Shiraoka Kendo Kai

31/08/2026

Cutting from the Hara

I was talking to my students recently, having remembered that I have this blog, and asking whether any of them had questions they’d like answering. I thought it might give me a subject for a future article and one of the questions that came up was, “How do we cut from the hara?” It’s an interesting question and it sent me down something of a rabbit hole....

19/06/2026

🏆 SHIRAKOA CUP 2026 RESULTS 🏆
​First, apologies for the delay in getting these out, but a huge thank you to everyone who traveled, competed, and supported the event! You made it an unforgettable competition. 🔥

​Here is who took home the honors this year:
​👥 Team Results
🥇 1st: Quack
🥈 2nd: The Silver Horde
🥉 3rd: Big Buff Boys Brigade & Shirakoa 2: Electric Tarenamu

✨ Fighting Spirit: Raphael Bernardo
​👤 Individual Results
🥇 1st: Ruairidh Pooler
🥈 2nd: Kotaro Danno
🥉 3rd: Dez Whitson & Sam Dawson
✨ Fighting Spirit: Yui Gibson

​🙏 A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors
We couldn't do this without the incredible support of Kendo Star, Toltec Systems, and HSL Compliance. Thank you for backing our community!
​See you all next year! ⚔️
​

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

Tournament Registration extended to Thursday!
So you still have time to register a team and individual, June 10th. Because we need to finalize the brackets,

📅 Event Date: Saturday, June 13th, 2026
📍 Venue: Sir Matt Busby Sports Centre, Bellshill
🥋 Categories: 3-Person Teams, Individuals,
👉 Secure your tournament entry here: Shiraoka Cup Registration

https://shiraoka.square.site/

🍛 Saturday Night Meal & Deposit Details 🍻
We are planning a group meal at 7:00 PM after the tournament, and we would love for you to join us for a curry and a few drinks!

📍 Where: Bombay Cottage, 4 Lower Auchingramont Rd, Hamilton, ML3 6HW

💰 Deposit: £5 per person to secure your spot.
👉 Pay Your Deposit Here:

https://square.link/u/zWF4WOOe

⚠️ Important Meal Deadline: We must confirm final numbers with the restaurant by TOMORROW, Wednesday, June 10th at 5:00 PM. Please ensure you have registered and paid your deposit by then.
Don't miss your chance to step onto the shiai-jo and celebrate with everyone afterward. Get those entries and meal deposits in before tomorrow's deadlines!

07/06/2026

Huge congratulations to our very own Sam Dawson 🎉
​Sam passed his Sandan today at the BKA Western Seminar. Fantastic work, Sam—your hard work and dedication continue to inspire everyone at the club. Keep it up! 💪
​

07/06/2026

I hope you are all gearing up for the Shirokoa Cup next weekend! We are really looking forward to seeing everyone there.

We are planning a group meal at 7:00 PM at:

Bombay Cottage 4 Lower Auchingramont Rd, Hamilton, ML3 6HW Visit

If you would like to join us for a curry and a few beers, please register and pay the £5 deposit using the link below:

https://square.link/u/zWF4WOOe

🗓️ Important Deadline

We need to confirm final numbers with the restaurant by Wednesday, June 10th at 5:00 PM. Please make sure you have registered and paid by then to secure your spot.