Anime North 2009

Tokumeikan put on a demonstration of Japanese swordfighting at the Anime North convention in Toronto on Saturday, May 23, 2009. We also ran short workshops in Katori Shinto Ryu. 120 lucky fans of anime got the rare chance to try out some real samurai swordfighting techniques.



Anime North is Canada's premier fan-run anime convention and a major fund-raiser for SickKids Hospital in Toronto. This year, 14,800 people attended this event. Tokumeikan was proud to be a part of this event and to help out and contribute to such a worthy cause.



"Douglas Tong's demonstration and workshops were a big hit with our convention attendees, and were a welcome addition to Anime North 2009."
Donald Simmons - Head of Operations, Anime North

For more information about Anime North, look here.

Haru Matsuri 2009

The Tokumeikan Group performed their demonstration in Katori Shinto Ryu at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre as part of the JCCC's Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) on Sunday, March 8 from 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

Once again a very big thank you to everyone who participated to make yesterday's demo class a truly memorable event. We had a film crew come and film us. That was exciting. Many people came to watch our practice. We also had many friends and family come to watch our demonstration and also to enjoy the festivities at the JCCC on this special day. I could tell that many of them were impressed. You all did a great job performing. And I saw some great spirit and a lot of camaraderie.

Thank you once again and well done everyone!

____________________
Deep bow,
Douglas Tong
Tokumeikan

Road to Asia 2008

Tokumeikan once again demonstrated our practice of Katori Shinto Ryu at the JCCC's autumn festival, The Road to Asia 2008. Our Toronto and Niagara schools participated and it was a good chance for everyone to meet and enjoy a practice together. Join us at Haru Matsuri 2009, the JCCC's annual Spring Festival in March. Hope to see everyone there!

Sugino Sensei Seminar 2008

I know you will all join me in congratulating Dennis Wiens on successfully passing his shodan test in Katori Shinto Ryu with Sugino Sensei.

Dennis travelled to Quebec to see Sensei in October 2008 and was formally tested by Sugino Sensei himself. The test was gruelling and very detailed. But Dennis demonstrated his knowledge and technical ability well.

Dennis is now officially recognized by Sensei as being a part of that exclusive group, that family of practitioners sanctioned by him.

Well done, Dennis! Congratulations!!!

____________________

Douglas Tong

Interview with Sozen Sensei

For those who have had the pleasure of attending Sozen Sensei's wonderful seminars here in Canada, here is the interview that Mr. Tong had with Sozen Sensei during his time here. Enjoy!
Part 1
Part 2