1st Annual West Coast Taikai

[T. ALVAREZ]

Ladies and Gentleman,

Please allow me to take this opportunity to announce the 1st Annual West Coast Taikai.
The event will be held at the Hilton Hotel, located in Costa Mesa, California on February 17th-18th 2006.

There will be a variety of seminars to choose from on that Friday the 17th, running from 8:00am to 6:00pm that evening by some of the most influential and highly ranked senseis of their specific arts from Japan and the USA.
Following the seminars that Friday day, there will be a large Embu showcasing some of the individuals attending. This will take place around 7:30pm and is sure to be one of the largest collaborations for embu by both Koryu and Gendai teachers and representatives ever in the US.
It will take place in the Catalina room with theater type seating completely encircling the stage.
Some of the confirmed attendees both teaching seminars and performing demonstrations are:

Niina Toyoaki Gyoksui Sensei- Soke of Meishi-Ha Mugai Ryu IaiHyodo
Sakaida Zenemon Sensei- 6th Dan Toyama Ryu Batto Do / Chief Instructor ZNBDR
Bob Elder Sensei- 5th Dan Kyoshi, Toyama Ryu Batto Do / ZNBDR
Mike Femal Sensei- 4th Dan, US Federation of Batto Do / Toyama Ryu batto Do
Tom Smyth Sensei – 5th Dan, US Federation of Batto Do / Toyama Ryu Batto Do
Carl McClafferty Sensei- Okuden Menkyo. Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu / Nakamura Ryu
Brian Stokes Sensei- Suio Ryu Iai Kempo
And a host of others that will be included on this list in the coming weeks.

Sponsors of the event will include the following:

Howard Clark ( Yusho / overall winner of the event) L6 Katana
CAS Iberia
Mugen Dachi (All targets for the event and seminars)
Tozai Imports
Legacy Arts / Ted Tenold
Robin Ramirez Custom Fitting
There will be more sponsors added in the coming weeks.


Saturday will start at 9:00am and will run until 5:00pm or until we are finished! The divisions for this event are listed as follows:

Batto Do Kata: (Toyama Ryu, Nakamura Ryu, ZNBDR / US Fed. Seitei)

. Shodan and below
. Nidan / Sandan
. Yondan and above

Iaido Kata: (All styles)

. Shodan and below
. Nidan / Sandan
. Yondan and above

Batto Do Tameshigiri:

. Shodan and below
. Nidan / Sandan
. Yondan and above

Iai Tameshigiri:

. Shodan and above (Open Div.)

Wakizashi Tameshigiri:

. Open Div.
Yoko Narabi: (Multiple targets vertically side by side)

. Open Div.

Futo Maki: (Multiple targets rolled together to make one large target)

. Open Div.

Dodan: (Multiple targets stacked on their side)

. Open Div.

Iai Dodan: (Multiple targets stacked on their side)

.Open Div.

This event is open to all serious practitioners of Legitimate Japanese Sword Arts! kata and waza of a traditional manner will only be accepted as will the normally accepted attire of Montsuki for those that have them and or Keiko gi and Hakama. No flashy red white and blue get ups will be allowed.
This is a preliminary release and the complete taikai package and information will be available on www.tozaiimports.com web site by the first week of October. You will be able to go to that site and click on the link to the West Coast Taikai and receive all the information as needed. We will be up-dating the site regularly and will announce it here when we do.
Also, we will be creating a discussion forum on the website for the taikai only. Any and all questions that one might have can be asked there and answered by myself or one of the appropriate people.

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you there!

Gambate

Tony Alvarez
bigtony@senpokan.com

N.A. Shibucho Meishi-HA Mugai Ryu IaiHyodo
W.C. Shibucho, Zen Nihon Batto Do Renmei / Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Iaido Renmei
VP. US Federation of Batto Do


__________________
BIG TONY
Senpokan Dojo
Tozai Imports

[bobelder]

The dojo members at Orlando Toyama RYu are coming to your taikai en masse. Will be nice to go to one for a change! Good luck Big T. Your gonna need it.

[UKPatrick]

'Squze my lack of knowledge, but whats the difference between Batto tameshigiri, and Iai tameshigiri? (At least I did read the ad.)

[pgsmith]

... whats the difference between Batto tameshigiri, and Iai tameshigiri?
Big Tony may elaborate on it, but basically it's that batto tameshigiri is from standing, iai tameshigiri begins in seiza.

Sherry has pencilled it into her calendar, so we'll definitely be there. Not sure how we'll afford it yet, but we'll be there!

[renfield_kuroda]

Batto tameshigiri: http://toyamaryu.org/CuttingVideo.htm

Iai tameshigiri: http://renfield.net/blogged/2005/07/cuttin.html

I will be accompanying Niina-gosoke from Tokyo, and we'll get a bunch more members from Japan to come, too.
It's going to be a blast!

Regards,

r e n

[Animo]

Sherry and I are really looking forward to the taikai. I'm glad it is early in the year so I will still have vacation time. I'll have a chance to wear my new formal threads. Got a bit carried away in the kimono shop. Okay I got really carried away.

Tony has been supporting us here on the East coast and it is about time that we can start paying him back. Tony and his crew are great people and I'm happy to help. I hope to see everyone there. The seminars should be first class and good luck to everyone competing.

