3rd Seminar of Kenjutsu International Association of Instructors

By Nick Sleep Sensei

On June 13, 2005, the Third International KIAI Seminar took place at Silver Lake near the town of Veliko Gradiste in Serbia and involved sensei and students from both Serbia and England. Those in attendance included: KIAI Founder; Ivica Zdravkovic, KIAI President; Nick Sleep, KIAI members: Ian Stewart, Owen Bolton, Srdjan Illic and Slobodan Saric, and approximately 10 other students.

The seminar commenced at approximately 11:00 a.m. with instruction from Ian Stewart and Nick Sleep who taught paired bokken drills (kumitachi) and other variations. Owen Bolton then demonstrated some Iaido Kumitachi followed by Ivica Zdravkovic and Slobodan Saric who taught Shinbukan Kenjutsu.

Afterwards, there was a small tameshigiri (test cutting) demonstration and all attending were invited to test their ability with a shinken (live blade).

Nick Sleep Sensei attempting tameshigiri

At the end of the seminar, Ivica and Slobodan demonstrated their Chanbara technique and Choken Ryote, and Choken Iai contests were held between participants. As the Choken Iai contests were taking place, a school bus with approximately 50 school children arrived for a day trip around silver lake, and the children watched the Chanbara matches with great interest. Noting the children’s interest, Ivica asked them if they would like to participate. The seminar then finished with the school children participating in small Chanbara contests between themselves, with Ivica and Srdjan refereeing.

Ivica Zdravkovic and Srdjan Illic supervising Chanbara with school kids

The seminar was enjoyed by all who attended and it was good that KIAI members and good friends could meet again and share their knowledge and experience in kenjutsu.

English Sensei and students

End of Page