Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo

We're Back!

2011-03-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo will go back to using this blog as our primary page. Announcements and news will be posted here again effective immediately.

The site may go through some changes in the coming months but please bear with the cosmetic changes.

We've Moved!

2010-05-10T17:23:00.000-07:00

Notice:

This site will no longer be in use. All future dojo blog entries will be published at the new site. www.cmkd.org.

News and Updates

2010-03-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

The CMKD Jackets went on sale a couple weeks ago. Most members should have received the order forms via email. If you have not yet ordered a jacket and would like one, please contact Allyson by tomorrow (3/5/10). Payment for jackets are due by this coming Wednesday (3/10/10). Any late payments will result in a separate shipping and handling fee.

Our official roster to AUSKF is due next week. No changes will be made after Wednesdays practice. If you haven't already double checked your information at the dojo, please do so by Wednesday.

Headlines from CMKD

2009-12-10T10:48:00.000-08:00

1st Annual Yamaguchi Cup

Yesterday was the 1st Annual Yamaguchi Cup. The winner this year is was D. Nakamoto. Thanks to all that participated and made this a fun event.

2009 Christmas Party

The CMKD Christmas Party is this Saturday from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Dojo members please show up at 4:30 to help set up.

News, News, and more News

2009-11-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

SCKF Shinkyu Shinsa News:

The SCKF promotion exams were held October 25th. The following CMKD members passed their promotion exams. Congratulations to everyone.

S. Nishi 6 kyu
P. Popescu 4 kyu
C. Kao 4 kyu
J. Ocoma 4 kyu
B. Wong 3 kyu
J. Sotelo 3 kyu
O. Kuzmin 3 kyu
L. Suzuki 2 kyu
N. Gallinger 1 kyu
A. Dong 1 dan
R. Vernica 1 dan
J. Bien 1 dan
R. Ra 2 dan

We would also like to announce that we have a new Sensei at our Dojo. K. Kobayashi Sensei has passed his 4 dan exam.

AUSKF Kodansha Shinsa

Last weekend was the AUSKF Kodansha Shinsa.

Our Head Sensei Y. Hosokawa passed his exam and has obtained the rank of 6 dan.

Shoraku Sensei was also successful and is now 7 Dan Kyoshi.

Congratulations to them both.

Other news:

The Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo Xmas part will be held on Dec. 12th, 2009. Further details will be posted at a later date.

Tournament Results and News

2009-08-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

The 14th World Kendo Championships are next week in Sao Paulo Brazil. Hosokawa Spencer Sensei and Hosokawa Yuji Sensei are members of the coaching staff. Roxie Sensei is a member of Team Hawaii. Let's all wish them luck.

Tournament Results

Last week was the Nikkei Games Tournament.

H. Yoshida won 1st place in the 2 Dan division.

Our Kachinuki Team also won 1st place.
The members were:

Sempo R. Ra
Chuken J. Bien
Taisho D. Nakamoto

Lastly, Mark Ou has posted some photos from Nisei Week, Nikkei Games, and our practice on his flickr site. Below are the links.

Dojo practice pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/belkut/sets/72157619944965068/

Nisei week taikai pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/belkut/sets/72157621871714817/

Takai pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/belkut/sets/72157621936370343/

People pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/belkut/sets/72157621936500977/

Tournament Results and News

2009-08-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

Last week was the Nisei Week Kyu Tournament. We had two members place.

C. Kao 1st place 0-4 Kyu Adult Division
L. Suzuki 3rd place 11-13 year old Kyu Division

Congratulations to them both.

News:

Nikkei Games is this Sunday, 8/16/09, at the CSULB Pyramid.

Sign in is at 7:30. Please be there on time and ready for warm-ups.

Tournaments

2009-07-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

There are two tournaments coming up in August.

Nisei Week Kyu Tournament

August 9 @ Honpa Hongajin (Sho Tokyo Dojo)

Nikkei Games

August 16 @ CSULB Pyramid

The due date for registration is July 29. There is less than a week now to sign up. Please let us know ASAP if you are interested in competing.

Stretching Before Practice

2009-06-02T14:01:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, one of our members was injured during practice. We want to remind everyone to please stretch before practice in addition to what we do during warm ups. Pay special attention to stretching out your achilles tendon. While stretching will not completely prevent injury, it will greatly reduce the risk of injury.

Memorial Day Practice and SCKF Championship

2009-05-19T11:06:00.001-07:00

There will be practice on Memorial Day, May 25th. However, it will be a special practice and the scheduling will be a bit different.

The start time will be at 7:00PM for all members.