Mike Femal
Shinpan Bucho US Federation of Batto Do

[urbalte]

Wish I could be there. My first born is ready to pop out and meet the world any day now. Once that happens, all my moolah will be sucked right out of the bank. The tix from Tokyo to Cali are actually pretty cheap, too. But, alas I will be busy witha new martial art (new to me, anyway) of dodging poo filled diapers. Or just plain dodging the diaper duty. :D
Will there be a website with pix and video from the event? I'd love to check those out after it's all said and done.
To all who comptete, I wish you the best of luck.

[R A Sosnowski]

'Squze my lack of knowledge, but whats the difference between Batto tameshigiri, and Iai tameshigiri? (At least I did read the ad.)
Patrick,

Batto-style begins like Kenjutsu Kata - blade is out of the Saya; Iai-style begins like Iai-/Batto-Kata - blade is initially in the Saya so that the first cut is nuketsuke (one-handed draw-and-cut).

I'll be there if I have the time and $$$ since my work situation is currently in flux.

HTH.

[Jeremy Hulley]

I'm thinking that Chris Moses and myself and possibly some of the other Shinto Ryu guys from here will head down.
Sounds like a good time and a nice opportunity to meet some people in person.
Best
Jeremy

[nicojo]

Bastards! It's got to be that weekend?

Can't come this year, previously scheduled familial duties break my heart.

See you all in 2007 I guess. :(

Ah well, you won't miss me much anyways.

[UKPatrick]

Thanks for the info people - apparently I have been Batto tameshi-ing without knowing.

[Alex Dale]

Well, even though I won't participate in any of the events, I would like to come to Cali and meet some of the JSA crowd. So I'm definitely going to try to attend.



Regards,

[nicojo]

Well, even though I won't participate in any of the events, I would like to come to Cali and meet some of the JSA crowd. So I'm definitely going to try to attend.

That's what I did last year, at the Tucson Taikai. I recommend it!

[pgsmith]

That's what I did last year, at the Tucson Taikai. I recommend it!
But be warned Alex, we'll give you a hard time about not competing like we did Nicojo this Spring! :)

Sorry you won't be there Kem. There's still next August in Orlando though!

[Neil Yamamoto]

If I get to drink Tony's good booze while sitting in his garage and yacking with everyone like last time I was in Costa Mesa, I'll head down too.

This time Jeremy or Chris gets to drive.

[dan keup]

Last time I had a drink in Tony's garage, by 2:00am it was converted into a barber shop... I still have a shaved head.





Official member of the Bob Elder Fan Club

[chrismoses]

If I get to drink Tony's good booze while sitting in his garage and yacking with everyone like last time I was in Costa Mesa, I'll head down too.

This time Jeremy or Chris gets to drive.

Does that mean we can't call you, "Kato" this time?

[pgsmith]

If I get to drink Tony's good booze while sitting in his garage and yacking with everyone like last time I was in Costa Mesa, I'll head down too.
That would be cool! Out of everyone on my list of West Coast folks that I need to buy a drink for, Chris is the only one I've managed to cross off the list.

[nicojo]

TY Paul, I'm really just jealous.

Shelly's family is coming to experience Arizona. Had to schedule it far in advance to fit all the schedules.

I'd rather be cutting!

Orlando might be out too; that's usually when our Japan contingent comes to test us.


There's still next August in Orlando though!

[Brian Pettett]

Plan on at least three of us from Chicago making it out there, Tony. Looking forward to seeing everyone out there again, and meeting new folks from parts unknown..!

[Dave Neeley]

If I get to drink Tony's good booze while sitting in his garage and yacking with everyone like last time I was in Costa Mesa, I'll head down too.

This time Jeremy or Chris gets to drive.


Neil,

I will be bringing this. And yes, that does say 30 years old.

http://www.e-budo.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=8717&stc=1

This will be my outlet as I try to do my imitation of Tom Smyth and help organize this thing. We just started and we're already tired. Now I understand why Tom, Bob, and Mike look so old. I mean, umm worn out. Oops, I mean tired. Oh hell with it, just come and share my scotch.


Dave Neeley

Senpokan Dojo
Senpokan dojo barber
Tom Smyth wanna-be

[Neil Yamamoto]

30 year old scotch is a good reason... to do almost anything

Dave, you are a good guy for an uncouth barbarian, to share that bottle. Strathisla is a decent highland at 12 years. I just killed off the last of a bottle a bit ago. If this holds true to the distillery character it should have a nice sherry nose, some fruit and and honey in the background.

The mouth will be hints of toffee and malt sweet, slight smoke in the background, some earthiness and grass. Tone it down with water it will bring out some sweetness.

So, I guess I'll spring for a bottle of Connemara Irish to contrast. Or maybe Ardbeg or Springbank.

Hell, you can call me Kato for that 30 year old too.

[Dave Neeley]

30 year old scotch is a good reason... to do almost anything

Dave, you are a good guy for an uncouth barbarian, to share that bottle. Strathisla is a decent highland at 12 years. I just killed off the last of a bottle a bit ago. If this holds true to the distillery character it should have a nice sherry nose, some fruit and and honey in the background.

The mouth will be hints of toffee and malt sweet, slight smoke in the background, some earthiness and grass. Tone it down with water it will bring out some sweetness.

