Sensei Blakley has trained 17 years under Master Paul Munchbach in Nemaru Karate and is currently ranked as a 3rd Dan in that art. He also has trained for 12 years under Sensei S. Kiyonaga in Muso Kikiden Eishin Ryu Iaido, having received his 2nd Dan in that art. Sensei Blakely was privileged to have been selected to study under Matsuo Haruna until such time as Haruna passed away.
Through the Eyes of a Kendoka
Have you ever seen a Kendo match and wondered what it felt like to be dressed in all that armor while trying to fight an opponent using lightning fast sword strikes?
Here is a chance for advanced students to get a glimpse of what Kendo looks and feels and tastes like.
Kendo is a rigorous martial art that takes years to learn, beginners are not even allowed to wear Bogu (armor) until they have demonstrated proficiency at the basics: how to cut, what the targets are and proper foot work (usually at least six months).
Al Blakely, Sensei
slowpoke@nycap.rr.com
(518) 882-1171
In this three hour seminar you will be taught by Meitokukan’s Kendo instructors: Paul Wilson and Fred Krough, along with their assistants. You will go over the basic cuts, allowed targets (for safety), and proper footwork. Then the group will split into two with one half putting on a set of Bogu (supplied by us), pairing up with a partner and practicing the techniques you were just taught. Finally you will be paired with an opponent and will be supervised in a couple of free sparing matches (as time allows). During this time the other group will be shown some of the advance techniques that are used in Kendo. At the end of the first groups sparring they will remove their armor and the second group will repeat what the first group just experienced. If any one fails to act in a safe and respectful manner, they will be removed!
The goal of this seminar is to give advanced martial arts students an experience they will never get without committing to a lengthy period of training in Kendo. You will not become a sword master, but you will get a taste of what it is like looking through the Eyes of a Kendoka!
This seminar will be limited to twenty students.
