December 3rd - The hall at Ullenhall is not available tonight, so the training session is cancelled.
September 17th - The hall at Ullenhall is not available tonight, so the training session is cancelled
September 3rd - The hall at Ullenhall, Warwickshire, is not available tonight, so the training session is cancelled.
August 18 - 27 - Classes as normal at Solihull and Ullenhall. They will be taken by John Goldsby. For Leominster club, contact Graham for details. Other instructors are attending the BKA 2010 Summer Iaido and Jodo Seminars with Oshita s. 8th dan Hanshi, Morita s. 8th dan Hanshi (both iaido) and Otaki s. 8th dan (Jodo) 7th dan (iaido).
August - I have been notified by the BKA that Rob Wix and James MacGillis have registered with Katsujinken Dojo as their Iaido and Jodo dojos. Thank you both for choosing us.
August 4th - in a dojo grading held in Solihull, Rob Wix was awarded 5th kyu Jodo, and Dan Fentham, Frederic Baxter and James MacGillis were awarded 6th kyu Jodo. The panel consisted of Patrick 3rd dan, and Matt Smith and John Golsby, both 2nd dan.Congratulations to all concerned.
July - Welcome to James Mc, Rob Wix and 'Elle', who have joined us from their kendo dojo in Nottingham.
June 25 - Nigel Watson was graded and awarded 5th kyu iaido, at Eki dojo in Ullenhall. Congrat's Nigel.
June 23rd - Dan Fentham and Chris were both graded at the Solihull dojo. Dan was awarded 5th kyu iaido, and Chris 6th kyu. Congratulations to youi both.
May 16th. Goioa Barnbrook (Solihull) and Ben McCaffry (Leominster) were both awarded ikkyu at the 1st West Mids Dojo Seminar. Congratulations to you both. Two candidates from Masamune also attained Ikkyu, so congrat's to them also.
May 15th/16th Katsujinken hosted the first West Midlands Regional seminar, a joint venture by Katsujinken, Heijoshin, Ren Shin Kan, Myoken-Phoenix and Masamune. The course was led by Vic Cook sensei, 7th dan and Fay Goodman 7th dan. 13 candidates were awarded Ikkyu. A big thank you to all those who helped get this event up and running, and the 56 people who turned up for the seminar.
May 12th - Freddie Baxter, Daniel Fentham and Nigel Watson were awarded 6th kyu at Solihull. The panel were John Golsby, Matt Smith and John Shaw. Congratulations to all of you.
April 2nd - Welcome to James Gilchrist, who joins us in the Leominster dojo. And we also welcome (back) Ben McCaffrey to Leominster.
March 21st - Congratulations to John Golsby on being awarded 2nd Dan Jodo at the BKA Spring Seminar. Our thanks go to Jim Jones sensei, from Northampton for partnering John during todays training and grading sessions. Mr Jones is one of our visiting teachers. This is especially pleasing for those of us who know how much John has gone through in the last 3 years with a serious back injury.
March 7th - Congratulations to Peter Flavin who received his Ikkyu in Barnstaple today.
March 6th - 7th The BKA West Country seminar will be held in Barnstaple. We have one student from Leominster dojo going for a national grading. We all wish Peter (no presure) Flavin the best in his attempt.
March 3rd - Jonathan Edwards is leaving us to follow his career. We have introduced him to Eishinkan Dojo, Bishops Stortford, under Chris Buxton sensei. He is always welcome back to visit us. Good luck from all here in Katsujinken.
February 24 - Peter Flavin was graded to 2nd kyu at Leominster, by Graham Turner. This is the first grade awarded in Leominster.Jonathan Edwards was awarded 3rd Kyu at Solihull by Patrick, John Golsby and Matt Smith. Congratulations to you both.
Jan 8th - Katsujinken Dojo had been invited to provide a fortnightly 'Japanese Sword' class for students TAG sessions, at NINESTILES SCHOOL, Birmingham. These are sessions the students have chosen to add to the normal curriculum. For 6 classes we will be teaching the first kata's of Tachi Uchi no Kurai to a group of 12-14 students aged between 11 - 16, and Mr. Aylin, the teacher who arranged this activity. As a dojo we welcome any opportunity to interact with our local community. Please feel free to contact us. So far Patrick and John Golsby have been in attendance, but all dojo members are welcome to contribute.