So, I guess I'll spring for a bottle of Connemara Irish to contrast. Or maybe Ardbeg or Springbank.

Hell, you can call me Kato for that 30 year old too.

And I bet it tastes good too!

[pgsmith]

30 year old scotch is a good reason... to do almost anything
Now I've got to make sure I get there before Neil can drink it all! :)

[RoninPK82]

I'm looking forward to it. I'm Paul from the Orlando Dojo with Sensei Elder and I'm already clearing my calander for it. I can't wait for it. Plus it gives me an excuse to go to California. I hear your beaches are pretty awesome.

[Arne Oster]

I'm looking into ways of being able to go for this event,
at least for a visit and hopefully some of the seminars.
Regards
Arne Oster
MJER (with a background in Mugai Ryu)
Sweden

[Carlos Estrella]

Plus it gives me an excuse to go to California. I hear your beaches are pretty awesome.

Hi Paul, this is Carlos who occasionally gets to Bob Sensei's classes in Orlando (I just moved ironically to a place for work, where I work about 2 miles or so from the West Coast Taikai). I can vouch for the beaches - they're GREAT!!! Also, if even HALF of the folks who are supposed to show up actually show up, it's going to be a blast!!!

Hope to see you in Costa Mesa! Tell Bob Sensei that Carlos says "hi!"

Carlos

[T. ALVAREZ]

Ok guys,
Here’s the first up-date of information for the West Coast Taikai!
We have created the registration forms and payment options at http://www.westcoasttaikai.com/

Please go there to register for the desired seminars and events that you will be attending and competing in.
Should you have any problems, you can email me at bigtony@senpokan.com

Also, we have added the Taikai Forum which is being designed to enable all who are interested in attending to be able to direct any possible questions or concerns to us there. This forum is a work in progress and will be changing daily as we will be adding the different subject areas. This should be complete by Sunday the 16th.
My reasoning for this forum is to allow the people that are not used to the taikai environment the ability to ask questions as they wish for any and all seminars and divisions as needed.
For example, many of the US competitors that have attended the Orlando Taikai are not familiar with YokoNarabi or Futomaki. They can inquire about these divisions and techniques through the Taikai forums. What will Elder sensei’s seminar cover and will there be enough beer to go around, etc.

Things are moving quickly and the event is only four months away!

Please look for more information to come.

Carlos,
if you are out here now, you should drop me an email and we can get you in the dojo so you can train. I have a couple of open spaces, so get in touch.

See ya.

[Dave Neeley]

Two packages have just been added to the Taikai registration:

Taikai Package #1: Competition package. $150

Iai Kata
Batto Kata
Batto Tameshigiri
Dodan

These are the fundamental events for any taikai. The package results in a $55 saving from the individual events.

NOTE: Wakizashi Tameshigiri can be substituted for Iai Kata. If you wish to make this substitution, please note it when you register.


Taikai Package #2: Cutting Package. $150

Dodan
Iai Dodan
Fudomaki
Yokonarabi
Wakizashi

All advanced cutting events. This package results in a $60 saving over the individual events.


More to come in the coming days including event rules, additional seminars, and detailed instructions on the new cutting events Fudomaki and Yokonarabi.

Please visit the official taikai website at www.westcoasttaikai.com.

[chrismoses]

Tony, would you mind clarifying if "Batto" kata is going to be standing kata or specifically Toyama/Batto Renmei kata? Inquiring minds want to know...

[T. ALVAREZ]

Chris,
Batto kata would be anything in Tachi waza, but is usually reffered to as Toyama Ryu or ZNBDR/US Fed. of Batto Do.
If you don't know the federation seitei, you can do the shinto ryu tachiwaza in those divisions and your seiza waza in the Iai Divisions.
Does this help?

[bobelder]

I know you will not be surprised but can't hook up to your taikai forum. Uh, any instructions? Bob Elder

[T. ALVAREZ]

Bob,
I just checked it and it was working fine from what I could see!
Dave is supposed to be loading some other stuff on there tonight, so maybe that could be the problem.
Try again and let me know if you have any problems and i'll have dave sign you up.

[Jeremy Hulley]

Thanks tony..
I put the question to Chris who put it out here..
See ya in Feb..
Jeremy

[Dave Neeley]

I know you will not be surprised but can't hook up to your taikai forum. Uh, any instructions? Bob Elder


Did you try talking nice to it?

I checked your account and it shows you as a fine upstanding member. Lemme know if I need to reset your password.

[chrismoses]

Thanks Tony! We're looking forward to it.

[Dave Neeley]

Ladies and Gentlemen (and Paul and Tom and....)

Please take a few minutes to visit www.westcoasttaikai.com to check out the recent updates.

We have had a few changes to the seminar schedule as well as:

Rules and regulations
Cutting patterns
Seminar schedule
Sponsors page

And we have added a discussion forum as well.

If you are planning on attending, register now. Seminars are filling up fast! If you aren't planning on attending,....Plan on it!

[T. ALVAREZ]

Guys,
here's the most recent schedule of events and instructors for the taikai! Please notice the changes in the seminar section or visit www.westcoasttaikai.com for all other information.
Please note that all events on February 16th at the Senpokan dojo are by invitation only.
Thanks and see ya there.


