1. Kendo Seminar and Grading

The VKR/VKTC is currently planning to hold a Kendo Seminar and Grading on Sat 12-Sun 13 March at Monash University, Clayton Campus.
This remains subject to COVID restrictions, but we will aim to keep clubs and members informed over the coming weeks.

The Seminar will be free for all participants and will be held on Sat 12 and Sun 13 March
Grading examinations will be held for 6-1 Kyu and for 1-4 Dan on Sun 13 March.
The Seminar program and grading times will be finalised once attendee numbers are confirmed.
Seminar registration and grading application details will be sent out in mid-Feb.

Changes to Kyu Grading examinations:

In accordance with AKR Kendo Board guidelines the Bokuto Waza will now be part of the Kyu Grading Examinations follows:

• 3 Kyu: Bokuto-ni-yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keikoho, Stages 1-4, as a kakarite and motodachi.
• 2 Kyu: Bokuto-ni-yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keikoho, Stages 1-6, as a kakarite and motodachi.
• 1 Kyu: Bokuto-ni-yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keikoho, Stages 1-9, as a kakarite and motodachi.

The following changes also apply:

• 2 Kyu will now include Kakari Geiko as well as Uchikomi Geiko
• 1 Kyu: Nihon Kendo Kata will no longer be required for 1 Kyu candidates.

Double grading: As many members have been unable to grade for some time, double grading will be permitted in March 2022.
For all future Kendo examinations, due to reduction of time between Kyu Grades, the opportunity to double grade will no longer be offered

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Changes to Dan Grading Examinations:

The AKR Kendo Board has also updated requirements regarding Nihon Kendo Kata for Dan Grade candidates as follows:

1 Dan: Tachi-no-kata 1-3
2 Dan: Tachi-no-kata 1-5
3 Dan: Tachi-no-kata 1-7
4 Dan: Tachi-no-kata 1-7 and Kodachi-no-kata 1-3
Club instructors and candidates are advised to review the requirements here:

• http://www.kendoaustralia.asn.au/content/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MoD_2_Kendo_17_10_21-with-Dan-Grading-Examination-Procedure-Guideline-attachment.pdf

In particular, sections 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 and Tables 1 and 2.


2. Iaido/Jodo Grading

The VKR/VIJTC is currently planning to hold an Iaido/Jodo Grading on Sat 26 March at the Kenshikan.
This remains subject to COVID restrictions and the number of grading applicants. If you are thinking about attempting a grade, please discuss with your dojo/club instructor so that we can gauge numbers.


3. COVID-19 Update

There have been media reports that the definition of 'fully vaccinated' may soon be updated to mean 3 doses (i.e. including booster shot).
This may impact upcoming VKR events depending on the timing of this change.
If you have not had your 3rd dose yet, the VKR recommends you do so as soon as possible to ensure you can participate in upcoming VKR events.


4. AKR Meet and Greet

The AKR Executive is holding an online zoom meeting for all AKR members to ask questions of the AKR Executive, including the proposed transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee.

Details are as follows:

Time: Sunday 30 Jan 2022, 5pm - 6pm AEDT
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84416275001?pwd=RTB0SHFnaFJjYkZTc0lOWTdiNFdWUT09
Meeting ID: 844 1627 5001
Passcode: 542806


5. AKR transition to Company Limited by Guarantee

The AKR has commenced a process to transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee (instead of an Incorporated Association). This is a requirement of the Australian Government in order for the AKR to keep its status as the National Sporting Organisation for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in Australia. The AKR has prepared an FAQ regarding this change. The AKR Executive will also be available via Zoom to answer any questions regarding this transition. (See attached file for details).

Note: The VKR is not required to change its organisational structure as a result.


6. Australian Kendo Championships 2023

The AKR, Kendo Board and VKR have agreed that the Australian Kendo Championships will be held in Melbourne in 2023 over the Easter weekend (8-9 April 2023).
Fingers crossed that we can host the event this time around (4th time lucky!)....

Michael Dunn
President
Victorian Kendo Renmei 

http://www.kendovictoria.asn.au/main/
0438 745 735