Taniyama Sensei's Visit
November 1997


In our most ambitious project yet, the WKA sponsored two women kenshi from Japan, Yurika Taniyama of the Kyoto Police Department and her former kendo classmate Nahoko Yamamoto. Miho Kinoto, another former classmate, also came at her own expense. They arrived Monday 11/17 and departed Sunday 11/23, which made for a very tight schedule!

Taniyama sensei has had a very successful kendo career in Japan and was the captain of the Japan Women's A team at the 10th World Kendo Championships in 1997. Yamamoto-san and Kinoto-san also have impressive kendo credentials. See bios.

Tragically, on her first evening here Taniyama-san suffered a torn calf muscle during the keiko at Chuo Dojo and spent the remainder of her trip in a cast. However she was a real trooper and not only participated in the full week's activities (minus kendo) but managed to put on a great seminar from her wheelchair on Saturday.

Many, many thanks to everyone who helped out during Taniyama-san's visit!

Event Summary
Date Activities
Monday
11/17/97
Morning arrival
Ontario Mills: sightseeing/shopping
Keiko & potluck @Chuo Dojo
Tuesday
11/18/97
Disneyland
Keiko & potluck @San Diego Dojo
Tijuana city lights
Wednesday
11/19/97
Brunch
Rockclimbing
San Diego Zoo
Turkey potluck dinner @Jean's
Thursday
11/20/97
LAPD tour
LA sheriffs drive-along
Keiko & potluck @Covina Dojo
Friday
11/21/97
Universal Studios
Keiko & potluck @Norwalk Dojo
Shopping
Saturday
11/22/97
Brunch
Women's Seminar @Norwalk Dojo 2-5pm
Godo Keiko @NOR 5-6pm
Sayonara dinner @Todai Restaurant, 7pm

LA city lights from Griffith Park
Sunday
11/23/97
Morning departure for Kyoto

Except for the LAPD/sheriffs tour on Thursday and the women's seminar on Saturday, all activities were open to everyone (male and female kenshi from any federation, friends, spouses, etc).

Here is a more detailed summary of who did what.

For additional planning notes see past entries.

Again, our sincere thanks to everyone who supported us in our fund raising events, donated monetarily, and helped out during Taniyama-san's visit!


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