West Coast Taikai Schedule of Events

Thursday, February 16th

Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu Seminar
By invitation only (Dojo Cho’s and senior students)
Instructor: Hataya Mitsuo Yoshitoki Sensei
Location: Senpokan Dojo
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Curriculum: Toyama Ryu Gunto Soho kata

Mugai Ry Iaihyodo seminar
US Federation of Mugai Ryu Iaihayodo Members only
Instructor: Niina Toyoaki Gyokusui Soke, Meishi-Ha Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo
Location: Senpokan Dojo
Time: 4:30pm-8:00pm
Curriculum: Mugai Ryu kata and Kumitachi / Mugai Ryu testing

Dinner: 8:00pm
Location: El Ranchito Restaurant, Costa Mesa, Ca.
The patio is reserved for the Senpokan Dojo seminars only!
Cost: Free, but limited buffet style dinning.

Friday, February 17th
Seminar Schedule

8:00am-9:30am
R1: Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo/ Niina Toyoaki Gyokusui Soke, Meishi-ha Mugai Ryu
R2: US Federation of Batto Do (Chuden Kata) Tom Smyth Sensei, Godan
R3: Basic Tameshigiri / Bob Elder Sensei, Rokudan Renshi

9:30am-11:00am
R1: Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu / Masayuki Shimabukuro Sensei, Hatchi dan, Hanshi
R2: Sword Maintainance, inspection and function / Ted Tenold of Legacy Arts
R3: Advanced tameshigiri / Hataya Mitsuo Yoshitoki, Kudan Hanshi

11:00am012:30pm
R1: Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu Batto Jutsu / Yamada Soke
R2: Toyama Ryu Kata / Hataya Mitsuo Yoshitoki, Kudan Hanshi
R3: Iai tameshigiri / Tony Alvarez, Godan Renshi

12:30pm-2:00pm
R1: Muso Shinden Ryu / Harry Dach Sensei, Godan
R2: Wakizashi Tameshigiri / Mike Femal Sensei, Yondan
R3: Basic Tameshigiri / Bob Elder , Rokudan Kiyoshi

2:00pm-3:30pm
R1: Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo/ Niina Toyoaki Gyokusui Soke, Meishi-Ha Mugai Ryu
R2: US Federation of Batto Do Seitei (Chuden Kata) Tom Smyth Sensei, Godan
R3: Advanced Tameshigiri / Hataya Mitsuo Yoshitoki, Kudan Hanshi

3:30pm-5:00pm
R1: Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu / Masayuki Shimabukuro Sensei, Hatchi Dan Hanshi
R2: US Federation of Batto Do (Shoden Kata)/ Mike Femal Sensei, Yondan
R3: Appreciation and collecting of fine antique Japanese swords/ Ted Tenold of Legacy Arts

5:00pm-6:30pm
R1: Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu Batto Jutsu / Yamada Soke
R2: Toyama Ryu Kata / Bob Elder Sensei, Rokudan Kiyoshi
R3: Futomaki, Yokonarabi and Dodan Demonstration/ Tony Alvarez Sensei, Godan renshi


Friday night, February 17th
Demonstrations / Embu

This is open to everyone free of charge!

Instructors:
Niina Toyoaki Gyokusui Soke, Meishi-Ha Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo
Hataya Mitsuo Yoshitoki Shihan, Kaicho, ZNBDR / Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu
Yamada Soke, Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu Batto Jutsu
Masayuki Shimabukuro Hanshi, MJER Jikishin Kai
Bob Elder Kyoshi, ZNBDR/ USFBD/ Toyama Ryu Batto Jutsu
Tom Smyth sensei / Mike Femal Sensei, Toyama Ryu Kumitachi
Peer Halperin Sensei, Nakamura Ryu
Harry Dach Sensei, Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido
Tom Smyth Sensei, US Federation of Batto Do/ ZNBDR seitei kata

Location: The Catalina Ball Room, Hilton Hotel, Costa Mesa, Ca
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, February 18th
West Coast Taikai competition

8:00am Sword inspections

9:00am Opening Ceremonies

9:15am to 11:00am
Shodan Batto Kata
Nidan/Sandan Batto kata
Yondan/ Above Batto Kata

9:15am-12:00pm
Open Cutting (Futomaki, Yokonarabi, Dodan, Wakizashi qualifying)

11:15am-12:15pm
Shodan Iai Kata
Nidan/ Sandan Iai Kata

12:15pm-1:00pm
Lunch

1:15pm-2:30pm
Shodan Batto Tameshigiri
Yondan iai Kata
Nidan/Sandan Batto Tameshigiri

3:15pm-4:00pm
Iai tameshigiri/ Open

4:00pm-4:30pm
Wakizashi Tameshigiri finals

4:30pm-5:15pm
Futomaki / Yokonarabi/ Dodan Finals

5:15-6:00pm
Awards Ceremonies

6:00pm
Clean up

[T. ALVAREZ]

Guys,
as many of you know, the Wakizashi cutting division is one o fthe most popular at the taikai's. The problem is that not everyone has a decent enough waki to use for this type of cutting and many have barrowed then from several of us in order to participate.
Well, i'm here to tell you that I have one and only one Hataya Kotetsu Wakizashi available right now for the first person that wants it. The cost is 1700.00USD and is probably the only one available in the US at this time.
If you are serious about your tools, you will be doing yourself right by picking this one up to add to your collection.
Let me know who's interested at bigtony@senpokan.com and we can go from there.
I hope this is ok to post on the forum, if not, you can blame Chris Moses!!!!
See ya

[chrismoses]

I hope this is ok to post on the forum, if not, you can blame Chris Moses!!!!
See ya

As usual, I defer all blame to Scott Irey. He made me do it...

