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About us Christchurch Aotearoa Kendo Club. Christchurch Aotearoa Kendo Club is one of 2 Kendo Clubs in Christchurch. The major difference between our club and the other Christchurch Kendo Club, is that in addition to the normal affiliation to the New Zealand Kendo Federation (NZKF) and All Japan Kendo Federation, we are also affiliated to the Korean Kumdo Association as an overseas branch. The majority of our members are native Koreans, and most of the time, instructions are given in Korean. This is not an issue for english-only-speaking members - it simply provides another aspect to the learning! Actually, I think this makes us luckier than most NZ Kendo clubs, as we can learn and practice, NZKF/AJKF Kendo including the Kata, Korean Kumdo Kata, elements of Japanese, and elements of Korean! In an increasing multi-cultural world, I think this is great. A Brief History : Christchurch Aotearoa Kendo Club was formed by an instructor Dong-Ho Choo (3rd dan) in October 2000. In the following year, a chief instructor Jong-Jae Park (6th dan) and an assistant instructor Hyun-Jin Park (3rd dan) have joined. In August 2002, the club was affiliated to the Korean Kumdo Association as an overseas branch. After that the club was named in Korean which can translate as Aotearoa (white cloud) - hence Christchurch Aotearoa Kendo Club. The first kyu grading was held in August 2002, and five members had gained sho-dan in September 2003. In April 2004, we had a memorable event that we invited three 8th dan sensei's from Korea who supported and instructed dan-grading and shiai competition. Since then the club has grown in membership and currently more than 40 members are training Kendo in our club. Visitors and beginners are welcome at any time, however it is best if you contact one of the Instructors beforehand to ensure there has been no change to the normal schedule and that appropriate equipment is available for you. Mr Park is the best contact person for beginners. We look forward to seeing you! |
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Dong Ho Choo (4th dan) Mob: 0274-756-629 Email: kum-choo@hanmail.net |
Hyun Jin Park (4th dan) Mob: 021-923-903 Email: brianpark518@gmail.com |
George McNeur Mob: 021-139-3669 Email: george.mcneur@gmail.com |