Summary for 2008
January

  • Fri, 1/4/08: first practice of 2008
    Guest kenshi included Larry Scanlon (kendo 3dan, iaido 3dan) and Lauren Valdata (kendo 1dan, iaido ikyu) from Annapolis Dojo, and Lilly Kem (5kyu) from Berkeley Dojo.

    Welcome new member Shauna Toh (kendo beginner, iaido 1dan).

    Announcements:
    - current policies:
      - new members accepted on 1st Fri of odd months
      - beginner testing for keikogi/hakama, bogu, men
    - new policies:
      - toban will be by the month, see assignment list for details
      - kata practice third Monday each month
      - shinsa hopefuls need attendance; kata test mid-year (2kyu and above)
      - special practices one Sun per month (Yoshimura Mike sensei)
      - monthly dojo tournament

    A big thank you to the moms for preparing fresh mochi for zenzai (sweet bean soup) and with various toppings (daikon, kinako, shoyu-sato). Mmmmm!

  • Team SCKF practices, Norwalk Dojo, Sundays 8am-12pm
    First practice of the year on 1/6. Remaining practices: 1/13, 2/3 (w/SCKO), 2/24, 3/9, 3/30 (@OSULA), 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, 5/18 (w/Team USA), 6/8, 6/29

  • Mon, 1/7/08: second practice of 2008
    Welcome new beginners: Park Richard, Chung Chan Doo, Chung William, Matsuda Kane, Forest Lyndon, Ro Sungmo, Yang Hyunwook, Yang Hyundoo.

  • Fri, 1/11/08: reigi
    We briefly reviewed reigi (manners), continued from last Monday.

  • Fri, 1/18/08: shiai geiko and aisatsu
    Thank you to Shoraku sensei from Costa Mesa for visiting. Kubota taikai participants did shiai geiko, while everyone else practiced basics. At the end we did aisatsu practice in a circle.

  • Sun, 1/20/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 4-6pm
    Attendees included Kodama sensei, Yoshimura Mike sensei, Yoshimura Steve sensei, Chang Jeffrey, Amano Shingo, Yoon Eugene, Kim Matthew, Yoon Brian, Lee Kenneth, Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim John, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

  • Sun, 1/20/08: SCKF New Year's Party, San Pedro
    At Ports O'Call Restaurant from 11am-2pm, cost $30. Attendees included Yamaguchi sensei, Koh sensei, Henmi sensei, Fukawa sensei, Kodama sensei, Yoshimura Mike sensei w/Nancy and Yuuki, Yoshimura Steve sensei, Mr and Mrs Yoshimura, Mrs Tanaka, Mrs Domen, Mrs Amano, Mr and Mrs Yoon and Courtney, Mr and Mrs Kim, Mrs and Mrs Nagasawa.

  • Mon, 1/21/08: Norwalk kata practice
    Attendees included Domen Sumi, Yoon Brian, Lee Kenneth; Ralutin Dennis.

  • Fri, 1/25/08: January dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim Alex (0-4 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Yoshimura Steve (yudansha). See full results. Note: we are still working out the details of these monthly tournaments, so some things may change going forward.

  • Sun, 1/27/08: Kubota Memorial Tournament, Wilson Park

    Shinpan included Yamaguchi sensei, Koh sensei, Henmi sensei, Kodama sensei, Yoshimura Steve sensei. Participants included Fukawa sensei, Nguyen Emil, Domen Sumi, Amano Shingo, Amano Shotaro, Hamamura Yu, Henderson Steve, Checkcinco Christopher, Yoon Brian, Kim Matthew, Reyna Marina, Chang Hannah, Chung Alex, Choe Andrew, Kim Patrick, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Chi Joyce, Yoo Terry, Azama Eric, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney. The iaido demonstration was performed by Nguyen Emil, Ma Philip, Chung Woody, and Toh Shauna. Good job everyone, and congratulations to the following trophy winners: Kim Esther (HM 0-6 kyu), Chung Alex (3rd 3-1 kyu), Kim Matthew (3rd adult kyu), Domen Sumi (HM women's dan), Amano Shingo (3rd 1-2 dan). Kim Esther was sempo on the SCKF team, which defeated SCKO in a very exciting match.

    See photos by Ralutin Dennis sensei.