[T. ALVAREZ]

I already blamed him on the other forum!
When do you guys get in that week for the taikai?
Also, is Robbie comming down with you guys?
See ya

[T. ALVAREZ]

Guys,
here's the specs on the Jason Dingledine tanto that is being donated via his Tiger Claw Forge for the taikai!
Enjoy

Nagasa: 9.25”

Motohaba: 1.114”

Motokasane: 0.300”

Steel type: W1

Hamon: Suguha

Saki Sori: very slight, I didn’t measure it.

Mei reads: Tora Tsuru Saku (Made by Tiger claw)

[Scott Irey]

As usual, I defer all blame to Scott Irey. He made me do it...

Huh? Whad'I'do???

[Charles Mahan]

Not only did he do it, he's been bragging about it.

[T. ALVAREZ]

That a baby Scott. Always remember to rub it in!

Hey Crusader, you guys should come out to the event and participate in the Iai divisions. We would be stoked to have you guys out here and i'm planning on talking with Ray Sensei for next year to come out and be a guest star if possible.
Let me know if you are interested in comming ?

Later

[Charles Mahan]

This is not a good year. Marisa is on the verge of receiving her transplant date. It should be very soon. Perhaps if we do make it out there next year, we'll bring a case of hot sauce that can be used for a prize ;) Of course if we do, you're all gonna have to face Irey-sensei in Taikai.

[socho]

Scott has already said he will be there this year. Plus with Shimabukuro-sensei as one of the honored judges, no excuse for less than stellar MJER turn-out (umm, except yours, Charles. Hope things work out.) Should be interesting to see the MJER and Mugai go 'head-to-head' in iai kata.

Dave

[Scott Irey]

Yup, I will be there in full capacity. Tony has asked me to judge in the iai-division and I will be demonstrating Yamanouchi-ha MJER iai waza in the demonstration. A few of my guys will be attending as well and competing in the iai and batto waza divisions. I understand there will be Sekiguchi ryu and Suio ryu folks there as well. The waza divisions will be really interesting I think.

On another note we (ASA Swordworks) will be donating 8 of our tsuba for prizes in the competition. We will also have a table set up with lots of goodies to look at.

Regards,

[Neil Yamamoto]

Scott Irey at full capacity? Oughta be interesting, every time I've seen Scott he's always been half incapacitated by my feeding him good booze.

I hope to be there as well, work conflicts have arisen though and that may interfere with my drinking Dave Neeley's good Scotch Whisky.

Oh, BTW Scott, Brian Snoody says to give him a call! I ran into him at Kona Kitchen while I was looking for those breath mints you rave about.

[pgsmith]

Scott Irey at full capacity?
Perhaps he meant fully incapacitated?

If you're judging iai Scott, we're going to be watching to make sure you don't nod off at the judges table from the hangover!! :)

[Scott Irey]

Nodding off at the judges table is a long standing tradition and far be it from me to break with tradition.

[Scott Irey]

Scott Irey at full capacity? Oughta be interesting, every time I've seen Scott he's always been half incapacitated by my feeding him good booze.

I hope to be there as well, work conflicts have arisen though and that may interfere with my drinking Dave Neeley's good Scotch Whisky.

Oh, BTW Scott, Brian Snoody says to give him a call! I ran into him at Kona Kitchen while I was looking for those breath mints you rave about.

I will have you know that I am never "HALF" incapacitated...I am an "ALL" or nothing kind of guy.

By the way those breath mints are in the mens room.....

[T. ALVAREZ]

Charles,
please giver her our best and we hope all goes well!

Neil, I sure hope you make it down. I spoke to Dave Rapaport the other day and he is sending Doug Walker down to run a table and shlep the taikai shirts for him. Let me know if you are comming and i'll arrange for a plce you guys can stay or maybe you want to stay with the roosters. Either way, get down here!

On another note, I got the staples out of my heel today and now it's three months in the boot cast! I'll be the guy at the taikai in the wheel chair cutting on the run :) Hey, I just thought of something. I could set a world record from my wheel chair using my wakizashi! Oh wait, some guy did that already.
Nevermind!

[Neil Yamamoto]

Picture Tony in a wheelchair, going "huhahahaha Tony!" like Timmy in South Park? I told my girlfriend that and she said, well, never mind what she said, I don't want to get banned for posting it.

[T. ALVAREZ]

Hey, I could come up with the 12 secrets of wheel chair cutting!
I could sell that, right!

[mews]

Hey, I could come up with the 12 secrets of wheel chair cutting!
I could sell that, right!

You will need a snappy title, preferably with "Samurai" in it.
If you can figure out how to add "Ninja" to the title also, sales will double.

mew

[T. ALVAREZ]

Oh boy, that's great!

[Dave Neeley]

Neil, you better be coming down.

