Taniyama Sensei's Visit
November 1997

Taniyama sensei has had a very successful kendo career in Japan and was the captain of the Japan Women's A team at the 10th World Kendo Championships in 1997. Yamamoto-san and Kinoto-san also have impressive kendo credentials. See bios.

Tragically, on her first evening here Taniyama-san suffered a torn calf muscle during the keiko at Chuo Dojo and spent the remainder of her trip in a cast. However she was a real trooper and not only participated in the full week's activities (minus kendo) but managed to put on a great seminar from her wheelchair on Saturday.

Many, many thanks to everyone who helped out during Taniyama-san's visit!

Except for the LAPD/sheriffs tour on Thursday and the women's seminar on Saturday, all activities were open to everyone (male and female kenshi from any federation, friends, spouses, etc).

Here is a more detailed summary of who did what.

• Monday, 11/17/97
  • LAX. Yuriko and Masashi Shikai, Judy Abe, Tom Tew, Warren Wong, and Ed Higuchi met the guests at the airport.
  • Shopping/sightseeing. Warren took the guests to Ontario Mills Shopping Center, then took them to check in at the Miyako Inn in Little Tokyo.
  • Keiko. Chuo Dojo 7:30 pm. After her injury, Dr. Irie treated Taniyama-san at the dojo and obtained crutches and medication for her from his office.
  • Potluck. Dinner party after keiko at the dojo. The Shikai's transported the guests to/from Chuo and the hotel.

• Tuesday, 11/18/97
  • Doctor. Ed Higuchi transported Taniyama-san to see Dr. Irie and a specialist, where she received a cast on her left leg. Tom rented her a wheelchair for the week.
  • Disneyland. Mrs. Abe took Yamamoto-san and Kinoto-san to Disneyland. Shig Shibutani met them at the gate and escorted them around the park. After the visit to the doctor, Mrs. Abe and Judy took Taniyama-san to Disneyland where she was able to do a little shopping.
  • Drive to San Diego. Mr. Parr volunteered his van. He and Jean picked up the guests from Disneyland and drove them to San Diego.
  • Keiko. San Diego Dojo, 7:30pm. In addition to Jean and Mr. Parr, other kenshi came to practice from Chuo Dojo (Shikai sensei and Warren) and Covina Dojo (Chinen sensei and sons, Fumihide Itokazu, and Tom).
  • Potluck. Dinner party after keiko at dojo.
  • John Yamamoto's house. Jean, Mr. Parr, and the guests stayed overnight at Yamamoto sensei's house. Entertainment included a drive to the border to see the lights of Tijuana and a 1992 video of Taniyama-san in the All Japan Women's Championships.

• Wednesday, 11/19/97
  • Breakfast. Yamamoto sensei treated everyone to breakfast at a restaurant where Whoopi Goldberg used to work, known for its giant omelettes and pancakes.
  • Rockclimbing. at Vertical Hold. guides Yamamoto sensei, Carl, Kevin, and Paul. Yamamoto sensei hosted.
  • San Diego Zoo. Yamamoto sensei hosted. Lisa Yamamoto, Jean, and Mr. Parr also accompanied the guests.
  • Drive to LA. Mr. Parr and Jean drove the guests to Jean's house
  • Turkey dinner @Jean's. Tom and Warren arrived approximately 3pm to prepare main dishes, let in by Dave Kodama. Also in attendance were the Shikai's (including Sayuri and Yurika), Judy Abe, Rika Uto, Linda Fu, and Nora Izumihara. The Shikai's transported the guests back to the hotel.

• Thursday, 11/20/97
  • LAPD tour and sheriff's ride along. Tom transported the guests
  • Keiko. Covina Dojo 7:30pm. Visiting kenshi included Adriane Wollaston from Phoenix.
  • Potluck. Dinner party after keiko at the dojo. The Shikai's transported the guests back to the hotel.

• Friday, 11/21/97
  • Univeral Studios. Yuriko transported the guests. Pil Soo Kim hosted everyone the entire day.
  • Keiko. Norwalk Dojo, 7:30pm. Visiting kenshi included Kaori Takada from Long Beach (SCKO) and Judith Mack from Oregon.
  • Potluck. Dinner party after keiko at the dojo.
  • Shopping. Shikai sensei took the guests shopping at Robinson's-May before taking them back to the hotel.

• Saturday, 11/22/97
  • Brunch. Nora, Linda, Astra Woo, Masami Hatagami, and Shig took the guests out to breakfast. Instead of going shopping, they chose to return to the hotel to rest before the seminar.
  • Gym setup. Early arrivers included Jean, June Oyama, Tsvia Tabuchi, and guests Judith Mack from Oregon, Vicki Marsten from Seattle (president of PNKF), and Judith's friend from the LAPD. All helped set up chairs and tables for the dance group which would be coming in immediately following the godo keiko.
  • Women's seminar. approx 2:30-5pm. Visiting kenshi included Vicki, Judith, and Adriane. Taniyama-san conducted the seminar with Yamamoto-san and Kinoto-san demonstrating. The seminar included warm-up and stretching, basics, waza drills, rotation keiko, and question/answer. Gifts were presented to the guests by the WKA (purchased by Lisa Tauchi), Vicki, and Adriane.
  • Godo keiko. 5-6pm.
  • Sayonara party. 7-9pm at Todai Restaurant, Japanese buffet.
  • Griffith Park. Shikai sensei and Tom took the guests to see the city lights from Griffith Park, then returned them to the hotel.

• Sunday, 11/23/97
  • LAX. the Shikai's transported the guests to LAX. Tom, Judy, and Rika also saw them off.

For additional planning notes see past entries.

Again, our sincere thanks to everyone who supported us in our fund raising events, donated monetarily, and helped out during Taniyama-san's visit!