On a very cold Sunday the Tsunami Yodokan team headed off to Wycombe Judo Centre full of anticipation of the days events. The Rensei Taikai started with the usual formalities and moved onto each dojo performing a demonstration of their respective art, this was followed by traing sessions in different martial arts conducted by Hanshi Hamada himself. During training students who were to be graded were put in position and observed.

The format of our demonstration was to be one seiza form and six tachi forms performed by all students in syncronisation. This was followed by Mike, Geoff and Glenn giving a demonstration of Iai-jutsu. Despite the nerves the demonstration went very well.

The training sessions under Hanshi Hamada were very insightfull into how the DNBK want the focus of training to go. During the Iaido training Hanshi Hamada emphasised the need for mental discipline, the ability to hide ones intention and to remain in Zanshin. I think everyone went away with something to think about and was inspired by Hanshi Hamada's zest for martial arts.

Tony Mike & Nick with their awards and certificates

Three students were to be graded, Sensei Mike Selvey, Geoff Murray and Glen Coxson. All three passed the grading and the award ceremony was slightly different in that all three had to kneel and be "knighted" on the shoulder by Hanshi Hamada with Musashi's Bokken. Sensei Mike Selvey received 5th Dan and Samurai title of Renshi, Geoff Murray received 3rd Dan and Glenn Coxon received 1st Dan.

All particpants received a certificate of Achievment signed personally by Hanshi Hamada. The surprise of the day was Sensei Mike selvey receiving two plaques, the first for "Inspirational Effort and dedication award" and the second for "Outstanding Instructor Leadership Award.

We are all looking forward to the next DNBK Rensei Taikai to be held in Brussels, Belgium on the 24th and 25th June 2006.