Sensei Roy Asa Visits the HKC
On August 19th, 2003 the HKC had the privledge of having Sensei Roy Asa visit and run one of the HKC classes. Asa Sensei is a 7th Dan Kendoka, former Team Canada member, currently serves as a VP in the IKF (International Kendo Federation), and is currently the president of The Canadaian Kendo Federation. He is also one of the Sensei who teach at the JCCC Kendo Club in Toronto, Ontario.
After a quick introduction to the HKC students who had never had the pleasure of meeting him, Asa Senei asked me to perform our standard warm up for the class.
(left to right)Background: Steve, Asa Sensei, Foreground: Sangmin, Dave.
We then put on our Bogu, and Asa Sensei started the class focusing on the basics: Kiri Kaeshi Men, Kiri Kaeshi Do, Men, Kote, Do, Kote-Men, and Men-Do.
Asa Sensei Demonstrates Men.
Asa Sensei corrects Kamae, and shows how to properly approach an opponent.
Kote practice.
Neil performs KiriKaeshi Do.
Asa Sensei watches as both Ian and I perform Men Uchi with our Aite.
The basics drills made up the first half hour of the class. Asa Sensei then put on his Bogu to do some Keiko which made up the remining hour hour the class. He asked me to line up beside him, and the other Kendoka made single file lines in front of each of us to do Keiko. I would have my chance to do keiko with Asa Sensei after everyone else.
Asa Sensei and Chris
Chris Landing a Men or Asa Sensei finishing a Kote/Do?
Steve vs Chris
No, "low blows" are not considered Yuko Datotsu. ...ouch...
Asa Sensei about to "tell" Dave to turn around and face him faster.
Once each of the HKC members had a chance to practice with both Asa Sensei and I, I had my chance to practice with him. I asked if he would allow me to practice Jodan no Kamae with him, and he agreed.
Asa Sensei having me do Katate Men drills.
Steve actually landing a Jodan kara Men Misete Do on Asa Sensei!!
After the Keiko was done, we finished with some formalities, and thanked Asa Sensei for his visit. Asa Sensei gave each of the senior students a Team Canada tenegui, and a Team Canada patch to the rest.
Asa Sensei preented Team Canada tenegui to the senior students, and Team Canada patches to the rest.
Chris Banks presented a tenegui to Asa Sensei that he was given during his stay in Japan. Everyone had a great time, and Asa Sensei was quite pleased with the progress of the HKC as compared to his last visit four years ago. In fact, he hopes to see members of the HKC try out for Team Canada...perhaps even at the next selection process coming up in about two years.
On behalf of all of the members of the HKC, Thank-You Asa Sensei!!!
If you have any questions please contact: hfxkendo@hotmail.com