The Omori Masao Sensei Gasshuku Scholarship

 

Please note that the scholarship has been suspended for the year 2008.

 

All Interested Iaidoka:

    Please note that the Shin Ken Kai Omori Masao Sensei Gasshuku Scholarship is being offered to all interested Iaidoka who practice Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu. This scholarship is intended to go toward the cost of travel to and from Vancouver, British Columbia for the Summer Gasshuku.  All applications will be reviewed by Shin Ken Kai seniors and the successful applicant will be notified.

The scholarship will consist of:

  • Up to $1000 CDN Travel Subsidy to Vancouver, Canada
  • Homestay while attending the event
  • Seminar fee.


What is the Summer Gasshuku?

Each year Shin Ken Kai holds a three-day training session at the Steveston Marital Arts Center in Richmond, BC, Canada. The seminar is lead by Ken Maneker Sensei (renshi, rokudan, AJKF) and assisted by Cat Maneker (godan), David Williams (godan), Chee Ling (godan) and Peter Hubert (godan).  This intensive seminar runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day and covers the Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu curriculum, including the Tachi-uchi-no-kurai (partner practice) and the Zen Ken Ren kata.


Why is this scholarship being offered?

The senior members of Shin Ken Kai are anxious to share our practice with others but recognize that people do not have the funds to travel long distances for training. This scholarship, which we intend to award annually, will provide the funding for one person to attend and take what they have learned back to their fellow dojo members.


Who Can Apply?

Any person who is over 18 years of age and is practicing Iaido regularly may apply. Preference will be given to applicants who:

  1. Have the rank of  at least Nidan or be a dojo leader
  2. Have permission and support of their teacher(s)
  3. Have a reasonably good grasp of conversational English (the primary language of the seminar will be English)
  4. Belong to a dojo having 8 or more members.

NOTE: Applicants from outside of Canada must be able to fulfill Canadian Customs and Immigrations requirements (e.g. proof of citizenship, visa, health requirements, etc.). Shin Ken Kai cannot assist with or advise on Immigration matters other than to confirm that the event is taking place as indicated.


How to Apply?

Persons interested in applying should complete an Application Form and send it and a letter of recommendation from their teacher to:

Shin Ken Kai Scholarship
c/o Ken Maneker
2874 Yale St.
Vancouver, B.C. V5K 1C6
Canada

Or

e-mail the information to:

kensui@shaw.ca

***Application forms must be received by May 1, 2008***


Letter of Recommendation

Your application form must include a letter from your current teacher indicating:

  • s/he is aware of your intention to travel to this event
    his/her assessment of your current level of training and
  • his/her recommendation that you attend.

In case you are the teacher in your dojo please attach a letter describing:

  • The history of your dojo
    Your current student population (numbers and ages)
    The promotional progress of three or more of your students
  • Name and contact information for the President of your local Iaido/Kendo Federation.


Decision and Notification

The senior members of Shin Ken Kai will review all applications and select a primary and one or more alternate candidates by mid-May. The primary candidate will be contacted directly by Shin Ken Kai and travel arrangements will be made. If, for any reason, the primary candidate cannot attend, then an alternate will be contacted.

The decision of Shin Ken Kai is final and no member of the dojo will enter into discussions or negotiations other than with those selected as primary and alternate candidates.