UOW News -Martial arts experts unleash talents in Wollongong

Martial arts experts unleash talents in Wollongong

Jan 30, 2006

Japanese martial arts exponents descended on Wollongong from 23 to 29 January to participate in the 16th Australian Iaido Championships and the 6th Australian Jodo Championships held at the University of Wollongong.

The University of Wollongong Kendo Club, on behalf of the NSW Kendo Association and the Australian Kendo Renmei, hosted the championships.

Iaido and Jodo are two traditional Japanese martial arts based on the samurai sword and the 120cm short staff respectively. Iaido has been practised at UOW since 1994 and Jodo since 2000 while the UOW Kendo Club has been in operation since 1983.

The championships involved a five-day seminar from 23 to 27 January followed by two days of competition and demonstrations on the weekend.

Ten senior Japanese instructors joined over 80 Australians, including many of the most senior figures in Japanese weapon-based martial arts, to travel to Wollongong for the championships.





	Pictured is Toyoko Shoji Sensei of Sendai (Japan) instructing Johann Groesslinger of Geraldton WA in Kenbu. Shoji Sensei is a Kenbu Soke and a Japanese National Treasure. Kenbu (or Kenshibudo) is a story told through dance using a fan or sword and is accompanied by musicians and a singer. Soke is the head of a family school or tradition.





	Nagayama Sensei of Sendai (facing) performing Jodo with Yoshimura Sensei.





	Shoji Sensei is pictured performing Jodo with Ohara sensei of Akita Prefecture (Japan). Shoji Sensei is performing kuretsuke, a technique where the jo (short staff) binds the hands of the swordsman.

Return to News Articles

University of Wollongong
Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
Telephone +61 2 4221 3555

CRICOS Provider No: 00102E
Privacy, Disclaimer and Copyright Info 2003
Feedback: media@uow.edu.au