7-745 will be Kihon Keiko (Basics)
745-9 will be Advanced Waza and Keiko for everyone

One thing that needs mentioning. Kendo is not just about physical activity. Reigi (ettiquite) is an equally important aspect of Kendo. It is very important that ALL Kenshi learn proper Reigi. Having said that, it is highly recommended that beginners and junior members come to Memorial Day practice so that they can learn some things they may have not been taught about Reigi.

SCKF Individual Championship 6/28/09 @ Wilson Park

Sign ups must be made by next week. Wed. 5/27

News and Updates

2009-04-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, a bunch of Costa Mesa members went to San Jose to compete in the Annual North South Tournament.

A. Dong won 3rd place in Women's Shodan and below division.

Congratulations to her.

Also, while in San Jose, San Jose Kendo Dojo graciously hosted our members at one of their practices. Below is a Thank You letter that we sent to them.

April 21, 2009

Dear San Jose Kendo Dojo,

Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo would like to thank you for inviting us to keiko on Friday, April 17, 2009 and for your generous hospitality. We have gained more keiko experience and have all learned a lot practicing with your dojo. We really enjoyed the keiko and the wonderful food and sites of the San Jose and San Francisco We look forward to seeing you all again at next year's 52nd North/South Tournament. area.

Best Regards,

Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo

(left to right) Ra. R, Popescu. P, Vernica. R, Olson. B Sensei, Dong. A, Minami. N, Yoshida. H, Yamaguchi. T Sensei, Kao. C, Hosokawa. Y Sensei

News and Tournament Results

2009-01-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Costa Mesa had two members place in the Mori Hai Tournament on Jan. 18th.

Senior Group 2 Olson Sensei 3rd Place
1-2 Dan Group 2 Ra, R. 3rd Place

News:

A spring Dojo picnic is in the works. We will post more information as it becomes available.

A website for the 14th World Kendo Championships can be found here:

www.14wkc.com.br

Mori Hai Tournament

2009-01-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

The Mori Hai Tournament is this Sunday, Jan. 18th, at Wilson Park in Torrance. Participants are required to be there by 7:00am to help with set up. Please do not be late. Court duties will be emailed or handed out at Wed. practice.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T16:12:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone enjoyed the Holidays. Practice will be returning to our normal schedule.

Just a reminder, the Morihai Tournament is on January 18th in Torrance.

News and Upcoming Events

2008-11-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

NEWS:

Last Sunday, Spencer Hosokawa Sensei gained the rank of 7 Dan at the AUSKF Kodansha Shinsa.

Roxie Sensei went back home to Hawaii for the Team Hawaii tryouts. She was chosen to be on the Hawaii Women's Team that will compete at the Kendo World Championships in Brazil.

Congratulations to them both.

Upcoming Events:

The Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo Christmas Party will be on Saturday, Dec. 13th. It will start at about 5pm. Further information will be posted as it is decided.

The Morihai Tournament will be held on January 18th at Wilson Park in Torrance. Please check you schedules to see if you can compete.

Holiday Schedule:

There will be no practice on November 26th due to the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The last practice of the year will be Dec. 22nd. We will resume normal practice on Jan. 5, 2009.

Shinsa Results

2008-10-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the SCKF Shinkyu Shinsa. Congratulations to the members on their new ranks.

Kiju Park 3Dan
Noritaka Minami 1Dan
Richard Ra 1Dan
Jerry Bien 1Kyu
Rares Vernica 1Kyu
Allyson Dong 1Kyu
Richard Jew 3Kyu
Allexander Bien 3Kyu
Lui Suzuki 3Kyu
Jason Sotelo 4Kyu
Takashi Yamashita 4Kyu
Bennett Wong 4Kyu

Announcments

2008-09-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

TEAM TOURNAMENT

The SCKF Team Tournament is this Sunday at Wilson Park in Torrance. All dojo members that are scheduled to play, please be dressed and ready at 7:30am. All members of the Yudansha team must have their shinais weighed.

EQUIPMENT

Recently there has been quite a few pieces of equipment left behind after practice. Hosokawa Yuji Sensei has sent out an email in regards to this. Please make sure that you account for all your equipment before leaving practice. We all know that Kendo equipment is not cheap. So please take good care of your equipment. Your Dojomates aren't there to keep track of items left behind, each Dojo member is expected to be able to pick up after themselves.

Hosokawa Yuji Sensei would also like to remind all of us that this is are first and last warning on the issue. Just like when there was a lack of Kiai during warmups, he will find ways to "motivate" us if we don't sort it out ourselves.

Practice Schedule, News, and Tournament Results

2008-08-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

Due to the Labor Day Holiday, Monday practice will be an open practice from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. Please note the earlier start time.

