It’s with great respect and admiration that I would like to announce Vincent Long’s successful grading to Godan (5th Dan) recently in Belgium, in front of a very high level delegation from the All Japan Kendo Federation.

Vincent has been a kendoka for well over 10 years. He was a student of the late Peter Sherriff, Sandan (3rd Dan).

Vincent is an integral part of Irish kendo. In late 2006 he achieved Yondan (4th Dan) in Taiwan, again under a very high level panel from the All Japan Kendo Federation, becoming the first yondan in Ireland and first Irish kendoka to achieve this level. He has always remained the highest graded kendoka in Ireland and continues to teach and advise all kendoka from any club or country.

Over the years he has also been an active member of the Irish national kendo team (both as a member and Taisho) and has also acted as coach and manager to the team. He has also been involved in the day to day running of the Irish kendo federation since he founded it with Peter. He is currently the Vice President of the Irish Kendo Federation.

When Peter passed away in 2009 Vince took over as Dojo Leader of Cork Budokai. He transitioned from the role of sempei and student to teacher and leader.

Vincent has achieved a grade that has never been realised before in Ireland and he did this without a resident sensei to help him and give him guidance. Instead Vincent took it upon himself to travel worldwide, when he could, and learn from sensei where ever he could.

We can all learn a lot from Vincent and thankfully he is only too happy to teach us and share his experiences with us.

Please go out of your way to meet with Vincent, have keiko with him, congratulate him and ask him what it took to achieve Godan.

Hi guys, I’ve been informed that training has been cancelled for Wed night.
See ye all on the 5th of Jan and don’t forget the Xmas suburi, 10 a day will allow you 1 mince pie

Thanks to all who made the Christmas embu and sorry to those who came late and missed the photo!

Well done to all the members of Cork Budokai for our Halloween keiko and party.

Well done to the kids for passing their gradings

Well done to the members of Cork Budokai who helped Linda with her project.

Pics and Video’s to come

Congrats to all from Cork who flew the Irish Flag.

Clare on the Ladies team.

Robin and Brendan on the Mens team.

Szilard, Jason and Vince as part of the delegation management.

Just a quick note to say well done to all this weekend.

We had the main award, the Irish National Team Championships Cup return to Cork. Job Done

There was great kendo on display that weekend and well done to all who took part.

(Pics to come….)

First: Cork A – Jason, Szilard, and Robin (Team)

Second : Jason (Individuals)

Third: Cork B – Eamonn, Jason and Brendan (Team), Clare (Ladies)

Fighting Spirit: Brendan

And of course all our kids did great!