University of Pittsburgh Kendo Dojo

Detroit Kendo Tournament on 2/19/2007

About 250 kenshi participated in the competition.

Small differences in timing determine whether a point is won or lost.

University of Pittsburgh Kendo Dojo members with the guest of honor, Harada sensei. Harada sensei is the 2005 All Japan Kendo Federation champion.

Front row: Tamotsu Shinotsuka, Consul General of Japan in Detroit; Satoru Harada sensei; Yoshiteru Tagawa sensei; Frank Matsumoto sensei. Back row: University of Pittsburgh Kendo Dojo members Rob Wierzbowski; Tae Jin Jeong; Titus Schleyer; Eric Gildea; Ken Mannka.

During lunchtime, Harada sensei practiced mohan keiko with several of the top kenshi in the United States.

Schleyer sensei sparring in the yon-dan and up division.

Hanaki sensei (Detroit) and Schleyer sensei at the beginning of their match.

At higher levels, the true understanding of kendo determines the outcome of a match much more than technical skill.

The matches concluded with the final team competition. This competition was judged by Ogimura sensei (Boston), Ariga sensei (Miami Valley) and Harada sensei.