Saturday 7th December saw a celebration practice in Lewes to mark the 80th birthday of Sensei Roald Knutsen, Renshi Nanadan. A large crowd of kendōka were in attendance, including Renmei members from Vauxhall, Tunbridge Wells and Southend-on-Sea, as well as many visiting spectators. We were particularly pleased to welcome Paul Budden, Kyoshi Nanadan, and Kazuyo Matsuda, Renshi Rokudan, from Kodokan Kendō Club in Watford, who kindly participated in the practice.
The event was formally initiated by Susan Knutsen giving the customary signal on the drum. Alf Friend performed the Shi-ten ryu, a traditional iai sequence to ‘drive away demons’ . The Nihon Kendō Kata was then demonstrated by Phil Jupp Sensei, Nanadan, and Steve Phillips, Rokudan, from Vauxhall Dojo. There then followed free kendō practice, enthusiastically entered into by those present.
After the practice, an excellent buffet, provided by Carole Mercer and her daughter Sophie (formally of Seasons in School Hill), was enjoyed by everyone.
Background from left: Simon Crittenden, Rokudan (dojo sempai); Paul Whiteman, Godan