Itto / Nito Kendo Seminar

5/4/19 and 5/5/19

The seminar started after our training in Classical Japanese Swordsmanship practice. This is the 2nd time Sun Tae Chung sensei have our Itto / Nito training in Cebu Kendo Club. Same last year the participants are from Davao Kendo Club, Dumaguete Kendo Club, Ilo Ilo Kendo Club. However this year we have a visitor Sukahara sensei from MKC. A coach for our Asean Kendo Tournament to be held at Jakarta, Indonesia this August. He was able to give instructions to the members. They had jegieko and shiai geiko to have further assessment of the Cebu kenshis.

Chung sensei gave the participants some important points on how to fight Nito players and vise versa. This is a very good opportunity for everybody to understand the movements and mindset of the Nito kenshi. There are very few numbers of Nito kendo ka, but it is great to be at least familiar to avoid getting confused or surprised in fighting Nito. Points such as where, when and how to attack or counter attack a Nito player are pointed out with the use of seme. The waza between Itto and Nito were taken up to further develop our understanding and hopefully ability. Chung sensei demonstrated on how to use hara and tanden on what he discribed as power training which gave everyone a good dose of fun. Important points in kensen and strong center was emphasize to have good kendo.

Personally, it is to my great appreciation to Chung sensei background in Niten Ichiryū. Although i have some background in Koryu, my knowledge in kendo and Nito kendo is greatly limited. Chung sensei gave me insights on how sieho and it's elements can be applied in adaptation to gendai budo kendo.

Lastly, regarding Sun Tae Chung Nito Kendo, i have to say the same what the commentary on him at the 2nd Vietnam Kendo Open Tournament -

Exceptional!