  • Mon, 1/28/07: no kendo practice
    We had an early iaido practice from 8pm, including visitor Yukiko Abe (from the 2006 iaido camp in Cincinnati). Afterwards we went out to Tommy's.
February

  • Sat, 2/10/08: Steveston Tournament, Canada
    Nagasawa Jeffrey and Choe Andrew are the two outstanding kenshi chosen last December to represent Norwalk Dojo at the Steveston Taikai. Other attendees included Yoshimura Steve sensei and Domen Sumi. Congratulations to Choe Andrew who took 2nd place in the 3-1 kyu division.

    The itinerary included an optional Friday godo geiko and Sunday van tour.

  • Sun, 2/17/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 7-9am
    Attendees included Kodama sensei, Yoshimura Steve sensei, Domen Sumi, Chang Jeffrey, Amano Shingo, Yoon Eugene, Yoon Brian, Henderson Steve, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Jang Han, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney. Many thanks to the moms for preparing tonjiru (special pork miso soup), ham cole slaw sandwiches, and pastries. We were so full!

  • Mon, 2/18/08: Norwalk kata practice
    Attendees included Hahn Rex, Chang Jeffrey, Amano Shingo, Chang Hannah, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Sanchez Matthew, Kim Matthew, Yoon Brian, Lee Kenneth; Ralutin Dennis.

  • Fri, 2/22/08: Team SCKF fundraiser tshirt/water bottle order
    Please buy a Team SCKF tshirt ($20) to support our team members from Norwalk Dojo! See order form for options (two style choices, three colors, sizes from XS to XXL). Also for sale: polo shirts ($25) and water bottles ($10). Norwalk Dojo members of Team SCKF are Kodama Jean, Domen Sumi, Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, and Nagasawa Jeffrey.

  • Fri, 2/29/08: February dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim Esther (0-5 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Yoshimura Steve (yudansha). See full results.
March

  • Sun, 3/2/08: Team USA 2nd Eliminations, Long Beach
    Congratulations to Domen Sumi, who was selected as one of the Coach's Picks to be among the 14 women's team final qualifiers.

  • Fri, 3/7/08: 2008 SCKF/AUSKF federation dues
    Federation dues: $39 for 17 and under, $66 for 18 and over.

    Welcome new kenshi: Sanchez German, Lee Ki-Hoon Jason, Chung Woon Yong, Yu Justin, Kim Damon, Bae Agatha, Cho John

  • Sun, 3/16/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 7-9pm

  • Mon, 3/24/08: Norwalk kata practice
    normally held on the 3rd Monday, but moved to avoid funeral services for Nakabara sensei on 3/17. Attendees included Ralutin Dennis, Karyiya Yoshijiro, Domen Sumi, Hahn Rex, Sanchez Matthew, Kim Matthew, Yoon Brian, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Patrick.

  • Fri, 3/28/08: March dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim John (0-5 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Sanchez Matthew (adult kyu), and Yoshimura Steve (yudansha). See full results.
April

  • Sun, 4/6/08: SCKF Shinpan Seminar, Venice Dojo, 8am-2pm
    For 3dan and above. Bring bogu.

  • Sat, 4/19/08: Sato Sensei Seminar, OSULA
    Seminar by Sato sensei from Osaka Police Dept

  • Sat, 4/19/08: SEJSCC Awards Banquet
    Congratulations to Nerio Scholarship winner Choi Andrew! Here is the introduction made by Board Officer George Kato at the dinner:
    "We are very pleased to present the 2008 Koichi/Toyo Nerio Scholarship Award to Mr. Choi. He is graduating from Mayfair High School in June. While in high school, he served as the leadership commissioner and received the high GPA honor award. He also played on his high school's football team. Additionally, Mr. Choi has been taking kendo lesson at the Norwalk Kendo Dojo the past six years. He plans to enroll at the Cal Poly Pomona University in September, majoring in chemical engineering."

    Also many thanks everyone who worked in the kitchen from 3pm: Mrs Domen, Mr and Mrs Yoshimura, Mrs Hamamura, and the Yoon family (Brian, Kay, Courtney). Yoshimura Steve and Domen Sumi also attended the dinner, as well as Andrew's family.

