A new gallery section has been put up on the Kendo Na h-Eireann website. This has lots of pics of Cork Budokai Members. It will be backdated with Japan / lisbon and Nationals pics over the next few weeks. In the meantime, if ye have any pics at all ye would like published send em in to us here or the KNHE website and i’ll stick them up.

Cork comes home from this year’s Irish International Goodwill Taikai (IIGT) triumphant. We didn’t win first place but Cork1 (Vincent Long, Jason Clouston, Robin Deegan) came joint 3rd with Dublin1. Well done to the team and to Cork Kendo overall as the real winner. Also over the weekend a Robin Deegan was awarded Fighting Spirit award (one of 2 awarded out of over 100 people).

Special congrats also to Clare Deegan who was achieved promotion of 2nd Kyu and Robin Deegan who achieved Ni-Dan (2nd Dan). Celebratory gi-geiko Wed 23rd of Jan is planned.

This year we are sending 2 teams of 3 to the Irish Goodwill taikai. With over 30 teams from various different countries, it will prove to be an exciting weekend. There is also a seminar on Friday, gi-geiko Friday night, competition Saturday followed by gi-geiko followed by Sayonara party (please no karaoke this year) and finally a grading on Sunday.

Cork Budokai had its first official committee meeting. Many things were discussed and minutes will follow early next week. The main points were a new and structured approach to beginner training and recruitment. This website is the begining of an online program to recruit members and there is much more planned. Stay tuned.