We were lucky to have the Southern California Naginata Federation participate in a friendly exhibition match at the dojo.

Last Sunday was our dojo Xmas party. Every year Ariga sensei and the other senseis put on an all dojo tournament, a few exhibitions, and potluck with entertainment by dojo members.

This year we also had the chance to play the balloon game.

The last month and a half since the tournament has been quite tough. Having to shuttle the kids back home due to kata practice has left me with little time to keiko (spar).

Then two weeks ago we lost a family member to a tragic bicycle accident.

It’s times like these that remind you of what is important in life. To paraphrase a speech that Murakami sensei AUSKF president made to the children at the grand opening of the butokuden dojo in irvine (or was it the AUSKF junior tournament in Kent, WA?):

there are three priorities in life: family, studies and kendo; don’t neglect family.

Tonight will be my first full practice since then.

Was the SCKO individual taikai at marina high school in Huntington Beach. I lasted just under two minutes but still lost. But better than my previous match of 43 sec.

This year they changed up the schedule and had the men’s godan and up division in the morning so I was able to watch some sensei level kendo.

Here is a match between Ariga and Song sensei. Two different styles of kendo.

Our sensei, Hisano Nohara, is returning to Japan. Her last practice was yesterday. Here is hoping she returns soon.

after two week long vacation. I didn’t last halfway through the drills. Got dizzy and muscles were weak.

Taking gatorade before the practice didn’t help. But then I realized I forgot to eat the banana I usually take before practice.

Look at those happy faces! I got a commissioned watercolor/ink/pen by Thomas Boatwright. Check him out. His commissions, I think, are very inexpensive and he’ll draw almost whatever you want.

My son’s first match at the nationals.

During shiai…hope I don’t lose it.

gave the design to ebogu. the men looks much better :).

http://www.e-bogu.com/Keep-Calm-and-Strike-Men-T-shirt-p/ebo-acc-tshirt-kpclm-all.htm