From Detroit Kendo Club:

Dear Kendo Friends and Family,
It is with regret that I must announce that our honored guest, Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan Eiga Naoki must delay his attendance at the 16th Annual Detroit Open Kendo Tournament and will not be joining us in February 2014. Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause as an unavoidable conflict has arisen due in part to the intensified preparation schedule of the Japanese National Kendo Team – of which Eiga Sensei is Head Instructor.

We all, Eiga sensei included, are sorely disappointed by this unfortunate turn of events. Eiga Sensei was particularly looking forward to attending and leading us in a special seminar. Instead, we look ahead to 2016 where we will be pleased to welcome not only Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan Eiga Naoki, but also his brother, Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan Eiga Hideyuki as our special guests for the 2016 18th Annual Detroit Open Kendo Tournament.

Taking Eiga Sensei’s place as this year’s distinguished tournament guest will be Kendo Kyoshi 8 Dan Yamazaki Masaru Sensei from Aichi, Japan. He attended Kokushikan University and currently an instructor for police affairs at the Central Japan Region Police Academy. Yamazaki Sensei has participated in many tournaments including the All-Japan East /West Kendo Championships, National Police Officer Kendo Tournament, as well as the All Japan Kendo Championships. He is also a 2 time champion of the All Japan Athletic Kendo Tournament.

Yamazaki Masaru Sensei Tournament Participation History:
All-Japan Kendo Championships: 3 times
All-Japan East/West Kendo Tournament: 3 times
National Police Officer Kendo Teams Event: 15 times
All-Japan Prefectural Tournament: 4 times, 2nd place: 1 time National Police Officer Kendo Championships: 4 times, 2nd place: 1 time All Japan Athletic Kendo Tournament: 11 times, 1st place: 2 times, 2nd place: 1 time

Once again, please accept my sincere apologies for the sudden change of events. However, I look forward to seeing you in February. As a reminder, the registration deadline date for tournament entry is January 24, 2014. The Registration Entry form, Liability Waiver form and payment should be post marked no later than January 24, 2014.

Thank you once again for your understanding.

Best Wishes and Happy New Year,

Yoshiteru Tagawa
President of Detroit Kendo Dojo