I’ve been away from the dojo for several weeks on vacation and work trips. While I was away, I received a phone call from Sensei Gill from the St. Catharines Kendo Club. He informed me that due to health reasons, he was closing the St. Catharines Kendo Club.
First and foremost, I wish Sensei Gill the best possible outcome in dealing with his health challenges and thank him for his years of dedication to kendo. Sensei and I had previously had discussions about what would happen if he closed the club. He wanted to know if his students would be welcome at ours. The answer of course: yes. With open arms.
The closure of the St. Catharines Kendo Club means the Hayakawa Kendo Club is the only dojo in Niagara offering kendo training. This is a challenge. Kendo in Canada is already obscure. Losing a dojo means even less exposure for our art.
I am pondering ways to keep kendo in St. Catharines. We had a foray into running classes in St. Catharines several years back but the time commitment required on my part was too great. No promises, but I’m still pondering.
This is the new reality of kendo in Niagara today. Challenges and opportunities. Such is life.
Enjoy the ride. I look forward to seeing you in the dojo.