San Diego Iai Batto

Sending out a big congratulations to Keyan Jafari and San Diego Iai Batto for putting on a hugely successful event in Las Vegas. This was Keyan’s vision 2 years ago and he pulled off a great event with the help of the entire San Diego crew (Yoshi, Sherry, David, Alyse, Jodee, Tim, Bob, Hyacinth, Cliff and many others I’m sure). Two days of seminars featuring fantastic instructors in many different styles, culminating in a full day of spirited competition. The amount of time and energy spent to support the Japanese sword community is greatly appreciated. Congrats Keyan!

Promotions from this weekends testing:

David Dang: 2nd Kyu in Mugai Ryu

Alyse Dang: 2nd Kyu in Mugai Ryu

Lela Felix: Shodan in Mugai Ryu

Yoshi Satoh: Renshi 5-dan in Nakamura Ryu

Congratulations everyone!

Stick a fork in them… they done!

Official medals for our group this weekend. Amazing everyone! Shows how hard everyone worked and trained. All the cutting paid off!

Kenshinkan medal count

Yoshi (5)
1st godan cutting
1st open kumitachi
2nd team cutting
3rd godan IBF kata
3rd IBF Kumitachi

Keyan (4)
1st Sandan/yondan cutting
1st open kumitachi
2nd team cutting
2nd Nidan and below open kata

John (2)
1st godan+ IBF kata
2nd team cutting

Sherry (2)
1st Sandan/yondan kata
3rd IBF kumitachi

David (2)
1st Nidan and below IBF kata
1st Nidan and below cutting

Alyse (2)
2nd Nidan and below IBF kata
2nd Nidan and below IBF cutting

Tim (1)
3rd Nidan and below IBF kata

What an incredible weekend at the IBF Las Vegas Taikai. Big thanks to Keyan Jafari and his back up crew David Dang, Alyse Dang, Jodee Janda and Bob, Sherry Kostecka, Tim Salazar and Hyacinth, and Cliff Rhyne. And the biggest thanks to our official Sensei, Yoshi Satoh for being the greatest inspiration to our group as well as John Mutschink Sensei.