Jan 1st 2010, Our practice centre in Leominster became a fully fledged BKA dojo.We all wish Grahan Turner and his students the best of luck with this stage of their development.
Wed 9th Dec, Peter Flavin and Jonathan Edwards were awarded 4th kyu in a dojo grading led by Matt Smith, with John Golsby and Patrick Breheny. Congratulations to them both.
Wed. Nov. 18th John Golsby presented Katsujinken with its' own Kamiza. Thanks John, we will no longer have to rei to a blank wall.
There are new photos in the gallery, from Brighton Summer School 2009.
It's that time of year again - renewals! BKA renewal forms will be with you soon, so remember, your dojo is Katsujinken, no 197. Katsujinken memberships remain at £10, and the money is used for payment of dojo registraion with the BKA, and coach insurance. This year (2010) there will be at least 4 insured coaches, Patrick, Eki, John Golsby and Mattew Smith.
Katsujinken and Masamune dojos are combining for the 2009 Christmas meal. Goodman sensei has booked Woks Hall in Solihull for Sunday Dec 6th, at 7 o'clock. She has reserved the 'small' room at the rear of the restaurant, with the Kareoke facility. After last years Katsujinken meal - bring your own ear-plugs!
Matt Smith and John Golsby have been appointed Sempai, or senior students for Iaido in Katsujinken Dojo. Matt Smith has also been appointed Sempai for Jodo at Katsujinken. This takes effect from November 5th, 2009.
Darlington Nov 1st. The 2009 Darlington Seminar weekend culminated with an Iaido and Jodo grading. Matt Smith (Solihull) was awarded 2nd dan Jodo. Jerry Connaughton (Solihull), James KirkPatrick (Leominster) and Kevin Ainsley (Leominster) all were awarded Ikkyu Iaido. Congratulations to all of them, an the other successfull candidates. Kevin re-located to Darlington, and currently practices with the local club, under Lee Mountain sensei.
Summer School 2010 News - to be held in Brighton, and will consist of 2 days of seitei iaido, with a grading on the afternoon of the second day. Then 2 days of Koryu iaido, with a taikai on the afternoon of the second day, and finally 3 days of Jodo, with a grading on the 3rd day.
Saturday Oct 17th and 24th will have extra training sessions from 9:00 - 10:30. See Patrick for details of location.
Wednesday Oct. 7th - At a dojo grading held at Solihull dojo, Ben McCaffery and James Kirkpatrick were both awarded 2nd Kyu. Steve Stopps was awarded 4th kyu and Liz Ellis and Jonathan Edwards were both awarded 5th kyu. The grading panel were Mike Reilly,4th dan, Graham (Eki) Turner, 4th dan and Patrick Breheny, 4th dan. Congratulations to all candidates.
Wednesday Sept 30th. - Liz Ellis joined the dojo.
Wesnesday Sept 23rd. - Jonathan Edwards and Darren Watford joined the dojo.
Wednesday Sept. 16th - For the first time we practiced Tachi Uchi no Kurai in Katsujinken.
Wednesday Sept 9th - James Kirkpatrick was awarded 3rd kyu, and Steve Stopps was awarded 6th kyu at a dojo grading held this evening. Congratulations to you both.
Wednesday August 26th - welcome to new member Dan Jamieson, our newest member.
Monday August 24th, Congratulations to Gioia (Look, I spelt it correctly) Barnbrook, whose A level results will take her to Aberdeen University in about a months time. Our loss, Aberdeens gain (I believe that the kendo club up theremay have one or two iaidoka in their midst!) We are going to miss you, little miss Mankiller (in-dojo ref to her jodo skills)
Wednesday August 19th, return to normal class schedule.
Wednesday August 12th. there will be no classes tonight, as all coaches are at Summer School with Ishido, Morita, Oshita, Otaki and Shoji senseis.
Wennesday 5th August at a dojo grading held at Solihull, Ben McCaffry was awarded 4th kyu, and Peter Flavin was awarded 5th kyu. Congratulations to both.
