British Kendo Association

Close up of the Korosho award presented to Mr Howell

For a whirlwind weekend, John Howell was invited to Japan by the ZNKR to be presented with the award of KOROSHO.

This award is given to mark a lifetime of service to Kendo. The citation that comes with the award shows just how John has served Kendo in this country and throughout the world.

The award citation reads:

“For the Administration and development of Kendo in the UK over 25 years

• President of the British Kendo Association 2005-2009.
• International Kendo Federation Board of Directors 1988 – 2009 (21 years)
• European Kendo Federation Board of Directors 1987 – 2009 (22 years)
• Appeared in various WKC as team member, team manager, and shimpan.
• He has worked as a Kendo Official not only in Britain, but also in the European and International Kendo scene on the board of Directors for over 20 years.
• He worked hard to popularise and grow kendo, not just in the UK, but world wide.
• In addition he also worked on the 12th WKC (Scotland) as an administrator.”

The Korosho was presented by Takeyasu Yoshimitsu, 8Dan Hanshi, President of both the ZNKR and the IKF, in the presence of the other Korosho selection board members Kagaya Senchi, Matsunaga Masami, Okuzono Kunioshi, Sugiyama Takao and Fukumoto Syuji, all 8Dan Hanshi. It seems that Mr. Howell is the first non-Japanese, youngest and lowest graded [at 7Dan Kyoshi] person to receive this prestigious award. In fact only six holders of Korosho, all Japanese, live outside Japan. At the same ceremony Korosho were awarded to Sensei Ueno, Kaku, and Sonodo, and a special Korosho was awarded to Sensei Tateo Morishima.

Such a signal honour to our ex President not only reflects his work for Kendo on the world stage, but also the high regard in which British Kendo is held in Japan. This is the result of John’s efforts over the years, and the efforts of others dating back to such stalwarts as Mr. R.A. Lidstone. The BKA is lucky to have such members.

John Howell is presented with his award by Takeyasu Yoshimitsu, 8Dan Hanshi, President of both the ZNKR and the IKF

Back Row Standing L to R are Mistunaga Masami, Okuzono Kuniyoshi, Kagaya Senchi, Sugiyama Takao, and Fukumoto Syuji. Front Row Sitting L to R are Sonoda Masaji, Ueno Satanori, Takeyesu Yoshimitsu, Kaku Toshihiko and John Howell.

The Korosho Award placque presented to Mr Howell

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