In September, Iakai sponsored a Jodo seminar with Instructor Peter Boylan (Yondan, Shomokuroku). We practiced Seitei Jodo forms, Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo (for advanced students) and Shinto Hatakage Ryu iaido.
Swordfest 2011
Deborah Klens-Bigman attended Swordfest 2011 in Alexandria, Virginia. Though she did not take part in the demonstrations, she had a great time observing everyone who did. Swordfest includes styles from all over the world. The slide show below gives and idea of the tremendous variety of arts on display.
2011 Virginia Beach Seminar
In February, Instructor Deborah Klens-Bigman took part, along with Jodo Instructor Peter Boylan, in a combination Jodo and Shinto Hatakage Ryu iaido seminar in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After a harsh winter up in the Frozen North, it was nice to see some early spring flowers and take part in some great training!
Kagami Biraki 2011
We took part in a Kagami Biraki (literally - "Mirror opening") celebration with Tozai Dojo of Long Island, NY. We had a great time with our host, Art McConnell Sensei. We practiced together and then had a toast to celebrate the new year!