TOURNAMENT RESULTS:

Nisei Week Tournament Results:

Allyson Dong Women's Kyu Division 2nd Place

Nikkei Games Tournament Results:

Roxie Nakamoto Sensei Women's Dan Division 1st Place

Richard Ra Adult Kyu Division Group 2 3rd Place

NEWS:

We will have Kata practice every Wednesday during 2nd practice until the Shinsa.

After the Shinsa, Team USA plans to join us for practice on Wednesdays. Please make the most of this opportunity by coming to practice.

Updates

2008-08-04T14:06:00.001-07:00

Nissei Week Tournament is this Sunday at Wilson Park. Please arrive early so that everyone can warm up together.

Nikkei Games is next Sunday (8/17) at the CSULB Pyramid. Please arrive to this early as well.

We will begin Kata practice starting this Wednesday during 2nd practice. It is recommended that 3 Kyu and above attend.

AUSKF Championships

2008-07-08T12:07:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was the AUSKF Championships. The results can be found here.
Shoraku Sensei made it to the second round.

OC Fair

The Orange County Fair will be starting July 11th and will run until August 3rd. The Fair causes a great deal of traffic on the 55 freeway. In order to avoid the traffic, please consider other routes to the Dojo. We recommend taking the 405 and exiting Harbor Blvd. Go south on Harbor Blvd. and then make a left onto Victoria Street. The Dojo will be on the left.

Upcoming Tournaments

There are two tournaments in August. The Nisei Week Kyu Tournament and the Nikkei Games. The Nisei Week tournament is at Wilson Park in Torrance on 8/10/08 and the Nikkei Games are at the CSULB Pyramid in Long Beach on 8/17/08. Sign ups will start probably next week. Please check your schedules to see if you are able to participate.

Beach Party and Tournament Results

2008-06-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

SCKF Individual Championship Tournament Results:

Allyson Dong 1st place Womens Kyu

Charlie Kao 3rd place Adult Kyu

Congratulations to them both. Also, we would like to thank all the parents and dojo members that helped out at the tournament.

Beach Party:

The beach party is this weekend. If you have any questions about the beach party contact Allyson. Her email is akdong820atyahoo.com (just replace the at with a @ sign).

Please look for us between tower 22 and 23. We will have a couple EZ-up canopies and tables set up.

Saturday, June 28, 2008 ~ CMKD Beach Bonfire~

Bolsa Chica State Beach [18000 Pacific Coast Hwy. (approximate address), Huntington Beach, CA]
Bonfire Location: Between towers 22 and 23.
Time: 1:00 pm until 10:00 pm (All Day until Beach Closes)
Parking: $10 maximum
** Bring chairs, blankets, sand buckets and shovels, football, etc.**
** Family and Friends welcomed**

Directions:

From the South:
405 Northbound
Exit Warner Avenue-West and merge onto Warner Avenue towards PCH (6 miles)
From Warner Avenue, make a left onto PCH
Down PCH (1.5 miles)
Right at the sign that says "Bolsa Chica Beach Parking $10" Sign

From the North:
405 Southbound
Exit Seal Beach Blvd towards Los Alamitos Blvd (0.5 miles)
Left at fork and follow sign Seal Beach/Leisure World (220 ft)
Left at Seal Beach Blvd (2.6 miles)
Left at PCH (4.5 miles)
Right at the sign that says "Bolsa Chica Beach Parking $10" Sign

Summer Time, Summer Fun! Time for CMKD's Beach Bonfire!!

2008-06-10T16:39:00.001-07:00

Saturday, June 28, 2008 ~ CMKD Beach Bonfire~

Bolsa Chica State Beach [18000 Pacific Coast Hwy. (approximate address), Huntington Beach, CA]
Bonfire Location: TBD
Time: 1:00 pm until 10:00 pm (All Day until Beach Closes)
Parking: $10 maximum
** Bring chairs, blankets, sand buckets and shovels, football, etc.**
** Family and Friends welcomed**

$3 per person or bring a potluck item or help out with the following Miscellaneous items:

Folding Tables
Grill(s)
Fire Wood
Smores Material
Soda/Juice/Water
Condiments
Fruit
Pit Stake-Out/Set-Up

Directions

Bolsa Chica State Beach is open to foot traffic at Warner Avenue, and only accessible by car through one entry point at the stoplight one mile south of Warner Avenue across from Bolsa Chica's Ecological Reserve entrance.
Specific directions and Bonfire location will be updated.

EDIT:

If you plan to attend, please sign up with Allyson at practice.

