Ballarat Kendo Iaido Jodo Club

David , Peter & Gary discussing beards!

I first saw Kendo performed in Melbourne a couple of years before I moved to Ballarat, and I thought that it was the best thing that I had ever seen (I was practising Karate at the time). I didn’t do anything about it at the time (my mistake)until my wife and myself moved to Ballarat.

Upon seeing an advertisment for Kendo in the local newspaper, I knew that this was an opportunity not to be missed, that was in 1992. After a few stops and starts, due to starting a family, I finally committed properly to kendo in 1998 and I have not looked back since.

I have been fortunate enough to represent Victoria on three occasions and made many friends both locally and interstate because of it.

I obtained Shodan (black belt) in March 2005 and feel that I have started all over again, but it only creates new challenges for me in the coming years.

After 2 1/2 years of furthering my Kendo, I obtained my Nidan ( 2nd degree black belt) in September 2007, this was quite an occasion as it was far tougher mentally than it was physically, which is not what i expected.

Now I am on the road to further my Kendo, and hopefully not encounter too many potholes!

You must not only aim aright, but draw the bow with all your might.

Henry David Thoreau