Sports Exchanges
Judo Delegation 2010
– by Nagisa Wood
Last summer, a Judo delegation consisting of four university students from Kasugai City visited Kelowna. Mr. Takahama, an eighth degree black belt instructor, led them. Their goal was to show the local Judo Clubs new Judo techniques and to establish a Judo Tournament in the Okanagan area with the support of the local clubs. They gave two demonstrations at the Judo Clubs in Kelowna and Vernon.
While they were here in Kelowna, the Sister City Association invited the Vernon, Lake Country, Penticton and Kelowna Judo representatives to a Welcome BBQ dinner, where they discussed the possibility of a future judo tournament in the Okanagan. On the second day, the KKSCA took them around Kelowna for some sightseeing, wine tours, walking around the downtown promenade, orchard tours and a lunch at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery. They had a great rewarding time and were very pleased with everyone's welcoming and warm attitudes.
Graeme McIvor Visits Kasugai
– by Victor Nishi
Graeme McIvor of the Kelowna Kendo Club visited Japan for about 4 weeks in the fall of 2010. He practiced at many Kendo dojos in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Kasugai. As a beginner student, the Japan trip was invaluable in raising Graeme’s Kendo level.
One of the highlights of his trip was a practice session at Mayor Ito’s personal Kendo dojo on October 9 during his stay in Kasugai. With Mayor Ito and 20 other students of the club, he had a memorable 1 hour practice. Mayor Ito commented on how well Graeme has learned the basics of Kendo for being a student for only 1 year. A reporter from the local newspaper was also present and an article on the practice was published on the following day.
Graeme tells me that Kasugai is a very beautiful city and everyone he met was very nice. The food was also good and in particular the ramen noodles he had. His host family during that time was Masatoshi and Kazuko Takeda whom he describes as very generous and accommodating hosts. With their help, Graeme was able to practice at other dojos in the Kasugai area and visit some tourist attractions.
It was an amazing experience to practice Kendo in Japan and visit all the dojos. He enjoyed every minute of the Kasugai visit and would highly recommend people in Kelowna to go there. Graeme will be going back one day for sure.
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