5 December 2008 Sensei Yoichi Yano graded to Kendo 7th dan in Japan. It is with great pleasure that AKR advises the successful grading to Kendo 7th dan of Mr. Yoichi Yano. Yano sensei travelled to Japan, where he attended an All Japan Kendo Federation Kendo Grading Exam in Tokyo on 27 November, 2008. Yano sensei now resides in Melbourne, where he is the chief kendo instructor of Melbourne Budokai at the Kenshikan Dojo. Yano sensei commenced kendo training at the Sydney Kendo Club and played a prominent role in NSW kendo before relocating to Melbourne a few years ago. Members of the AKR warmly congratulate Yano sensei on his advancement in grade. Damian Carmody-Stephens awarded Kendo Renshi. It is also with pleasure that AKR advises that Mr. Damian Carmody-Stephens (Kendo 6th dan) has been awarded the Shogo level of Renshi. Such awards are made following an AKR nomination and selection process, and the submission of an examination paper which is assessed in Tokyo by examiners appointed by the All Japan Kendo Federation. The most recent English language exam was conducted in Tokyo on 30 November 2008. Mr. Carmody-Stephens commenced Kendo in Melbourne during the 1980's where he lived until relocating to Sydney. Mr. Carmody-Stephens is currently in Singapore, where he attends Kendo training regularly with the locals. We warmly congratulate Carmody-Stephens sensei on his examination success. Vivian Yung appointed AKR Secretary. Ms. Vivian Yung has been appointed Secretary of the AKR, following the resignation of Mr. Chris Goletsos. We thank Mr. Goletsos very much for accepting the challenging role, at a time when we needed help. During the past 18 months Mr. Chris Goletsos assisted the management of the AKR through exercising his Secretarial responsibility effectively and by his valued contribution to the sound administration of the AKR. It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Miss Vivian Yung as AKR Secretary, who has now commenced in the role. Many of you will know that Miss Yung was a very efficient Secretary of the NSWKA until recently, she is Kendo 3 dan, a member of the Australian Kendo Team for the 13th World Kendo Championships and a member of the squad for the 14th WKC. We thank her for offering her time and energy and look forward to her contribution. Sensei delegation to attend the 19th Australian Iaido Championships and 9th Australian Jodo Championships. As in recent years, the AKR has been very fortunate to receive wonderful support from a key group of Japanese Iaido and Jodo sensei. The below named sensei will be attending our events from Monday 19 January to Sunday 25 January 2009 in Canberra, ACT. The schedule includes an iaido and jodo seminar, iaido and jodo competition, an Iaido Grading Exam up to 5th Dan and a Jodo Grading Exam up to 3rd Dan. More details here. Attending Iaido sensei: Katsuo ODA, Hanshi 8 Dan, Attending Jodo sensei: Kuniaki NAGAYAMA, Kyoshi 7 Dan, |