I have to play sherpa this weekend, so I'm going to need someone to push the sack of s... I mean Tony around at the taikai. After the next three days, I'll be in a wheelchair too.

[Scott Irey]

Dave, if Neil can't make it I will be happy to push "Grandma Alvarez" around in her chair and wipe any drool out of her beard if the need should arise :D

[R A Sosnowski]

Dave, if Neil can't make it I will be happy to push "Grandma Alvarez" around in her chair and wipe any drool out of her beard if the need should arise :D
"Grandma" was in rare form this past weekend in No VA. We got the pix. :D

[J. L. Badgley]

I must say, it was rather amazing to see what Tony could do in a wheelchair this past weekend, instructing with a tanjo from the chair. I know I'm not the only one who was saying how much he got from the past weekend--I really look forward to the Taikai.

Oh, and here you go, Tony, when you decide to open your new Ryu:

"Soke Grandmaster Tony Alvarez 10th-dan Hanshi of Isu Ryu Iaido. Isu Ryu Iaido was developed by injured samurai warriors in the 11th century. It was incorporated into the Yowamushi Ryu system of Ninjutsu to deceive opponents into believing that the practitioner was so severely injured they could pose absolutely no threat to their opponents. Isu Ryu was passed down in secluded villages, who took in the wounded samurai from the field and gave them a new goal in life.

"Because the formation of Isu Ryu was based on injured samurai who did not kill themselves as everyone thought 'appropriate', they were removed from all mention in the historical record. Only recently have archaeologists uncovered recent indications that a contingent of Isu Ryu practitioners sided with the pro-Toyotomi forces in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Even now, the prejudice against Isu Ryu is so great, that the Japanese authorities have tried to discount and cover up this great archaeological find. However, an early Edo period recollection of the battle includes the following contemporary comment regarding Kobayakawa, who turned the tide in the battle by his betrayal of Ishida Mitsunari: "[Kobayakawa] had always held them [Isu Ryu] in disdain for their lack of honor. He later said that it was because of the wheels [kuruma] of those he hated being given preference to him that he finally made up his mind to join the fight on the side of the [soon-to-be] Shogun."

"Some critics maintain that 'kuruma' refers to supply carts and that this was simply a dispute over precedence given to the baggage trains. However, recent archaeological evidence would appear to contradict this theory. Unfortunately, the original document was lost when the building containing it in Tokyo was destroyed during World War II, leaving only later copies, where government controls have removed any mention of Isu Ryu.

"Using secret scrolls and years of martial training, Soke Grandmaster Alvarez has reconstructed this Ryu from the spiritual inspiration of the original founders. Soke Grandmaster Hanshi Renshi Kyoshi Shidoshi Alvarez Sensei was on retreat in the mountains when he had a 'spiritual experience' where he learned the pain and anguish of those wounded samurai. In that moment he was overcome with a sense of compassion and need, and vowed to revive their dead art.

"Thus it is that he has mastered the 12 secrets of Kurumaisu-giri, and wishes to impart them to the truly worthy. However, Hanshi Kyoshi Grandmaster Alvarez Sensei cannot just let the secrets of Isu Ryu be passed on to anyone, because they have great potential for harm. Therefore, only those willing to undergo a significant sacrifice will be accepted. Also, because money is an ugly thing that corrupts the soul, we prefer not to deal in cash. Please send Grandmaster Soke your financial bank account information and we shall be able to withdraw funds as needed without the corruptible influence of money entering into the pure world of Japanese martial arts."

[T. ALVAREZ]

Just a heads up that the hotel is 92% booked for the taikai, so if you are dragging your feet, you're gonna be staying at Motel 6!
Get er' done!

[mews]

Joshua, you are frightening!

Please be sure not to work for the dark side.

mew

[T. ALVAREZ]

Josh,
that was beautiful!
I would like to thanks everyone at the NVA budokai for a great seminar. I saw tons of improvment from everyone since my last visit and I know that Niina Gosoke and Hataya sensei would be very happy.
Special thanks to the Drawdy family and Jenkins family for the wonderful hospitality. It was greatly appreciated.
I look forward to seeing you guys at the taikai as well as my next visit to VA.
Regards

PS: Josh does work for the dark Side!

[socho]

yes, Josh does get carried away, but his heart is in the right place. We had a great seminar, thanks much. Was impressed before we saw you in the wheelchair, now we're officially amazed! Take care, see you next month.

Dave

[T. ALVAREZ]

Ok people,
we are officially 106% booked at the hotel for the taikai.
We have three weeks left for registrations and have secured another block of rooms for those of you that have not booked your hotel as of yet.
Anyway, there are more rooms available for 99.00 per night which is the taikai rate, but for how long, I don't know.

Get it done!

[T. ALVAREZ]

Guys,
I heard a rumor today that Paul Smith is scared to register for the taikai due to Wakibara O( Dave Neeley) is gunning for him during the event!

Anyone sees Paul, you might want to tell him that Dave called him a sissy and doesn't think he's comming!

Paul, you gonna let him talk about you like that man?

Three weeks and counting!

[Charles Mahan]

Wouldn't you know. My wife's surgery date has come and gone. It ended up getting scrubbed due to an abnormally low white blood cell count. So now I could theoretically go, but the money is too tight to arrange transport and there's not enough time left to arrange it. Figures. :/ Next year if possible.