Wednesday August 5th. we will be having two hours of Iaido. We will return to our regular Jodo class after Summer School.
To all members of katsujinken Dojo - the new BKA constitution has a level of dojo representatives as part of its' structure. The representative (one per bu - we have two, iaido and jodo) are appointed to represent the dojo, and further democracy within the BKA. If any member would like to be considered for these roles, please contact Patrick and let him know.
Wednesday June 24th was Katsujinkens 3rd anniversary. To celebrate, a Jodo grading was held, and Gioa Barnbrook and John Shaw were both awarded 2nd kyu Jodo. Congratulations to you both.
Wednesday June 24th we welcomed Peter Flavin, the dojos latest member.On May 27th we welcomed Andrew Mackay.
Saturday June 20th, Patrick and John Golsby, along with local dojo leaders Scott Halls and Mike Reilly-Fontaine, attended a Kyudo (Japanese archery) taster session in Staffordshire. For details of future sessions, stay tuned here!
June 8th and 15th Patrick will be taking the classes at Mike Reillys Coventry dojo, Shinmyoken, as Mike is on holiday. Anyone wishing to join us for an extra training session, iaido and jodo, is welcome. Contact us for details of the dojo location. Class times are Monday 7 8 Iaido, 8 - 9 jodo.
May 30th. The BKA held its AGM in Coventry. About 85 members turned up to vote in a new constitution by 74 votes to 7, with 4 abstentions.
March 13th Kevin Ainsly attended a dojo grading at Eki Dojo , Ullenhall, and was awarded 5th Kyu. Congratulations to Kevin. The panel consisted of Graham Turner, Patrick Breheny and John Golsby.
March 8th 2009 - Matt Smith was awarded 2nd dan iaido, and John Shaw was awarded 1st dan iaido at the BKA Seminar held at Barnstaple. Congratulations to you both, and all of our fellow practitioners from Ren Shin Kan, Heiijoshin and Masamune dojos, who also were successfull at the seminar.
February 25th. Mick Slater's good lady wife presented him with a bouncing (10 lbs 12 oz) baby boy at 7.02 this morning. Congratulations to you both, and I'm sure the whole dojo would wish to pass on their best wishes to you both and the new arrival
February 18th, a dojo grading was held for Ben McCaffry, who was awarded 6th kyu iaido. Congratulations Ben.
February 11th, a dojo grading session was held, and the following grades were awarded. Goioa Barnbrook 2nd kyu Iaido, Mick Slater 5th kyu, iaido, James Kirkpatrick 5th kyu iaido, and Kevin Ainsley 6th kyu iaido. The grading panel were Patrick Breheny, Graham Turner and John Goldsby.
January 28th Goioa Barnbrook was awarded 3rd kyu jodo and John Shaw awarded 4th kyu jodo. Congratulations to you both. The grading panel was Patrick Breheny, John Golsby and Matt Smith.
December 12th (Friday) Christmas Knosh-up, at Woks Hall, Solihull, at 8:00 pm, in the 'Private Room' at the back of the restaurant. Kareoke and Fancy dress may be possible, but eating lots of good food will be a definate! Please let me know if you will be joining us.
November 27th - Reminder time, 2009 dojo membership subscriptions are now due, at £10 pa.
November 18th Patrick Breheny and Graham Turner were appointed as BKA Regional Coaches (Iaido)
November 9th,2008, The following grades were awarded to Katsujinken members at the 2008 Darlington Iaido and Jodo Seminars, held over the week-end of the 8th & 9th November. Patrick Breheny & Graham Turner were both awarded 4th Dan iaido, John Golsby was awarded 3rd dan iaido, and Jon Shaw was awarded Ikkyu iaido. Matt Smith was awarded 1st dan Jodo. Congratulations to all who participated, and our colleagues in Masamune, Heijoshin and Ren Shin Kan dojos' who also achieved success in their gradings.
October 8th, 2008, Goya Barnbrook was awarded 4 kyu Jodo. Congratulations to her on this effort.
October 1st, 2008. Jones sensei will be leading a 2 hour jodo session tonight. All those interested in jodo are welcome.
