taikai

Got everyone at the hotel, hit the 7-11 for lunch supplies, and trecked out to Meguro. Met Ishida-san on the train and we made it to the gym by 8:45am. Everyone changed, we got the place set up, and we were ready to go by 9:40am. Opening ceremonies, speeches and then we're off!
Started with 2dan division and Tony made it to 3rd place, despite his saya cracking, sending a piece of wood hurtling through space. Derek and Joanna and Colin all proceeded well, too, and I even managed to survive to face Tomonaga-san from Yamaguchi (last year's winner who beat Tanaka-sensei) for the finals.
Had lunch and Hiroko pulled out a huge bag of build-your-own fajitas parts, and then after lunch the Kanazawa-sensei demo'd karate, jo, tanjo, and sword.
In the afternoon we had the final rounds. John beat Colin (head shavin' time!), Tomonaga beat me, and everyone had fun.
After the closing ceremonies we headed back to the hotel before returning to Bloom Hall in Shibuya for the post-party. I was so fried I fell asleep during the party, but everyone was drinking and having a good time.
Hiroko finally took me home and the rest of the gang went to do Roppongi damage.