Another Reminder

2008-05-29T12:24:00.001-07:00

Just another reminder, members of Team SCKF have been coming to 2nd practice every Wednesday and will continue to do so until the week before July 4th. Hosokawa Yuji Sensei would like to remind everyone that this is a good opportunity for Costa Mesa members to practice with people that we would normally not have an opportunity to practice with.

Updates and Reminders

2008-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

The Dojo will be having a Beach Party/Bonfire on June 28th. Allyson is organizing this event so if there any suggestions/questions, please see her. Final details about cost or what to bring will be given as they are finalized.

Just a reminder, SCKF Individual Championships are on June 22nd at Wilson Park.

North South Tournament Results

2008-04-24T19:58:00.000-07:00

Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo had a good showing at the North South Tournament.

Shoraku Sensei was Taisho for the SCKF Kodansha Team that won against the NCKF Team.
Kazunori Kobayashi took 1st place in the 3-4 Dan Division
Desmond Nakamoto took 3rd place in the 3-4 Dan Division
Kiju Park took 3rd Place in the 1-2 Dan Division

Congratulations to them.

Allyson posted some pictures online. They can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25323566@N03/sets/72157604679474919/

50th Annual North South Tournament

2008-04-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

The North South Tournament is this Sunday, April 20th. Check in starts at 8:00am but plan on being there much earlier than that. All Kyu and Women Yudansha must be dressed and ready for warm ups by 8:10am. There will be a lot of people there and to be able to secure a space to warm up, we need to start early. All other Yudansha are welcome to join in the morning warm ups but it is not necessary.

The Toban assignments were explained yesterday at practice. Those of you who have been assigned duties will get a copy of the list tomorrow so that you know where you are assigned.

This year, we have 20 members participating in the tournament. They are as follows:

Atsushi Yamashita
Takashi Yamashita
Allek Bien
Lui Suzuki
Allyson Dong
Richard Jew
Jerry Bien
Rares Vernica
Richard Ra
Charlie Kao
Megumi Tsuji
Kiju Park
Lewis Ji
Eugene O'brien
Desmond Nakamoto
James Yang
Kazunori Kobayashi
Roxie Kubo Sensei
Takahashi Sensei
Shoraku Sensei

All members not participating in the Tournament are encouraged to come and support the Dojo.

Just a small reminder, everyone participating in the Tournament is required to stay until the end. Unless you have spoken to Hosokawa Yuji Sensei about leaving early.

News

2008-03-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Shiai Keiko for the North/South Tournament will tentatively start next Wednesday. If you are participating in the tournament, please make sure you come to practice.

Also, a representative from Mazkiya, the new Bogu Shop, will most likely stop by practice tomorrow evening. If you need anything or have questions, you can ask them when they arrive.

Announcments Galore

2008-03-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hosokawa Spencer Sensei has been chosen to be the Women's Coach for Team USA. Congratulations to him.

On April 6, 2008 there will a Shinpan Seminar at Venice Dojo. Anyone ranked 3 Dan and above must attend. Shoraku Sensei might be one of the instructors for this seminar.

The 50th Annual North South Tournament will be on April 20th at Wilson Park in Torrance. The deadline to sign up is Monday, March 17, 2008. Please see Hosokawa Yuji Sensei for more information.

CM OUTING

2008-03-11T00:02:00.001-07:00

here is our group pictures

Tournament Results

2008-01-29T13:08:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was the Kubota Memorial Tournament. We had two members place in their respective divisions.

Takahashi Sensei took 2nd place in the 5 Dan and above division.

Allyson Dong took 3rd place in the Women's Kyu division.

Congratulations to them both.

TEAM SCKF Fundraiser

Team SCKF is having a fundraiser. They are selling two styles of TEAM SCKF T-Shirts and water bottles. The T-shirts come in black, blue, and white. If you are interested in ordering a shirt or a water bottle, please see Hosokawa Yuji Sensei for details.

We would like to remind everyone that Lui Suzuki is part of the Youth Program and Shoraku Sensei is on the Senior Team. Hosokawa Spencer Sensei is the Manager and Hosokawa Yuji Sensei is the Assistant Coach. Let us show our support for them and the team by purchasing items from the fundraiser.

