After the training, Townsville 2014.

Pictured after a day at training in Townsville, 2014, on the top of local lookout spot Castle Hill, are Sekiguchi Sensei, Dean Nixon-Harding Sensei, and Probst Sensei.  Dean Sensei took us for this detour on the way home after training once evening.

In the background can be seen part of Magnetic Island, another local attraction and recommended sightseeing area, with koalas, kangaroos, and some sea turtles as well swimming in the ocean around the island.

A picture from the Twonsville 2014 seminar: front of lineup is Paul Venn Sensei, recently made Shibucho of Townsville. Those who have known Paul for some years feel that he has really "levelled up" in terms of his sowrdsmanship in recent times. Paul is currently getting busy organising the 2015 seminar. Sugoi!

Sonoko Sensei's first visit to Australia and Townsville For the annual Komei Juku Australia Seminar 2014. Big thank you to Sonoko for all her tireless help.

Townsville Seminar 2014 September

Sonoko Nakano Beers
Portland U.S.A. Shibucho


My first visit to Australia, brought me to Townsville. A destination with an 

especially kind nature, filled with warm and beautiful people.

It was my great pleasure to translate Sekiguchi Sensei’s instruction and, 

even more importantly, Sensei's lecture. I hope it helped deepen everybody's 

love for, and knowledge of, Iai Jutsu. My goal was to help facilitate a wider 

view, not only of our technique but also, of Iai Jutsu's historical and cultural 

perspective by making my best effort to translate of Sekiguchi Sensei lessons 

accurately quickly. Sekiguchi Sensei's instruction is important for all of the 

students of Komei Juku to understand and it is always my pleasure and duty to 

assist.

 I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and acceptance I received from 

all of the wonderful members of Komei Juku Townsville. I deeply appreciated 

everyone’s warm hearts. I was impressed by the students' genuine efforts to 

learn Iai Jutsu from Sekiguchi Sensei. It inspired me to see serious students 

value Sekiguchi Sensei instruction. 

 One night was especially nice, as Dean Sensei’s mother invited us to a BBQ. 

It was wonderful night. The gathering brought us closer to each other because 

of Dean Sensei’s mother’s wonderful hospitality. It was a wonderful night that 

I will remember. Each day Dean Sensei and his family provided a wonderful environ-

ment to train and learn. Their kind hearts and continuous support made the seminar 

a great success. Dean Sensei's excellent organizational skills made sure the 

seminar ran smoothly.




Last, and possibly cutest, were the wild Wallabies Dean Sensei and Scott-san 

took myself and Sekiguchi Sensei to see. They were adorable and there were so 

many of them. It was my first time seeing wild Wallabies and I loved it!

In closing, I offer my deep thanks and appreciation for the exceptionally 

considerate care we received in Townsville. Kindness is plentiful in Townsville, 

as is the love of Iai Jutsu!