Sedgley Iaido instructors picked for British team

Sensei's (instructors) of a local Sedgley based club, Karl Gibbons from Dudley who has been practising the sport for 30 years and Andrew Davis from Kingswinford who took gold at the European Championships in Paris 2010 have been appointed Head Coach and Team Manager for the British team.

Karl Gibbons, Sensei and now British Head Coach said "I was quite shocked when I was first asked if I would be interested, I feel it is a great honour for me personally, and my sword club. We look forward to giving the team the best possible platform for success"

Iaido is the art of drawing a sword before your opponent in order to gain an advantage in combat. Today, the object of Iaido is to develop one's mind, body and spirit. The emphasis is on developing the ability to remain calm and in control, especially when under pressure or facing a difficult situation.

Anybody can practice Iaido because there is obviously no physical contact. Participants learn to perform a series of very detailed Kata (scenarios) starting with drawing the sword, cutting to where the opponent would be and re-sheathing the sword.

The Ren Shin Kan Dojo (club) where the two teach is one of the most successful groups in the Midlands with most of their members training with the British squad, competing at a national and international level.

Mr Gibbons tells us about what happens next: "Our first task will be to pick the team and prepare for the European Championships in Montpellier, France, which will take place in November."

Members range from around the Black Country and Birmingham and have won a number of individual championship titles and medals in the past few years.

When asked about being chosen for team manager, Mr Davis said "The appointments are a testament to how much the club has achieved in such a short time. This role will allow me to give something back by becoming more involved and developing a stronger team."

There are two styles; Seitei, which is a modern version developed for competitions and grading, and Koryu, which is seen as the classic style.

The team will be competing at the British Kendo Associations Iaido National Championships in Stevenage on July 13 and 14.

* For more information on how to get involved yourself, classes are held every Tuesday and Friday at Sedgley Methodist Church between 7-8.30pm. The first class is free and new members are made to feel welcome by all. Beginners start with wooden swords and gradually work their way up to the real thing. Visit the Ren Shin Kan Iaido website www.renshinkaniaido.co.uk or contact Karl Gibbons on 07879476120 or email Hannah Davies at Hannah_02_davies@hotmail.co.uk for more information.