  • Sun, 4/20/08: North South Tournament, Wilson Park
    Shinpan included Yamaguchi sensei, Koh sensei, Henmi sensei, Domen Sumi. Participants included Hahn Rex, Domen Sumi, Amano Shingo, Checkinco Chris, Yoon Brian, Lee Kevin, Chang Hannah, Chi Joyce, Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Kim John, Jang Han, Lee Chris, Liao Alex, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

    Congratulations to the following trophy winners: Kim Esther (10 and under honorable mention), Jang Han (11-13 3rd place), and Amano Shingo (1-2dan 2nd place); also congrats to Chung Alex for being part of the SCKF kyu team.

  • Mon, 4/21/08: no keiko

  • Fri, 4/25/08: March dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim John (0-5 kyu), Kim Patrick (4-1 kyu), Ma Philip (adult kyu), and Kariya Yoshijiro (yudansha). See full results.

  • Sun, 4/27/08: SEJSCC spring clean up
    Many thanks everyone who helped: Mrs Domen, Mr Yoshimura, Mrs Tanaka, Mr Nagasawa, the Yoon family (Brian, Kay, Courtney), Kim Matthew, Chung Woody, and Kariya Yoshijiro

  • Mon, 4/28/08: Norwalk keiko and kata practice
    Thank you to Chinen Katsushi sensei from Gedatsu Dojo for attending keiko. Also, we had cake to celebrate the recent results for the North-South tournament.

    Kata practice attendees included Ralutin Dennis, Kariya Yoshijiro, Domen Sumi, Chang Jeffrey, Yoon Brian, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Sanchez Matthew, Checkcinco Chris.

    Thank you to everyone who helped clean up the kitchen (to finish off the weekend's spring clean up): Mrs Domen, Mrs Nagasawa, Mrs Yoon, Mrs Kim (Alex-John-Esther), Mrs Han, Mrs Chi, Mrs Choe, Mr Wang, Mrs Ro, Mrs Huang, Mrs Yu (Justin).

May

  • Fri, 5/2/08: Norwalk Dojo new member enrollment
    Welcome new kenshi: Reyes Allan, Reyes Anais, Han Sungwon, Lee Christopher.

  • Fri, 5/9/08: Norwalk keiko
    Thank you to Harada sensei (OCB), Shoraku sensei (CM), and Kato sensei (COV) for attending keiko. Also welcome new kenshi: Kim Kathy.

  • Mon, 5/12/08: Norwalk keiko
    Welcome new kenshi: Choi Sam (Andrew's dad).

  • Fri, 5/16/08: Norwalk keiko
    We were visited by Team USA hopefuls Brown Jason, Ikudome Kentaro, Obeidallah Ahmed (1D NJ), Han Paul (3D NJ), Brown Nathan.

  • Sun, 5/18/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 7-9pm
    led by Yoshimura Mike sensei. Attendees included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Steve, Kariya Yoshijiro, Domen Sumi, Han Rex, Chang Jeffrey, Tanaka Timmy, Yoon Brian, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Esther, Liao Alex, and Yoon Courtney. Many thanks to the kendo parents (Mr and Mrs Yoshimura, Mrs Domen, Mrs Yoon, Mrs Nagasawa, Mrs Kim, and Mrs Liao) for the support and delicious mabo dofu!

  • Mon, 5/19/08: Norwalk kata practice

  • Sun, 5/25/08: SCKO Memorial Day Team Taikai, Cabrillo HS
    The following 3-person teams were entered: 13 and under: Yoon Courtney, Liao Alex, Kim Esther. 14-17: Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, Nagatani Terima (CHUO); Kim John, Choe Bryan, Kim Alex; Nagasawa Jeffrey, Choe Andrew, Amano Shingo. adult: Checkcinco Chris, Yoon Brian, Kim Matthew. yudansha: Chang Jeffrey. Congratulations to the adult kyu team (Chris, Brian, Matthew) for winning 3rd place.

  • Mon, 5/26/08: no keiko
    Happy Memorial Day!

  • Fri, 5/30/08: May dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim Esther (0-5 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Yoshimura Steve (yudansha). See full results.

  • Sat, 5/31/08: Gedatsu Yudansha Keiko, Gedatsu Dojo
    Normally for kodansha only, this keiko is open to all yudansha. The rsvp deadline has already passed so if you are interested let them know asap. Cost is $10.
June

  • Sun, 6/1/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 6-7:30pm
    Attendees included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Steve, Hahn Rex, Yoon Brian, Kim Alex, Kim John, Liao Alex, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney. Thanks very much to the parents for preparing delicious somen salad!