AUSKF CHAMPIONSHIP

The AUSKF Championships is July 4th weekend in Las Vegas. For those interested in attending the tournament, hotel and other information can be found here:

http://www.eanet.com/sckf/articles/2008/080704/index.htm

Kendo Links and Tournament Reminder

2008-01-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Kiju found some instructional videos by the All Japan Kendo Federation, on youtube. The links for the video are as follows:

(Basics: Video I - Part 1,2,3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHqVfoBQ7fs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRZsrVFSs2I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aczQzsifcDk&feature=related

(Intermediate: Video II - Part 1,2,3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIQIrqbTQIg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O5MKKbqpQY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDy-vZx-8r8&feature=related

(Advanced: Video III - Part 1,2,3)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJQ2nwhe6dI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeoE4U-Suf8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDGfcM4rKvI

Tournament News:

The Kubota Memorial Tournament is this Sunday @ Wilson Park in Torrance. Hosokawa Yuji Sensei has handed out copies of court duties. Please make sure you know your assignment. Participants will be announced at practice on Wed.

Edit:
Hosokawa Yuji Sensei would also like to remind all of us that, unless you have something important you need to take care of, all participants need to stay for the entire tournament. In the event that you can not stay, please notify Hosokawa Yuji Sensei that you are leaving.

Just a Few Reminders

2008-01-17T16:53:00.000-08:00

1st Quarter statements were handed out this week at practice. If you have not already, please pick yours up at practice. This statement is especially important because without your payment, we can't add people to the official roster to be submitted to SCKF.

Tournament Update:

The job/court assignments for the up coming tournament have been assigned. Costa Mesa has quite a few positions to fill. Please let Hosokawa Yuji Sensei know if you can volunteer to help out at the tournament. Participants in the tournament are required to help out where they can.

Also, Hosokawa Yuji Sensei would like to remind everyone, who is going to be at the tournament, to stay for the whole tournament. Not only does watching other matches help you to learn, there are many jobs to fill and they don't stop at lunch time or when your own match is finished. Please stay and help out.

Dojo Roster

2008-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:00

We are currently preparing our official roster to submit to SCKF. Starting this Wednesday, we will have the tentative roster at Dojo for everyone to double check their information. Although every effort is made to make sure that information is correct, sometimes errors do occur. That is why we are asking everyone to show up within the next month to check their info.

We have asked some of you to provide us with a copy of your rank certificate. It is very important that those are turned in within the next month. If SCKF does not have proof of your rank on file, you WILL NOT be able to test for a higher rank.

News....and a whole lot more....

2008-01-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

NEWS:

Lui Suzuki has been accepted to the SCKF youth program. This program was created to prepare younger Kenshi, that have shown potential to make the SCKF Team, for the next All US Kendo Championships. Although he will not get to compete this time around, he has been training with the SCKF Team and will get to travel with the team to Las Vegas for the Tournament. Hoskokawa Yuji Sensei wants all of us to know that Lui was picked because as a result of his hard work. He was ineligible to try out for the SCKF Team, yet he practiced with the Team on Sunday mornings. This should serve as a reminder that hard work in Kendo will pay off.

NEW MEMBERS:

We have 3 new Members as well as a new Sensei this month. We would like to welcome them all to the Dojo.

Taiga Kobayashi
Noah Suzuki
Desmond Nakamoto 3 Dan
Roxie Nakamoto Sensei 4 Dan

TOURNAMENT NEWS:

The Kubota Memorial Tournament will be held on Jan. 27th at Wilson Park. We will post further details next week. For all those competing, please be ready by 8am for warmups.

Holiday Schedule

2007-12-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

Our practice schedule for the next few weeks is as follows:

Dec. 17 Normal Practice

Dec. 19 Hosokawa Yuji Sensei said he is planning a "Special Practice".

Dec. 24, 26 and 31 No Practice.

January 2, 2008 First Practice of the New Year.

Xmas Party

2007-11-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo Christmas party will be on Saturday December 8th. Setup is at 12:30pm and we will actually start about 1:30pm and end at 6:00pm. The event will be a potluck. Please see Mrs. Minami for details on what to bring.

Announcements

2007-11-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo would like to congratulate Shoraku Sensei on making the SCKF Senior Division Team.

The Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo Christmas party will be on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007. Further details will be made available in the near future.

New Sensei

2007-10-25T11:30:00.000-07:00

Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo would like to congratulate Pierre Vieillemaringe on achieving 4 Dan. He is now Costa Mesa's newest Sensei.

We would also like to congratulate everyone else on their new ranks.

James Yang 3 Dan
Kosi Gramatikoff 2 Dan
Richard Ra 1 Kyu
Ray Vernica 2 Kyu
Jerry Bien 2 Kyu
Allyson Dong 2 Kyu
Ryan Zarkesh 4 Kyu
Richard Jew 4 Kyu
Lui Suzuki 4 Kyu
Allek Bien 4 Kyu
Bennett Wong 5 Kyu
Takashi Yamashita 5- Kyu
Atsushi Yamashita 6- Kyu

Just a reminder, SCKF Team Tryouts is this Sunday. All participants must weigh in there shinais. Also, it is probably a good idea to bring more than one.

