History of Mumeishi - Page 4

The Mumeishi 3’s tai kai is fundamental to Mumeishi Kendo training and after 10 years the first Mumeishi 3's Kendo Clubs tai kai was organised by the Melbourne Mumeishi membership. Holt sensei was invited to attend and has now made 4 trips to Australia.

With its philosophy firmly rooted in the early traditions of Japanese kendo practice, Mumeishi holds the winning of “the fighting spirit award” as its highest goal. Fighting spirit awards are given at every tai kai and to date Australian Mumeishi members have won six of these coveted prizes both here and overseas.

Some 16 years ago another famous kendo teacher, Professor Masatake Sumi Sensei 8th Dan began his long association with Mumeishi. This followed a meeting between Sumi Sensei and Holt Sensei in France where Holt Sensei invited him to the UK to take part in a Seminar. Sumi sensei has visited Mumeishi in the UK every year since and has formed a special bond with the club over the years. For many years it has been Brent’s dream to invite Sumi Sensei to Australia and in 2006 that wish was fulfilled when the club brought both Sumi Sensei and Holt Sensei to Australia.

In 1998 Brent was awarded 5th Dan in Japan and with Mumeishi now in its 20+th year here in Australia it's safe to say that we are in for the long haul. The club now has kendo ka ranked from beginner to 4th dan. Mumeishi’s previous sempai Ron Walker 3rd dan was a member of the New Zealand National team and has established a vigorous competitive element in the club which will see Mumeishi kendo ka vying for places in both State and National squads well into the future.

From the swinging sixties to the present day, the Mumeishi name has grown to become one of the most recognised kendo club names in the world. Sadly some of those early pioneers have passed away and they have been honoured in the UK by having three fighting spirit trophies in their names, The Peter Cronin, Connie Angell and Brian Kay, awards.

On 1st July 1998 our founder Sensei Terry Holt received The Japan Festival Award for outstanding achievements in furthering good understanding of Japanese culture in the UK. The Spirit of Mumeishi has continued to grow over the years. Unfortunately Mumeishi New Zealand closed its doors on the retirement from kendo of Mr Tony Crawford however with a new dojo now open in Tel Aviv Israel the Mumeishi name goes on.

Even after 20+ years Mumeishi Melbourne remains small yet our spirit and enthusiasm ensures that our training regime will always be concentrated on those aspects of our art that make it unique. The values of loyalty, honour and the strict observance of kendo ethics at all levels will help us continue well into the future.