The last month and a half since the tournament has been quite tough. Having to shuttle the kids back home due to kata practice has left me with little time to keiko (spar).

Then two weeks ago we lost a family member to a tragic bicycle accident.

It’s times like these that remind you of what is important in life. To paraphrase a speech that Murakami sensei AUSKF president made to the children at the grand opening of the butokuden dojo in irvine (or was it the AUSKF junior tournament in Kent, WA?):

there are three priorities in life: family, studies and kendo; don’t neglect family.

Tonight will be my first full practice since then.