There’s No Place Like Home…To Have Keiko

by Kristopher Inting

(photos and captions credited to the various members of the Joson Family)

IGA-Ken Arena was happy to welcome Ms. Veejay Joson to practice last Saturday, July 5, 2014. Veejay is a member of the Phnom Penh Kendo Club in Cambodia, but she is a Pinay who hails from Pampanga and is an alumna of the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She discovered Kendo in Cambodia while working there, and has been doing it for around two years now. She is back home for a vacation, and wanted to see what Kendo is like back home.

Originally she wanted to visit the UP Kendo Club, being that the school is where she graduated, but schedule issues arose and this was not to be. But she made one of her Saturdays free to visit the Arena Dojo, and she made arrangements with me to meet up with her and her family in UP last Saturday before going to the dojo.

Strolling down memory lane. Back at my alma mater to meet my contact from IGA Kendo Club. (text by Veejay Joson)

After a very nice lunch in Chocolate Kiss, I guided them to Arena Fitness. And once we arrived, Veejay started to prepare for her first keiko ever in the Philippines.

Getting ready for kendo with the IGA Kendo Club at Arena Fitness. (text by Veejay Joson)

For the first half of the session, we did plenty of warm ups and basic cuts and footwork with the beginners, who just began their first class last Saturday. (text by Veejay Joson)

 

And then it was GAME ON!

 

Lining up to practice basic cuts with motodachi senpais. (text by Veejay Joson)

This is my kinda kendo girl. (text by Len Joson)

In bogu during the second half of the session. I learned a lot from the senpais, who were so wonderful and helpful in pointing out areas for improvement. Their explanation in my native tongue was a breath of fresh air!! (text by Veejay Joson)

SHIAI!!!! I really enjoyed watching the IGA Kendo Club members do a little tournament. I did not join the keiko because A) I got injured and B) I was plenty intimidated!! They are all very good fighters! (text by Veejay Joson)

In spite of an injury (skinned big toe), I saw that Veejay was all smiles during practice. She said that she really enjoyed herself, and hopes to make IGA-Ken a regular visiting point when she’s on vacation. Her family in turn were so thankful for the chance to actually see her in action, as it was their first time ever to see what Kendo is like. So practice ended with good feelings all around.

I am immensely touched by the warm welcome and helpful feedback from the IGA Kendo Club. I really enjoyed my time practicing with them and hope to join them again next year. Igarashi sensei is also such a sweetheart. (text by Veejay Joson)

Thank you very much, Igarashi sensei, Kristopher Inting, and IGA Kendo Club for such an awesome practice and a remarkable learning experience! ‘Till next time! (text by Veejay Joson)

 

So Veejay, we are looking forward to your next visit. Please give our warmest regards to Mori-Sensei, Mr. Kim and the rest of your dojomates in Phnom Penh. They are also certainly welcome to drop by for keiko should any of them find themselves in Manila. Finally, good luck and have lots of fun in the Vietnam Open next month!