The seminar was attended by many nervous kendoka, as this was the first experience of grading for most of us. So I would firstly like to thank Paul Budden sincerely for his friendly delivery and putting us at ease!

We got under way with tuition on correct breathing in conjunction with ashi-sabaki and suburi. Once we’d progressed to bogu and shinai practice we diligently demonstrated our kihon-keiko-ho…..…..then Sensei explained how to do it correctly!!! There was much instruction throughout the day on the various waza that we practiced with emphasis on correct ma-ai, breathing, kamae and coordinating our suburi with our ashi-sabaki.
The last hour was dedicated to Kendo no Kata including Ippon-me, Nihon-me and Sanbon-me.

The second day saw us grading. We demonstrated ma-ai, ashi-sabaki, bokoto-kihon-keiko-ho, kendo no kata up to the required level and kihon with shinai. All kendoka were rotated so that we all were able to perform as Shidachi, Uchidachi, Motodachi and Kakari-te.

The grading came to an end with advice and food for thought from Sensei followed by confirmation of our grading. Oh yes… and not forgetting our celebratory drink and photo!! (A few relieved faces on there no doubt!)

Many thanks to both Sensei, Paul Budden and Trevor Chapman, for making this special weekend possible for us – it is greatly appreciated and we will strive to remember and incorporate all your welcome instruction into our kendo. We look forward to our next meeting…..