Another calendar grabber for all Club Kendo practitioners is the regional kyu grading opportunity that is being hosted by the Brisbane Kendo Club on Saturday 20 March.

Unfortunately, I have a pre-existing commitment that weekend and will be unable to directly support on the day. However, I would strongly urge all kendo members from Toowoomba to support the event.

There have been some proposed changes made by the AKR Kendo board to the requirements for grading, including the eligibility to challenge for grade based on time training and time as a financial member of the AKR/QKR.

The March opportunity will be the first SEQ regional grade held since Toowoomba hosted one in 2018. Given the changes to the MoD regarding grading, regional opportunities are likely to increase in frequency, and become a more usual pathway for junior grade advancement than the bi-annual State seminars. Currently, there is some discussion at the QKR Executive and Dojo Leader level regarding a similar arrangement for Iaido. I will certainly communicate any developments in that space.