Spring Seminar with Takahashi-sensei 8. dan - May 15 to May 17, 2026
Save the dates!
Friday 15th - Sunday 17th May, 2026
It is our great pleasure to announce that we will be joined by Takahashi Kaiyu Sensei (8th Dan Kyōshi) and Suzuki Noriko Sensei (7th Dan Kyōshi) on Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th of May for our annual Spring Seminar.
Takahashi Sensei is the Principal of the Hatsune Kenshi Juku and the Taito Hatsune Kindergarten which are both associated with the 400 year-old Buddhist Temple where he is the Vice-Abbott. He became 8th Dan in 2016 and has held various positions, including Shihan and Head Coach of the Taisho University Kendo Club from where he graduated. You will get a sense of Takahashi Sensei’s approach to kendo instruction here.
Suzuki Sensei is a graduate of the famed Kokushikan University, an elite powerhouse in Japanese university kendo. She has made many trips to Europe with senior sensei like Iwatate Saburo Sensei (8th Dan Hanshi). In addition, Suzuki Sensei has been a great supporter of the development of European women’s kendo.
This seminar will build on previous instruction received during Takahashi Sensei’s seminars in Autumn 2023 and Spring 2025 and will cover the following:
How to establish the fundamental connection with your opponent (aiki) and set up the conditions for yuko datotsu.
On the basis of aiki connection, how to use different kinds of seme to destabilise your opponent and set up the opportunity for effective waza.
Looking ahead to the European Kendo Championships, how to effectively translate 1) & 2) into shiai from the perspective of both shiai-sha (competitor - winning yuko datotsu) and shinpan (referee - clearly recognising yuko datotsu).*
*Participants who are 2nd Dan and above will have the opportunity to learn and hone their shinpan skills.
Language interpretation will be provided by Yosuke Ueda (6th Dan) and Arpad Maksay (6th Dan) from Kenseikai Copenhagen Kendo Club.
We hope to see you there!
Kenseikai Copenhagen Kendo Club Committee.