  • Wed-Sun, 6/4-8/08: AUSKF Iaido Camp, PA
    At Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania. Guest senseis from Japan: Masahiro Yamasaki (8 dan hanshi iaido, 7 dan kyoshi kendo) and Takaharu Saiki (8 dan hanshi iaido, 7 dan kyoshi kendo). Norwalk Dojo participants included Yamaguchi sensei, Ralutin sensei, Okuno sensei, Toh Shauna.

    Congratulations to Okuno sensei for winning kantosho (fighting spirit award) in the 4 dan and above division of the taikai, and to Shauna Toh for successfully passing her 2 dan exam.

  • Sat, 6/7/08: SCKF meeting

  • Mon, 6/9/08: Norwalk high school seniors' photo
    Please come by and sign the congratulatory plaques for this year's graduating high school seniors: Amano Shingo, Choi Andrew, Choe Andrew, Nagasawa Yukiko, and Lee Kevin. High school seniors: please come to this practice to take a group photo for your plaques!

  • Fri, 6/13/08: Norwalk keiko
    Murakami sensei brought some members of the All Nation Church Dojo to experience our practice. We were also briefly visited by Inouye Sensei, Hanshi 9 dan, and Matsumura sensei, Kyoshi 7 dan, who just arrived from Japan for the Gedatsu Dojo 1st anniversary celebration.

  • Sun, 6/15/08: Gedatsu 1st anniversary, Gedatsu Dojo
    All kenshi are invited to this celebration and keiko. Attendees include Yamaguchi sensei, Koh sensei, Henmi sensei, and Kodama sensei. There will be two additional keikos Fri 6/13 Fri and Tue 6/17.

  • Mon, 6/16/08: Norwalk keiko and kata practice
    Welcome back Hamamura Yu and Amano Shotaro!

    Kata practice attendees: Kodama Jean, Yoon Brian.

  • Fri, 6/20/08: Norwalk team shiai geiko
    Welcome back Omura Yuri and Chu Michael!

    We did team shiai geiko, including a new method of kihon-shiai: each team provides a pair of beginners, first point is rei-ho, 2nd point is two men strikes each (partner holds shinai as target).

  • Sun, 6/22/08: SCKF Championships, Wilson Park

    Shinpan included Yamaguchi sensei, Koh sensei, Henmi sensei, and Yoshimura Steve sensei. Participants included Kariya Yoshijiro, Domen Sumi, Amano Shingo, Yoon Brian, Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Azama Eric, Jang Han, Kim John, Liao Alex, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney. Good job everyone, and congratulations to Kim Esther (kantosho 0-6 kyu) and Kim Patrick (3rd place 3-1 kyu).

  • Mon, 6/23/08: no keiko
    Rest for the senseis and parents the day after a major tournament.

  • Fri, 6/27/08: June dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Yoon Courtney (0-5 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Ma Philip (adult kyu), and Yoshimura Steve (yudansha). See full results.

  • Sun, 6/29/08: Team SCKF Send Off Party, Norwalk Dojo
    Potluck luncheon from 12:30-2pm following the last Team SCKF practice prior to going to the U.S. Championships in Las Vegas. Norwalk attendees include the contingent going to Las Vegas (Domen Sumi, Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Yamaguchi sensei, Kodama Jean, Kodama David, Yoshimura Ted, Yoshimura Yumi, Domen Megumi, and their families) as well as Koh sensei, Fukawa sensei, Yoshimura Steve sensei, the Kim family, the Yoon family, and Henderson Steve.

  • Mon, 6/30/08: U.S. Championships Dojo Send Off Party
    (click image for enlargement)

    After Monday's keiko, pizza and cake were served to send off the Norwalk Dojo contingent going to Las Vegas for the All U.S. Kendo Championships over the 4th of July weekend. Gambare everyone!

July

  • Thu-Sat, 7/3-5/08: AUSKF Kendo Championships, Las Vegas
    (click image for enlargement)
    Congratulations to Domen Sumi, who received a women's individual division kantosho (fighting spirit) award, and to Chung Alex, who was a member of the first place Junior Youth team. Great job! See all results.

