On July 30th, 2011, Toronto Kendo Club marked its 30th anniversary with a historic gathering that drew kendoka from across North America and Europe. The celebration was highlighted by three remarkable teachers, led by Chiba Masashi Sensei, Hanshi 8th Dan. One of Japan's most distinguished kenshi, Chiba Sensei was a three-time All Japan Championships winner renowned for his unique jodan style and had served as Shihan of both the Keishicho (Tokyo Metropolitan Police) and Hitotsubashi University.

We were also honored by Taizo Kosugi Sensei, a master of multiple martial arts holding Kendo 7th Dan Kyoshi and Battodo 8th Dan Hanshi among his achievements. Founder of the Sigakukan dojo, his dedication to traditional martial arts spans over five decades.

The celebration was further enriched by Fujio Kimura Sensei, Kendo Kyoshi 5th Dan, whose distinguished career included leading the Oyagawa Kendo Kai where he taught over 200 students across three decades. A champion in his youth, he later served as mayor of Oshika-cho, Miyagi.

That celebration set a standard for excellence that we aim to honor and build upon with our upcoming 45th anniversary. It demonstrated how special events like these strengthen our connections within the kendo community and pass on valuable traditions to the next generation.