The 20th anniversary Ishido Cup, named after senior teacher Ishido Sensei, was held over four days in Vianen (Netherlands). This was the largest jodo and iaido seminar and competition Europe has ever seen with over 100 people for jodo and ~200 for iaido.
So, that’s another European Iaido Championships over; Huge thanks to the German Iaido and Kendo Federations and the European Kendo Federation for all their hard work to make it happen and run smoothly. Thanks to the ZNKR delegation, Yamazaki Sensei, Kusama Sensei and Azuma Sensei for their teaching and supervision of the event and to all the referees (more than a few difficult fights to judge). Thanks also to all the competitors (from 22 countries) for making it such a really warm and friendly event, the European Shinkage Ryu Family for a lovely reunion and to the Great Britain Iaido Squad for all their hard work and dedication.
Bronze medals for Kashiwa teacher and GB squad manager Will Heal, plus for Kashiwa friends Andy Watson (Ryoshinkan Dojo teacher) and Dan Silk (Seirenkan Dojo teacher). Another Kashiwa friend Ben Emberley (Taigakai Dojo) won a Fighting Spirit medal. A really great result for team GB.
Thanks also to Kevin McNeill (Ojika Dojo) for helping Will with squad management duties while he was competing.
An excellent few days in Berlin and see you all in Budapest next year!
Photos courtesy of Chris Weber 2015© (http://www.chrisweberpics.com/)
Will’s semi-final match against Adam Bieniak of Poland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H_rd9b8UeE
The Great Britain iaido squad, referees and supporters are just back from the 21st European Iaido Championships in Helsinki, Finland. Congratulations to Kristina Poslusna and Andy Watson for winning bronze medals.
Well done also to (more…)