Shinsa

2007-10-16T09:49:00.000-07:00

There is a SCKF promotion exam this Sunday. Anyone 18 and under testing for at least 4 Kyu must attend. 18 and over must attend if testing for 3 Kyu and above. If you are unsure if you are testing this year, please ask Hosokawa Yuji Sensei. Also, if your rank requires you turn in a written exam, please do not forget to bring it already completed to the Shinsa.

Just a reminder, SCKF Team tryouts are in two weeks on Oct. 28th.

SCKF Team Tournament

2007-09-27T16:38:00.000-07:00

The SCKF Team Tournament is this Sunday, Sept. 30 at Wilson Park in Torrance. We have a Youth Kyu, Adult Kyu, and Championship team entered.

SCKF is looking for an artist to design items for next year's North/South Tournament. Please check out the link if you're interested. http://www.eanet.com/sckf/articles/2007/071110/index.htm

We would like to welcome back some old members to the dojo. Eddy Kim and Mr. Kobayashi have rejoined Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo.

Dojo Pics

2007-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Mr. Ralutin took some photos of the Dojo after the group photo. They can be seen here:

http://www.flickr.com/gp/38889126@N00/678L02

Dojo Photo Pt. 2

2007-09-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Dojo Photo. We would like to thank all the Parents, Kenshi, and Sensei who came for their patience with the whole process. We would especially like to thank Kinno Sensei and Mr. Ralutin for their hard work.

Sunday Team Practice:
For those who will be attending team practice, be there no later than 7:15am.

Dojo Photo

2007-09-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, Dojo photo is this Wed. Sept. 19th. Everyone is to wear their bogu. Please make sure everything is as clean as possible. Beginners are to wear a t shirt. Our photo will be taken by Kinno Sensei from OCB, who is a Photographer by profession.

Also, there is Team SCKF practice this Sunday. Just like last time, it will be at Norwalk Dojo and will start promptly at 8am. All Kenshi are to be there well before the start time. Tardiness is not allowed.

Volunteers Needed

2007-09-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are needed for the SCKF team Tryouts. If you can help, please see Hosokawa Yuji Sensei for more information.

Updates:

On Sept. 19th, we will be taking a Dojo Photo. Please make every effort to be there that day so we can have as many members in photo as possible.

The Costa Mesa teams have been selected for the upcoming SCKF team tournament. Team members will be announced at practice in the near future. People who have been selected, should already know that they are playing in the tournament.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we would like to welcome back Eugene O'brien to practice.

SCKF Team Prelim Practice

2007-09-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder for everyone that is trying out for the SCKF team. There is a MANDATORY practice at Norwalk Dojo that starts at 8:00am. Kenshi are advised to be there no later than 7:15am. The address for Norwalk Dojo is as follows:

14615 South Gridley Rd.
Norwalk, CA 90650

Always Something to Learn

2007-09-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the All California Open Tournament. All our participating members tried their best.

Mr. Ralutin took many photos at the event and has posted his work online.

http://www.flickr.com/gp/38889126@N00/8Q3bAM

In other news:

Yesterday, Kinno Sensei demonstrated that one never stops learning new things in Kendo. When asked by Hosokawa Yuji Sensei what he had learned after Monday's practice, Kinno Sensei had these words of advise for all the Kenshi at practice. "Don't eat KFC right before practice."

Labor Day Weekend

2007-08-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is the All California Open Kendo Tournament in Fresno, CA. We have 3 members participating.

On Monday, Sept. 3, practice will be for only people in bogu. We will start promptly at 7:15PM. We will continue with normal practice on Wednesday.

Dojo Photo!
We are planning to take a Dojo Photo on Sept. 19th. Please make arrangements to show up that day so that all current members will be included in the photo.

Irvine Demo Part II

2007-08-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the people who came out to support and help the Dojo during yesterday's demonstration. The demonstration was regarded as a success.

Mr. Ralutin generously took some photos from yesterday's demo. Please see the link below.

http://www.flickr.com/gp/38889126@N00/sa7842

Irvine Demo

2007-08-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Aug. 26, Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo will be giving a demo at the Japan Culture Fair in Irvine. All participating Kenshi, should be there no later than 12:30PM. If Hosokawa Yuji Sensei asked you to help pass out flyers, please be there at 12:30PM as well. For any members living in the area, please feel free to stop by and help pass out flyers.