[Dave Neeley]

Midnight, Sunday February 5, 2006, PST.


tick.....tick......tick......

[T. ALVAREZ]

http://www.westcoasttaikai.com/seminars.htm

http://www.westcoasttaikai.com/events.htm

Ok guys,
here's the final list of seminars and events for the taikai next week!
Please click the links above to see what events and seminars you are registered in.

Also, check the splash page at www.westcoasttaikai.com for more information.

I look forward to seeing you all there!

Regards

[T. ALVAREZ]

Batto Kata: Shodan and below

1. David Arroyo-Senpokan
2. Jodee Janda- TMAC
3. Brian Pettett- Shinjinkai

Batto Kata: Nidan/Sandan

1. Colin Ito-Senpokan
2. Bill Henderson-Senpokan
3. Robert Steele-Twin Cities Toyama Ryu

Batto Kata: Yondan and above

1. Erik Tracy- Jikishin Kai
2. Robin Ramirez- Senpokan/Jikishin Kai
3. Dave Drawdy- N.V. Budokai

Iai Kata: Shodan and Below

1. Loren Kierstead- Mizu Hi Kobukai
2. Brian Pettett- Shinjinkai
3. David Wallace

Iai Kata: Nidan/Sandan

1. Clay Bastian- Senpokan
2. Colin Ito- Senpokan
3. Bill Henderson- Senpokan

Iai Kata: Yondan and above

1. Erik Tracy- Jikishin Kai
2. Robin Ramirez- Senpokan/ Jikishin Kai
3. Dan Keupp- Mizu Hi Kobukai

Batto Tameshigiri: Shodan and above

1. Hal Smyth- Orlando Toyama Ryu
2. Andy Seminick- Palm Bay Toyama Ryu
3. Jim Williams- Orlando Toyama Ryu

Batto Tameshigiri: Nidan/Sandan

1. Paul Smyth- Mizu Hi Kobukai
2. Derek Butts- Senpokan
3. Sang Kim- New York Toyama Ryu

Batto Tameshigiri: Yondan and above

1. Dave Drawdy- N.V Budokai
2. Dan Keupp- Mizu Hi Kobukai
3. Bob Lampp- Orlando Toyama Ryu

Iai Tameshigiri: Open

1. Robin Ramirez- senpokan/ Jikishin Kai
2. Rob Rivers- virginia Mugai Ryu Iaihyodo
3. Dan Keupp- Mizu Hi Kobukai

Wakizashi Tameshigiri: Open

1. Bob Lampp- orlando Toyama Ryu
2. Jesse Elder- Orlando Toyama Ryu- 15 yrs. old
3. Carl Jenkins- N.V. Budokai

Futomaki: Open

1. Robin Ramirez- Senpokan/ Jikishin Kai / 6
2. Bill Henderson- Senpokan / 6
3. Loren Kierstead- Mizu Hi Kobukai / 5

Yokonarabi: Open

1. Loren Kierstead- Mizuhi Kobukai / 6
2. Paul Smyth- Mizuhi Kobukai / 5
3. Bill Henderson- Senpokan / 5

Dodan: Open

1. Dave Neeley- Senpokan
2. Bob Lampp- Orlando Toyama Ryu
3. Loren Kierstead- Mizuhi Kobukai
4. Robin Ramirez- senpokan/ Jikishin Kai
5. Dan Keupp- Mizuhi Kobukai

Iai Dodan: Open

1. Dave Neeley- Senpokan
2. Robin Ramirez- Senpokan/ jikishin Kai
3. Loren Kierstead- Mizu Hi Kobukai


Congratulations to Robin Ramirez for being the Yusho or overall winner of the event and winning the Howard Clark L6 Katana

[bob elder]

Hey Tony, great job, had a good time. I noticed a 15 year old in waki cutting...wow that's unprecedented! wonder who he was?? Bob Elder ( am I allowed to be proud for 5 minutes?!)

[Carlos Estrella]

Bob... sonny boy did GREAT! Big Tony... GREAT Tai Kai! Glad I was there for it. Can't wait for next year!!!

Carlos

[Erik Tracy]

Hey Tony, great job, had a good time. I noticed a 15 year old in waki cutting...wow that's unprecedented! wonder who he was?? Bob Elder ( am I allowed to be proud for 5 minutes?!)

Bob,
I saw your expression as your son received his award from Hataya Sensei - as a father myself, I can totally relate. You *should* be proud!

It was good to meet you and many others from the East Coast - Tony done good in putting this tai kai together as another opportunity to meet others in the JSA community!

Thanks Tony!

Erik

[Dave Neeley]

Hey Tony, great job, had a good time. I noticed a 15 year old in waki cutting...wow that's unprecedented! wonder who he was?? Bob Elder ( am I allowed to be proud for 5 minutes?!)


I don't know, but he sure needs a haircut......

[bob elder]

Wish I needed a hair cut...on a different note, people don't realize how difficult it is and the immense amount of work that goes into these things. And the smoother it runs the more labor was done. It is easy to thank the ones most visible but there are so many others behind the scenes. Just rolling and soaking tats is a chore. Getting the assembly line of students to move them is something too. Ahh, and the clean up! Most folks just leave but you will notice those that really understand dojo giri who will stay till the end. So, to all of you guys never mentioned who worked this taikai, thankyou. Bob Elder

[Scott Irey]

I have been out with the flu since I got back from the Taikai so my appologies for not getting this up until now.

