Ivan: Kendo friend from Russia

Ivan is a researcher in methmatics/science from Russia. He came to Japan about three
years ago, and strated to practicing Kendo since then. He comes to practice Kendo twice
a weekto the same gym where Kazu practices.
He was playing boxing in Russia, and he is physically very strong, thus his progress in
Kendo was surprizingly fast. In two years, he passed the test of the 2nd Dan, and he will
challange the 3rd Dan test.
He comes regularly to the Kendo gym throughout the year, but he seems to be stronger in
winter. Summer heat and humidity seem to be too much for him, and the coldest season in
Japan seem to be just confortable for him.
Through Kendo, we became good friends, and our families became good friends, too.
Ivan's elder son call Kazu as "Ya Men", copying Kazu's shout when he practices Kendo.
Ivan's two sons like not only watching Kendo, but also playng it with soft sticks at home.
They might start practicing Kendo when they grows bigger.
He and his family will go back to St. Peterburg in Russia probably in a year or two.
Ivan already found a Russian Kendo group there in St. Petersburg. Kazu hopes that Ivan will
be able to continue to practice Kendo back in St. Petersburg,too. Then Kazu hopes to join
them in St. Petersburg. It will be an interesting experience to practice Kendo with Ivan
and his friends there in the future. (Not in winter where the temperature becomds minus
25 degrees or even lower.)
However Kazu's real wish is that Ivan and his family will stay here in Japan as long as
possible, and practice Kendo together.
(Photograph)
Ivan at the practice of Chugai Kendo Club. (Kazu's company team.) It is a good opportunity
for Kazu and Iven to practice Nitouryu (two sword system), too.
1) Ivan (left) practicing Kendo
2) Ivan (left) trying to hit Dou
3) Ivan (right) trying his Nitoryu (two swords system)