The 6th December 2003 saw the second BKA referees seminar of the year, hosted by Kashi-no-ki kenyu kai.

The seminar was lead by Mike Davis 7th Dan Kendo Renshi, and as many of you will already know Mike Davis has many years experience in refereeing most recently he was involved in refereeing at the 12th WKC in Glasgow. With his past history of refereeing he has to be considered as being the number one in the UK on this subject.

The seminar started with a brief discussion on the objectives of the role of shinpan, and progressed with the fundamentals of shinpan-in formally entering and leaving the shi-jo. Detailed instruction followed on how to hold shinpan-ki (Red &White flags) and to give correct signaling.

As the morning progressed Mike Davis explained the importance of maintaining a visual triangle containing both shia-sha between shushin and both fukushin with explanations on determining when shiai-sha has stepped out of the shi-jo area. These areas created much discussion and questions from students.

After lunch it was time to put the cannon fodder to good use, so our refereeing skills were put to the test refereeing both team and individual matches, using correct and clear senkoku with lots of help from Mike Davis. This area once again created much discussion and questions from the students one being defining what can be considered as being foul play.

Mike Davis placed a lot of emphasis on identifying correct yuko-datotsu throughout the seminar. The seminar drew to a close with the last 45min being ji-geiko.

I personally found the seminar valuable and from the feedback of others feel the seminar content was excellent, with the instruction being delivered in a manner that met all levels of the students ability, which made myself and others feel at ease.

I was a little disappointed that the seminar was poorly attended, but on the other hand I like others that attended received some excellent instruction on the day so I remain optimistic for a increase in future attendance of other BKA members.

Trevor Chapman (Kendo Godan)
Kashi-no-ki kenyu kai December 2003