August 22 - Summer School Jodo grading results
David Piela and Matthew Smith were awarded Ikkyu Jodo grades on the final day of the 2008 BKA Summer School. The chairman of the grading panel was Otaki sensei, 8th dan.Congratulations to them both.
Kyu Grading - late announcement
During May a dojo kyu grading was held, and John Shaw was awarded 4th kyu, Paul Moynahan 5th Kyu and Paul Chear 5th kyu. Sorry about the delay in announcing the event. Congratulations to you all.
August 17th - August 22nd BKA Summer School
Iaido and Jodo seminar led by Oshita Sensei 8th Dan Kyoshi, and Morita sensei 8th Dan Kyoshi in Stevenage. Hosted by the BKA.
Wednesday 20th August
There will be no class tonight. Instructors are attending the BKA Summer Seminar.
Friday July 18 John Shaw was awarded 3rd kyu .
At an impromptu grading held at Grahan Turners private dojo (Eki Dojo, Ullenhall, West Midlands), John Shaw was awarded 3rd kyu. Congratulations John. Now aim for Darlington.
Saturday 31st May 2008 - BKA AGM
The AGM will be held at Lode Heath School, Lode Lane, Solihull at 2:00 pm.There will be a pre AGM meeting for members of the Iaido & Jodo Bu's, starting at 12:00pm. It is very important that ALL members who can possibly get there does.
March 15th, Cambridge Coaching Course
John Golsby is awarded BKA level 1 Coaching Qualification
March 7th - 8th Watchet Seminar, Somerset.
Matt Smith receives his Shodan iaido at Watchet
The regular spring Iaido seminar hosted by Tsunami Dojos , (Adrian Rowe sensei). Currently 5 dojo members are hopeing to grade.
February 22nd, 2008 A forum has been introduced, and hopefully this will add to the website informative value. You may need to access the forum via the 'Contact' page.
February 20th, 2008 Alan Nash sensei (jodo 2 hours)
February 6th, 2008 Jock Hopson sensei to lead 1st class in new dojo.
The badminton/sports hall used as a dojo by Katsujinken Dojo is being closed, and all activities moved to the new sports facility being built on the same site. Hopson sensei, has accepted our invitation to take the opening classess. Photos soon.
January 23rd, 2008 Last class in current dojo (subject to building completion)
January 16th - Dojo grading - Jerry Conaughton attained 2nd kyu iaido, Goya Barnbrook and Jonathan Shaw attained 5th kyu iaido. Well done to all of you.
December 15th - Christmas Meal at Woks Hall - contact me to book your place. Patrick
November 10th- 11th, 2007 Darlington seminar Iaido & Jodo
Matt Smith becomes the first Katsujinken student to attain a BKA grade award (Ikkyu Iaido). Congratulations also to Lawrence Campbell (Masamune) Shodan Jodo, Dave Green, (Ren Shin Kan) Ikkyu Iaido, Dan Oram, John Ranford and Mike Molloy (Heijoshin) Ikkyu Iaido. Well done all West Midlands dojo, and their sensei.
October 21st, 2007 Graham Turner sensei will take the classes.
October 24th, 2007 Alan Nash sensei (Jodo 2 hours)
Three members of the class were awarded 2nd kyu. Congratulations to David Piela, Matt Smith and Anthony Nash.
October 17th, 2007 Iaido Kyu grading
September 26th 2007 Alan Nash sensei first regular Jodo session - all welcome
September 19th Kyu Grading
September 12th Kyu Grading
August 15th 2007 No classes tonight due to Summer School attendance
August 15th - 17th 2007 BKA Summer School Jodo & Koryu Iaido - Brighton
August 12th -14th 2007 BKA Summer School Iaido with 6 Japanese Sensei - Brighton
August 5th & 6th 2007 BKA (open) Squad Training, Stevenage, Iaido & Jodo
July 7th & 8th 2007 BKA Iaido and Jodo National Championships - Brighton
July 4th 2007 Kyu Grading
June 27 2007 1st Anniversary with Kendo, Kenjutsu and Tameshigiri
See Overview page for full details.
Thanks to all who participated in the evening, and helped make this a night to remember.
May 2007 Kyu Grading
Nov 8 2006 Kyu grading
June 28 2006 Katsujinken opening night
