My Experience:
I began my training at the University of British Columbia dojo in 1987 with Okusa sensei. He focused on the fundamentals of this traditional Japanese martial art while also promoting the importance of integrating all movements during keiko. I was very lucky that he encouraged me to train with other clubs to increase my skills and knowledge of kendo. I was a member of the Canadian Goodwill team which competed in Toronto, Canada in 1991 and Paris, France in 1994. I was a member of the first Canadian Women’s Kendo Team that competed in Kyoto, Japan in 1997. It has been an honour to represent Canada at the international level. The experience I gained from these events is immeasurable and I hope to pass that knowledge on to my students. I spent almost a year living in Tokyo, Japan training with Kawai sensei in 1995 and while I was there I attended the International Kendo Camp in Kitamoto, Japan. I moved to Edmonton in November 1998 and formed the Edmonton Kendo Club in September 2000 with the sponsorship of Okusa sensei. In 2004 I was promoted to godan (5th degree black belt) and Okusa sensei presented the club to me and I was named the Head Instructor.
Over the years there have been many people who have joined the EKNC. I feel it is a privilege to teach kendo and I enjoy the camaraderie that exists in Kendo. I hope that everyone enjoys their experience in kendo and that we can all grow together.
International Kendo Experience:
Team Canada Member – Kyoto, Japan – 1997
Team Canada Goodwill Member – Toronto, Canada – 1991 and Paris, France – 1994
Seminar Experience:
I have attended seminars in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg over the past 6 years. I have attended the International Kendo Training Camp for Foreigners (1995) which is held in Kitamoto, Saitama-ken, Japan. This is a training camp for foreign students and the focus of the camp is to prepare them to instruct Kendo in their own country.
Chief Instructors:
Okusa sensei, UBC/SFU Kendo Clubs – Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Other Influential Sensei:
Murao sensei, Steveston Club – Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Kawai sensei, Tokyo, Japan