The address for the even is as follows:

Woodbridge Village Shopping Center Courtyard
4620 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92604

The fair starts at 1PM. The Kendo demo should start around 1:19PM.

Nisei Week Tournament

2007-08-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo participated in the Nisei Week Kyu Tournament. Lui Suzuki placed 2nd in the 10 and under division. Congratulations.

In a post tournament lesson, Yamaguchi Sensei stated that our Kenshi need more kakari geiko. Hosokawa Yuji Sensei then added, "I told you guys!". Yamaguchi Sensei continued on to tell our Kenshi that multiple short rigorous practice is better for training than a long easy practice.

Just as a reminder, there will be a Kendo demonstration in Irvine this weekend. If you have not already been asked to help out, and would like to, please see Hosokawa Yuji Sensei.

Nikkei Games and Practice Update

2007-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

On September 3rd there will be a special practice. The purpose of this practice will be to prepare the people who are trying out for the SCKF team. The practice is open to only members in bogu, who wish to participate in a rigorous practice. Hosokawa Yuji sensei has said that, "if you're going to come on this day I want to see 150% effort from everyone". Please note that practice will start @ 7:15PM. Should you decide not to participate in practice, we will resume normal practice on Wednesday.

We had two Members place in the Nikkei Games yesterday. Allyson Dong won 1st place in the Adult Kyu division and James Yang won 2nd place in the 1-2 Dan division. Congratulations to them both.

Current Practice and Upcoming Events

2007-08-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

From now until the SCKF Shinkyu Shinsa in Oct., we will have kata practice every Wed. during after practice. For all those interested, please bring your bokken.

The Events for Aug. are as follows:

8/12 Nikkei Games (CSULB Pyramid)
8/19 Nisei Week Tournament (Sho Tokyo Dojo)
8/26 Kendo Demonstration (Woodbridge Shopping Center, Irvine)

News:

Last weekend a group from our Dojo went around Orange County to posts flyers at schools and businesses. Thank you for all your hard work. We hope that the flyers will attract more people to the Dojo.

Let's try this again!

2007-05-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

Clearly there was a case of voter-fraud with regards to the last poll about our outing.

So, let's try this again, shall we?

This poll closes on Sunday, May 27, 11:59 PM.

CMKD Outing.... (Updated)

2007-05-16T01:22:00.000-07:00

*************************************************************
* This poll will close on Sunday, May 20, 2007, at 11:59PM. *
*************************************************************

Hosokawa Spencer-sensei brought up the idea of an activity for the dojo. He made a few suggestions so I thought I'd put it in a poll here, and give everyone a chance to voice their opinion.

So, have a click, and vote! :-)

At the Biichi....

2007-05-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Please take no offense to the Romanized spelling of the word beach.

If you'll notice on the events calendar, July 1st specifies a beach party.

Here's a flyer made by Kin'no-sensei of OCB Dojo to remind everyone of how great looking he used to be, and of the biichi party specifics.

Tornado strikes Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo

2007-05-10T15:32:00.000-07:00

This week's update:

The following Kenshi have confirmed their participation in the SCKF Shinpan Seminar:
- Shoraku-sensei
- Hosokawa Yuji-sensei
- Olson-sensei
- Kim, Eric

The final roster for the SCKF Individual Championships from CMKD have been finalized. Names are forthcoming.
Despite Joshua Park being sick, he help lead the warm-ups last night.
The following visitors from Torrance Dojo came to visit:
- Yang Chris-sensei
- Choi Song-Yi-sensei
- Hori Tatsuya
- Ikudome Kentaro.

Richard "The Franchise" Ra had the opportunity to practice with Yang-sensei.

Quote Richard, "Everytime i think I'm going to get his kote...he just works me."

Return of The Franchise

2007-05-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Updates from Wednesday's Night's Practice:

Shoraku-sensei came back to practice, receiving congratulations by half the dojo before he even got to the changing room. Shoraku-sensei was 1 out of approximately 80 kenshi who passed the 7 Dan examination.

A total of 1016 Kenshi participated in the promotional examination in Kyoto, on April 30, 2007, of which, only 8% of the participants were successful with their promotion.
Richard "The Franchise" Ra practiced his first full week. The Franchise feels sore.
CMKD welcomes new member Allyson Dong. Allison has transferred from Tustin Kumdo Dojang and currently has a rank of 0 kyu.
For the SCKF Shinpan seminar, 3dan and above are required to attend. Participants from CMKD are:
- Joshua Park (Confirmed)
- Kosi Gramatikoff (Confirmed)
- Jae Choi (Confirmed)
- Eric Kim (Tentative)
OCB Dojo's Kin'no-sensei mentioned that he is planning to have a big practice at OCB Dojo on Thursday, May 24, 2007 -- a practice mainly for people who are shodan and below, but anyone above shodan are also welcome to join.

