SCKF HISTORY
What do you think is the most important aspect of the Sensei-student relationship? Is this something work on at every practice?
The Sensei and students learn together, and from each other. It is not one-way from the Sensei to students, it goes both ways.
Have you learned any important life-lessons from kendo?
It gave me the real understanding that nothing is impossible.
It taught me the importance of continuous endeavor and to work to reach goals.
It emphasizes the importance of respect of opponents through hard practice together.
Did you have any moments of regret related to Kendo?
I had the interruption period of nearly 10 years from the age 20 through 30. These periods of age are the best time of Kendo improvement. I regret to miss the kendo practice during such time.
Can you describe your ideal session of kendo practice? What would you work on? Why?
I pay my most attention to how to feel by body the chance of striking (Kikai) and how to create the chance of striking during jigeiko.
What has been a significant challenge for you in kendo?
From Araki senpai, I have learnt the strong Seme spirit as well as the basic striking during the high school time. And, I learned a lot from Sakurada sensei about the Riai kendo after I restarted the kendo practice since 10 years interruption.
What has been a significant challenge for you in kendo?
Keeping the proper posture, I like to make the proper striking utilizing my entire body power.
Who were some of the biggest influences in the development of your kendo? Can you elaborate on their influences?
From Araki-senpai, I have learned the strong Seme spirit as well as the basic striking during the high school time. And, I learned a lot from Sakurada-sensei about the Riai kendo after I restarted the kendo practice since 10 years interruption.
When did you last participate in an examination for Kendo promotion? What was the experience like?
My last promotional examination was on May 2, 2017 for 8 Dan in Kyoto, Japan. Though I couldn’t make it, it was one of my memorial events in my entire life.
Who was your primary sensei when you started Kendo?
As the school club member, all my seniors were the sensei to me and other members. Especially, Tachibana-senpai (two years elder), Kitamoto-senpai (two years elder) and Araki-senpai (one year elder) are good senseis to me as well as all freshmen for the club.
For the first two months, we did just Suri-ashi and Suburi (1,000 times) every practice (Mon through Sat).
Who was your primary sensei when you started Kendo?
As the school club member, all my seniors were the sensei to me and other members. Especially, Tachibana-senpai (two years elder), Kitamoto-senpai (two years elder) and Araki-senpai (one year elder) are good senseis to me as well as all freshmen for the club.
For the first two months, we did just Suri-ashi and Suburi (1,000 times) every practice (Mon through Sat).
When did you last participate in an examination for Kendo promotion? What was the experience like?
My last promotional examination was on May 2, 2017 for 8 Dan in Kyoto, Japan. Though I couldn’t make it, it was one of my most memorable events in my entire life.
How did you come upon kendo?
I just wanted to do it since the age of 14 or so during the time of Jr High School.
I did not have any relatives and/or friends who were practicing Kendo. So, it looked to be a very strange and curious world for me as a very young boy.
Did you start at a dojo different where you are now? If so, where?
I moved to Orange County from Japan in July 1998 due to my work. Then, I joined with CMKD. Ever since, I’ve been practicing at CMKD. I was the member of Nara Shobukan (奈良尚武館) in Nara, Japan.
SHORAKU, TAKAO
正楽 隆郎
7 DAN, KYOSHI
1949
Shoraku-sensei was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1949.
He started Kendo at the age of 15, just after starting high-school in Japan, being part of a club consisting of over 20 kenshi.
Shoraku-sensei became a sensei when he received his 4 Dan in 1984. He attained his 7 Dan in 2007 and holds a a Senior Advisor position at CMKD.
