The following advancement into the dan degrees was made, under the Rules of the British Kendō Renmei, at Brighton on Wednesday, 28th August 2024.
To shodan:
Kim Gasson (Butokukan)
Author: admin
Birthday Celebration Practice
A practice was held in Tunbridge Wells on Sunday, with kendoka from many dojo in attendance, to commemorate the 90th birthday later this week, of Roald Knutsen sensei.
Continue reading Birthday Celebration PracticeKendo Advancements – February 2023
The following advancement into the dan degrees was made, under the Rules of the British Kendō Renmei, at Tunbridge Wells on Sunday, 5th February 2023.
To nidan:
Tim Lau (Tonbridge)
To shodan:
Dave Leeds (Tonbridge)
The Line of Beauty
Now available to download, this powerful essay by Roald Knutsen sensei examines traditional Japanese martial arts based on the theory of beauty discussed by William Hogarth in his book The Analysis of Beauty, published in 1753.
The Line of Beauty:
Notes on the Intangible in Kendō, Iai-jutsu and the Traditional Bugei
by Roald Knutsen.
Japanese translation by Ogino Kinuyo & Phillip Jupp.
Edited by Nakano Tomoko, Matsuda Kazuyo & Nakao Masashi.
The essay, in Japanese and English, can be downloaded here.
After many years trying to introduce traditional Budō to Western students and through long teaching by many Japanese sword masters, all of whom had themselves been instructed by former kenshi, we have long thought of passing the teaching on, just in case it will help a few students forwards on their personal paths to some degree of enlightenment. Maybe our thoughts are correct, maybe they are not, but at the very least we have tried.
Roald Knutsen
Peter Powell 1946 – 2022
We are sad to report the death on Wednesday 10th August of Peter Powell sensei.
Peter was a long time member of Butokukan Dojo, having started kendo more than forty years ago.
As one of the most senior members of the Dojo, he was in regular attendance at kendo practice until very recently, offering his advice and encouragement to the other kendoka. He will be greatly missed.
Peter was rokudan kendo, awarded by the British Kendo Renmei.
His funeral will be held in Brighton on 30 August.