This event has been added to the CMKD Event Calendar above.

Shoraku-sensei passes his 7 Dan test in Kyoto.

2007-04-30T08:09:00.000-07:00

Shoraku Takao-sensei returns to CMKD on May 2 with a new rank of 7 Dan!

We recently received news that Shoraku-sensei recently passed his 7 Dan promotional examination in Kyoto, Japan, on April 30, 2007.

Shoraku-sensei attributed his success to:

"My success is because of Sensei's good instructions and encouraging all the time."

Omedetou Gozaimasu! :-)

If SpongeBob practiced Kendo...

2007-04-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine the fun I'd have listening to SpongeBob's laughing Kiai. Actually, SpongeBob, to the right, looks like he might have a kick-ass kiai.

Anyway, I wasn't at practice tonight due to a play-off game for the Anaheim Ducks. Here's the news I gathered second hand from Hosokawa Spencer-sensei:

Some domestic topics discussed:

Statements were distributed to the members. If you owe money, pay up, or your legs will be broken, otherwise Toni Soppurano will visit you.
The deadline to sign up for the SCKF Individual Championships is Wednesday, May 2nd.
Star player, Richard Ra has been on the disabled list due to a foot injury. He's due to return to the active list starting next week, following an examination by the team trainer.

When interviewing some fans, they had this to say about Richard's return:

"Yeah, he's [Richard] been doing a great job warming the seats, but we'd like to see him out on the floor now, doing some footwork, like suriashi, okuriashi, or even the moon-walk."

The SCKF Shinpan seminar is on May 20th. Guinea Pigs are necessary to improve the quality of the shinpan.

Kenshi who are 2 Dan and below are encouraged to present themselves as gladiators while up-and-coming and veteran shinpan practice their "yuko-datotsu" recognition skills.

Volunteers get free lunch.

Shinobi Skills - 101

2007-04-19T12:04:00.000-07:00

Last night, disguised as an ordinary citizen, hiding his super-Naruto-like powers, Yamaguchi-sensei shared the secrets to becoming an extra-ordinary Ninja.

Topics he covered were:

How to look like an ordinary citizen, even though you're really a Ninja.
Why running (away) is the true secret to a Ninja's success and life longevity.
The true reason why Chiba Shin'ichi's Hattori Hanzo character turned from being a respectable Ninja-extraordinaire into a sword-maker in Kill Bill.
And many more...!

Students who missed last night's practice will regret the information that they could have been privy to.

On a more solemn note, Yamaguchi-sensei requested that we maintain a quiet practice, in honor of the Matsuyama family's presence at the temple. As a result, the remainder of the night, until the family's departure, was primarily one of lecture on the basics of Kendo, such as:

Proper attire for Kendo
Proper method for holding Shinai
Proper footwork
Meaning of Ki-Ken-Tai Ichi

Post practice activities included the topic:

"How many Kenshi does it take to fold a table?"

Participants included:

Hosokawa Hiroyoshi-sensei
Hosokawa Yuji-sensei
Kin'no Kohjiro-sensei from OCB
Richard Ra
Ray Vernica
Kiju Park
and this lone observer....

Approximately 20 minutes was spent attempting to fold a table that was used to serve post-practice drinks.

Unfortunately, Yamaguchi-sensei did not present any lecture topics on how to fold tables like a Ninja. Surely a request to be put in for next time.

The Passing of Matsuyama-sensei

2007-04-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

We were surprised to hear tonight about the passing of one of Costa Mesa Kendo Dojo's founding sensei.

While we were gathered at practice, family and friends of the Matsuyama family attended the Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple to discuss his funeral plans.

We don't have much more information than that Matsuyama-sensei passed away yesterday, ironically, on the same day this blog was created.

As we learn more, we'll post the information to this blog.

Results of the 2007 North-South Tournament

2007-04-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Results for CMKD Kenshi at the 2007 North-South Tournament are as below:

Shoraku-sensei (2nd from right) -- 1st place for Senior Division
Hosokawa Yuji-sensei (2nd from left) -- 3rd place for Godan+ Division
Kim, Eric (middle) -- 3rd place for Shodan-Nidan Division
SoCal Men's team took 1st place with Hosokawa Yuji-sensei as Team Captain.

Also pictured in photo:

Ray Vernica (far left)
Megumi Tsuji (far right)

Please note the exhibition of the cardinal rule of Kendo Photography:

If you've placed, you must look like a stern martial artist and never smile.