    Other Norwalk Dojo attendees included Kim Patrick and Nagasawa Jeffrey (youth program), Yamaguchi sensei (court judge), Kodama Jean, Kodama David, Yoshimura Ted, Yoshimura Yumi, Domen Megumi, Amano Shotaro, Tanaka Timmy (volunteers), and the Nagasawa family.

  • Fri, 7/4/08: no keiko
    Happy 4th of July!

  • Mon, 7/7/08: Norwalk kata practice
    See notes under "recurring events" above.

  • Fri, 7/11/08: Carnival meeting
    All parents please attend this important carnival planning meeting.

  • Fri, 7/11/08: Norwalk new member enrollment
    Welcome new kenshi: Paik Anthony, Booshears Nicholas, Joe Kyung, Joe Soo Yong, Ramirez Alejandro, Brown Philip, Lee Jason.

  • Sun, 7/13/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 8-10am Attendees included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Mike, Domen Sumi, Chang Jeffrey, Yoon Brian, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

    Thank you to the parents for preparing fresh fruit for us after practice, and especially to the Kim family for treating us to Tommy's breakfast sandwiches; they were amazing!

  • Mon, 7/14/08: Norwalk kata test
    Kata level 1 test (experienced partner, regulation katas). Everyone who took the test passed. Congratulations! 3 kyu: Nagasawa Jeffrey, Yoon Brian, Lee Kenneth. 2 kyu: Sanchez Matthew, Chang Hannah, Ma Phillip. 1 dan: Amano Shingo.

  • Sun, 7/20/08: SCKF Kata Seminar, Covina Dojo
    From 8am to 3pm, for 3 dan and above. Obento is $9; the deadline to order was 7/14.

  • Sat-Sun, 7/26-27/08: SEJSCC Carnival
    The dojo will again have booths for goldfish toss and teriyaki chicken/beef and yakisoba. Help will be needed from all members and their families, including food prep on Fri and clean up on Mon evening. See work schedule for your duty assignment.
August

  • Sat-Sun, 8/2-3/08: NCIA Iaido Seminar, San Francisco
    Chief instructor was Ito Tomoharu sensei, Chief Iaido instructor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Iaido Kyoshi 8 Dan and Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan. Norwalk Dojo participants included Yamaguchi sensei, Ralutin sensei, Toh Shauna, Chung Woody.

  • Sun, 8/10/08: Nisei Week Tournament, Wilson Park
    Participants included Yoon Courtney, Kim Esther, Kim Patrick, Chung Alex, Choe Andrew, Choe Bryan, Kim John, Nagasawa Jeffrey, and Yoon Brian. Shinpan included Yamaguchi sensei, Koh sensei, Henmi sensei, and Yoshimura Steve sensei.

    Congratulations to Kim Esther for winning 2nd place in 10 and under kyu, and also to the Norwalk kyu team (Chung Alex, Kim Patrick, Choe Andrew, Nagasawa Jeffrey, and Kim Esther) for taking 2nd place.

  • Mon, 8/11/08: Norwalk keiko
    There is kendo practice following Nisei Week.

  • Sun, 8/17/08: Nikkei Games Tournament, CSULB Pyramid
    Participants included Yoon Courtney, Kim Esther, Choe Andrew, Choe Bryan, Kim John, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Yoon Brian, Amano Shingo, and Kato Takumi. Shinpan included Yamaguchi sensei and Henmi sensei, and volunteers included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Ted and Yumi, and Domen Megumi.

    Congratulations to Kim Esther (3rd place 13 and under kyu), Yoon Brian (2nd place adult kyu), and Amano Shingo (1st place 1-2 dan).

  • Mon, 8/18/08: Norwalk keiko and kata practice
    Thank you to Sakae Mitsuyo sensei from Sho Tokyo Dojo for practicing with us. Kata participants included Ralutin Dennis, Amano Shingo, Yoon Brian, and Kim Matthew.

  • Sat, 8/23/08: Kanto students goodwill practice, OSULA 4pm
    There will be a 2-hour keiko from 4-6pm, followed by a barbecue. AUSKF needs a head count by Mon 8/18 to budget for refreshments.

  • Sun, 8/24/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 8-10am
    Participants included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Steve, Sakae Mitsuyo, Domen Sumi, Tanaka Timmy, Choe Andrew, Chang Hannah, Yoon Brian, Henderson Steve, Choe Brian, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney. Thanks very much to the parents for preparing delicious somen salad!

