by Mark Kawabe | Mar 2, 2015 | Uncategorized
A recent newcomer to our dojo is also a recent newcomer to our country. He’s from England, so it’s a pleasure hearing idioms and phrases that aren’t part of the Canadian lexicon. On a recent sojourn to another dojo, he was having a conversation with...
by Mark Kawabe | Mar 1, 2015 | Uncategorized
When I reflect on my kendo, I often remind myself that I alone am responsible for my kendo performance. Whether I have performed well or not, it’s my kendo. I see this in my students and other kendoka as well. Their kendo is often a recognizable reflection of...
by Mark Kawabe | Jan 21, 2015 | Unwritten Rules of Kendo
Everyone who’s taken kendo for more than a month or so has some familiarity with the kirikaeshi drill. Like most things in kendo, there are many hidden elements in it. You can learn valuable lessons in kirikaeshi if you do it correctly, and you can also learn a...
by Mark Kawabe | Jan 13, 2015 | Uncategorized
Kendo is considered a martial art, not a sport. So why are there Kendo tournaments? I’m not going to get into that discussion here, save to say that from my perspective, Kendo tournaments are a good opportunity to get the Kendo community together and to test...
by Mark Kawabe | Dec 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
There are a few things coming up that people might like to know about. New Year’s Keiko Kendo Ontario is holding a Kendo godo keiko to celebrate the new year. The event is organized by the Markham and Nikka Gakuen Kendo Clubs. Time: Saturday, January 3, 2015....
by Mark Kawabe | Dec 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
My philosophy is that Kendo is a lifestyle. Based on that philosophy, we don’t cancel classes more than necessary. This year, Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Thursdays. As such, there will be no classes on December 25, 2014 or January 1, 2015. Other...
by Mark Kawabe | Dec 18, 2014 | Uncategorized
This is a sort-of-follow-up to my last post. What do you get when you pay for Kendo lessons? You don’t get Kendo. It’s not a thing you can buy. So what is it? It is what you choose to make it. Some people come because they want to do something cool. To...
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 1, 2014 | Homepage
When you’re getting started, Kendo doesn’t require much equipment. Click here to learn more about what you’ll need to get started. Hint: It’s not much.
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 1, 2014 | Homepage
Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword. It is excellent to help develop and maintain mental focus, physical balance, strength and flexibility. Click here to learn more.
by Mark Kawabe | Nov 1, 2014 | Homepage
The Hayakawa Kendo Club has three training sessions each week at the Welland Martial Arts Centre in Welland, Ontario. Kendo classes are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:40 ~ 9:40. Iaido class is held on Friday evenings from 6:00 ~ 7:15.
