and jodo sensei to visit Australia. Such exchanges continue.
  • Nagae sensei is retiring as Chief Instructor at Melbourne Budokai.

Nagae sensei has received many, many awards form the kendo community and others, some are listed below -

  • Presented with the Japan Foreign Ministers Commendation Award, August 2002.
  • Awarded AKR Life Membership, April 2003.
  • Awarded the Japanese 5th Order of Merit of The Rising Sun, April 2003.
  • Commendation awarded by the All Japan Kendo Federation, December 2007

The Australian Kendo Renmei is saddened by the return of Nagae sensei to Japan, as we will not only miss his valuable contribution to kendo, but also his keen sense of humour and his uncanny ability to "hit the nail on the head", regardless of the situation.

On behalf of The Australian Kendo Renmei, Nagae sensei is thanked for the wonderful and invaluable assistance that he has provided over three decades and we wish him a safe journey and happiness in his homeland of Japan.

Australian Kendo Renmei introduces player injury insurance for all members

The Australian Kendo Renmei, announces that a new insurance cover will be provided for members protection. Commencing on 1 July 2008, members will have the added safety of the following types of insurance -

  • Player Injury Insurance. Costs associated with an injury that occurs at any AKR club or dojo in a scheduled training session.
  • Professional (Coaches) Indemnity Insurance. AKR sensei and instructors will be protected while supervising training in any AKR club or dojo.

Previously similar state arranged insurance schemes were available, but cover was limited to occurrences only within the members home state and not elsewhere, for example at a seminar or squad training session.

The premium fee of $11.00 for the Player Injury Insurance will be added to the AKR affiliation fees and collected by the state and territory affiliates then passed onto the AKR with your membership fees.

Professional (Coaches) Indemnity Insurance is invoiced seperately to state and territory associations.