This year, we did the Gasshuku a little early in the year. We held the Gasshuku during the weekend of March 14 – 15, in Lisbon. The special guest this year was Seigo Atari Sensei from Keishicho Tokyo Police (Kendo Kyoshi 7th Dan). He conducted most of the Gasshuku, and I was there more as a translator.
There were over 60 participants, and every year the number of Kenshis are increasing.
Kendo Gasshuku in Portugal with Atari sensei and ArigaThe first day, we did the Keishicho Kihon without the Bogu. This is a very good way of practicing the basics, and it is extremely effective method of teaching. Atari sensei mentioned that policemen in Japan that does not have learned Kendo prior to joining the police force, they learn Kendo by doing these basic movements.Atari Sensei Explaining Waza to Portuguese Kenshis
We had also special guests from Spain, Antonio Gutierrez Sensei, who came all the way from Zaragoza, Spain.
Antonio Gultierrez and Taro after practice
And Alain Ducarme sensei, president of European Kendo Federation, who was always been supporting our Gaashuku. He is in the middle of the picture below.
Luis, Atari Sensei, Ducarme Sensei, Nuno, Julio, Taro
After the Gasshuku, we had one free day, so we had the chace to visit the most western point of the Eurasia continent, Cabo da Roca.
Cabo da Roca (Atari sensei and Ariga)
When we were at Cabo da Roca, Atari sensei asked me to go get a Shinai from the car…
He started doing Suburi.
It was a fun weekend. I learned a lot, and I hope more people can join us next year.
Taro