In a word the Taikai was "Great"! It was another event the likes of which are not seen in Japan. Tony Alvarez managed to put not only students, but prominant teachers (3 of whom are either soke or the equivalent within their styles) in the same room; demonstrating, teaching and competing. As a general rule you will not see this type of thing in Japan unless all members belong to the same blanket organization.

The competition was more like an enbukai in spirit. I was very impressed with the reigi as well as attitude of all the competitors. The overall Taikai winner was a good friend of mine, Robin Ramirez. It should come as no surprise that Robin is also a MJER practitioner I lost track of the number of divisions that Robin placed either 1st or 2nd place in. He won a Howard Clark Katana for all his hard work! Great Job Robin!!!

The enbukai was great as well. There were 6 or 7 demonstrations including demonstrations by Yamaguchi sensei (Soke of Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu) Niina sensei (Soke Mugai Ryu) and Hataya Sensei (Kaicho of the Zen Nippon Batto Do Renmei) Imagine my good fortune at having to be the first one to demonstrate in a field of such distinguished instructors.....sheesh....fortunately I didn't drop my sword, hit the floor, or cut off any appendiges.

Next year promises to be a bigger and even better event. The venue will be the same (Costa Mesa Hilton, and I would like to say that I don't think a better venue could have been asked for!). The list of guests is longer for next year and Tony hopes to hold a Koryu Enbukai as well as a Taikai. He already has commitments from some of this countries most prominant koryu practioners. In fact, if it happens, I believe it will be the largest and most varied Koryu Enbukai outside of Japan. The competition will have some modifications to make it even friendlier for us iai types, as both seated and standing waza will be allowed in the iai division. The date will also change. It was agreed that the East Coast and West Coast Taikai should change dates so that the East Coast folks are not holding their taikai in the middle of hurricane season. Thus the West Coast Taikai for 2007 will happen in Summer instead of late Winter. Rumor has it that a Tokenkai may run in conjunction with the Taikai next year. That means a major sword show running side by side with the Taikai. I for one am VERY excited about next years event and what it promises to hold.

The venue was perfect for an event like this. The room rates at the Hilton were very reasonable ($99 per night with up to 4 guests per room) and the amenities were superb. Good shopping, restaraunts, etc all within walking distance of the hotel. And it is only a 5-10 minute ride from the airport.

If you didn't attend this year, you really missed out on a spectacular event. I strongly encourage anybody thinking about attedning next year to definetly do so. You will not be disappointed.





Regards,

[kdlarman]

Just wanted to pop up and say I had a great time. It was nice to meet some people I only knew by name on-line and shake a few hands. That's always good because it reminds you that we're all out there hopefully with roughly the same goals in the long run.

Scott here had some of his stuff out on the table. They're doing some really nice user swords and the hand made tsuba they're doing are a great bargain. You need to charge more for those things. ;)

I must also say I was impressed with the participation of CAS Iberia. They brought along a lot of their newer models and ideas for their future lines in the Japanese sword end of things. John Deluca let the participants cut with any of the prototypes they brought which shows the confidence level they've got in their new stuff. They're also keying more into understanding what it is that users want and need in a sword. So they offered a range of configurations. Of course there are always compromises to get swords down into a more affordable price range, but overall things just keep getting better. It is a good time to be a student of the JSA's -- there are a lot of options now that simply didn't exist even 10 years ago. Both in training opportunities but also in getting decent equipment at a fair price.

I was honored to help out Ted Tenold with the appreciation seminar. I brought some pieces and Ted brought some pieces. We didn't tell the participants this, but they were allowed to look at, handle, stare at, and hopefully learn from a handful of blades that had a combined worth of over 6 figures. We didn't want to intimidate anyone, but the point was that you learn most by looking at good blades. One blade was worth over $30,000 as a matter of fact. Hopefully those people will be able to attend a token kai in the future and will be more likely to pick up and study better blades. And next year we hope to do more. Maybe a lot more. We even had Mike Yamazaki from the NBTHK American Branch come by and offer up some additional commentary as we went. We really want to encourage users to explore more of the other side of their arts -- the craft, history, and lethal beauty of the Japanese sword. Frankly I think learning more about both ends of the spectrum can only deepen your appreciation of your "main" area of study.

And Robin was certainly on a tear that day. The funny thing about Robin is that he usually looks bored when he's doing his thing. He is so focused and relaxed that you wonder what's happening in his head. But then you watch him work... Amazing consistency, presence and form. I also had a great time watching friends and customers doing their thing. I must say as a guy on the crafts side my proudest moments are watching experienced people using what I worked so hard on. When they perform well I've done my part.

Anyway, I had a great time. With all of the expressed on-line interest in swords you'd think there would be more people just watching, but that's an old rant of mine. Maybe next year we can all convince more people who just post on-line to come and see what the real deal is all about. Maybe convert a few folk in the process. It is all about the care and feeding of the arts.

Thanks, Tony.

[Scott Irey]

Just wanted to point out a mistake in my above post. I got caught up in fast typing and had a brain fart. I should have typed Yamada sensei (Soke of Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu). Sorry for the typo.