  • Mon, 8/25/08: August dojo tournament and kata practice
    Congratulations to winners Kim John (0-5 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Chang Jeffrey (yudansha). See full results.

    Kata participants included Sanchez Matthew, Yoon Brian, Choe Andrew, Lee Kenneth, Jang Han.

  • Fri, 8/29/08: Norwalk keiko
    We were visited by former member Shimimzu Mio and her friend Nakashima Richard, both from San Diego Kendo Bu.

  • Sat-Sun, 8/30-31/08: AUSKF Summer Camp, San Jose
    Attendees included Yamaguchi sensei and Henmi sensei.
September

  • Mon, 9/1/08: no keiko
    Happy Labor Day!

  • Mon, 9/8/08: Norwalk kata practice
    Kata participants included Ralutin Dennis, Amano Shingo, Sanchez Matthew, Chang Hannah, Yoon Brian.

  • Mon, 9/15/08: Norwalk keiko and kata test
    Thank you to Brown Jason sensei from TOR for practicing with us.

    Phase 2 kata test for kenshi who passed phase 1 testing on 7/14. Everyone passed this intermediate test, but be sure to attend all remaining practices to be ready for the shinsa (some need extra practice!). 3 kyu: Nagasawa Jeffrey, Yoon Brian. 2 kyu: Sanchez Matthew, Chang Hannah, Choe Andrew. 1 dan: Amano Shingo.

  • Sun, 9/21/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 8-10am
    Participants included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Mike, Yoshimura Steve, Domen Sumi, Tanaka Timmy, Amano Shotaro, Amano Shingo, Chang Hannah, Yoon Brian, Henderson Steve, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

  • Sun, 9/21/08: Norwalk Dojo picnic, Eldorado Park, 11am
    The invitation form was due Fri 9/19. See map and directions: hi res (457KB) or lo res (59KB). About 40 people attended, and a good time was had by all. A big thank you to everyone who helped with preparation and clean up, and an extra big thank you to Mr Cho, who prepared and cooked all the barbecue items, as well as setting up direction signs and going early to reserve the site. Also many, many thanks to all the families that donated cash to the picnic: Cho, Yoon, Choi, Hahn, Chung, Kim (Matthew).

  • Mon, 9/22/08: Norwalk kata practice
    Kata participants included Sanchez Matthew, Chang Hannah, Yoon Brian, Choe Andrew.

  • Fri, 9/26/08: September dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim John (0-5 kyu), Kim Patrick (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Shibata Takuro (yudansha, Domen Sumi 2nd place). See full results.

    Welcome new kenshi: Choi Dolorosa, Choi Esther, Choi Daniel, Kim Patrick H (from OCB). Also a belated welcome to Wang Kevin, who joined us at the beginning of the month.

    Finally, happy birthday to Huang Cody, and thank you to the Huang family for the delicious birthday cake!

  • Sun, 9/28/08: SCKF Team Championships, Wilson Park
    Norwalk Dojo entered the following teams: youth kyu 1 (Kim Esther, Chung Alex, Choe Andrew; coach Chang Jeffrey), youth kyu 2 (Yoon Courtney, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Patrick; coach Domen Sumi), adult kyu (Chang Hannah, Yoon Brian, Ma Phillip; coach Amano Shotaro), yudansha (Yoshimura Steve, Chang Jeffrey, Domen Sumi, Amano Shotaro, Amano Shingo, Kato Takumi, Tanaka Katsuaki; coach Yoshimura Mike). The teams were selected by recommendation of the senseis, see team selection notes.

    Congratulations to youth kyu team 1 (Kim Esther, Chung Alex, Choe Andrew; coach Chang Jeffrey) for taking 3rd place. Good job, everyone!

  • Mon, 9/29/08: no practice
October

  • Fri, 10/3/08: Norwalk keiko
    We reviewed chakuso (proper wearing of keikogi, hakama, and bogu), including himo (men and do strings) and how to tie them. See bottom of the shinsa info page for a summary.

    Happy birthday to Kim Esther and Yoon Brian, and many thanks to the Kim and Yoon families for the delicious birthday cake and fantastic spread after keiko!

  • Fri, 10/17/08: Norwalk keiko
    We had an even bigger birthday celebration tonight. Happy birthday to Yoon Courtney, Nagasawa Yukiko, and Mrs Kim, and many thanks to the Yoon, Nagasawa, and Kim families for yet another amazing spread!

