Emeritus Instructor - Godan (5 Dan)
My Experience:
She began her training at the University of British Columbia dojo in 1987 with Okusa-sensei. Okusa-sensei focused on the fundamentals of Kendo while promoting the importance of integrating all movements during keiko (practice). She was lucky that he encouraged me to train with other clubs to increase her skills and knowledge of Kendo. She was a member of the Canadian Goodwill team which competed in Toronto, Canada in 1991 and Paris, France in 1994. She was a member of the first Canadian Women’s Kendo Team that competed in Kyoto, Japan in 1997. It was her honour to represent Canada at the international level. The experience she gained from these events was immeasurable. She spent almost a year living in Tokyo, Japan training with Kawai-sensei in 1995 and while she was there she attended the International Kendo Camp in Kitamoto, Japan. She moved to Edmonton in November 1998 and formed the Edmonton Kendo Club in September 2000 with the sponsorship of Okusa-sensei. In 2004 she was promoted to godan (5th degree black belt).
Over the years there have been many people who have joined the EKNC. She hopes that everyone enjoys their experience in kendo and that we can all grow together.