  • Sun, 10/19/08: SCKF Shinkyu Shinsa, Wilson Park
    Results are now posted. Great job everyone!

  • Mon, 10/20/08: no practice
    The sensei need time to recover from the shinsa!

  • Fri, 10/24/08: Norwalk practice
    Before practice we watched the flight of an earth observation satellite launched from Vandenberg AFB.

  • Sun, 10/26/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 8-10am
    Participants included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Mike, Domen Sumi, Chang Jeffrey, Yoon Brian, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Patrick H, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

    Many thanks to the parents for serving chapchae (jahpchae) and rice, and to Domen Sumi and Chang Jeffrey for the Beard Papa cream puffs!

  • Fri, 10/31/08: no keiko
    It's Halloween. Happy trick or treating!
November

  • Mon, 11/3/08: October dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Yoon Courtney (0-5 kyu), Chung Alex (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Cho In Ho (yudansha) See full results.

  • Fri, 11/7/08: Norwalk keiko
    Thank you to Lan Vincent sensei from KenWaKen Dojo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a former student of Koh sensei in Taiwan.

    Tomorrow the dance club is holding a dance. We need to do the following: move the boxes of shelving into the storeroom, ensure the mirror is easily accessible for them to use, remove the tape from the floor after keiko, and leave the kitchen clean

    Note: because the gym floor is being replaced in Jan/Feb, we will not be accepting new students in November or January.

  • Sun, 11/16/08: Norwalk Dojo special practice, 8-10am
    Participants included Kodama Jean, Yoshimura Mike, Domen Sumi, Yoon Brian, Nagasawa Jeffrey, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Patrick H, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

    Many thanks to the parents (Mrs Kim, Mrs Yoon, Mrs Kim, Mrs Nagasawa) for preparing the delicious tonjiru!

  • Fri, 11/21/08: Christmas party planning meeting
    All parents please attend this important meeting to begin planning our dojo Christmas party, which will be held Fri 12/19.

  • Sat, 11/22/08: storage room shelving
    Many, many thanks to Mr Yoshimura for working on the storage room shelf build for the last two weeks, and to everyone who helped with purchasing, transporting, installing, and doing initial organization of the shelves.

  • Sun, 11/23/08: SCKO Championships, Cabrillo HS
    Participants include Amano Shingo, Yoon Brian, Kim Alex, Kim John, Kim Esther, Yoon Courtney.

  • Mon, 11/24/08: November dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim Esther (0-5 kyu), Chi Joyce (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Chang Jeffrey (yudansha) See full results.

  • Fri, 11/28/08: Norwalk special yudansha keiko, 8-10pm
    There is no regular keiko since it is the day after Thanksgiving.

    However we will have a yudansha-only keiko from 8 to 10pm which will include yudansha from other SCKF dojos as well as the So Cal members of Team USA, who will do their own training from 7:30 to 9pm in one half of the gym.

  • Sat, 11/29/08: Gedatsu Dojo yudansha keiko
    Primarily for kodansha, but all yudansha welcome. Cost is $20.
December

  • Mon, 12/1/08: Center ceiling refurbishing
    First day of 3-week acoustic ceiling work in the gym.

  • Sat-Sun, 12/6-7/08: Team USA+Japan keiko, Wilson Park
    Sat 2p-5pm (teams only), Sun 9am-12pm (5dan and above may join in).

  • Sun, 12/7/08: SEJSCC General Meeting
    Year-end Center meeting. Thank you very much to Mrs Domen, Mrs Tanaka, Mr Nagasaw, and Mr Kim for attending on behalf of the dojo.

  • Mon, 12/15/08: December dojo tournament
    Congratulations to winners Kim Esther (0-5 kyu), Choe Andrew (4-1 kyu), Yoon Brian (adult kyu), and Kariya Yoshijiro (yudansha) See full results.

  • Fri, 12/19/08: Norwalk Dojo Christmas Party
    Thank you very much to everyone who contributed to and attended the party, a good time was had by all! Special thanks to all the parents who worked so hard the days and weeks before the party, and to Yoon Brian for being MC, as well as to Chang Jeffrey and Domen Sumi for planning the games. See party notes, including award recipients.

  • Mon, 12/29/08: last practice for 2008
    Balloon relay races and red team/green team games.


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