Not The Summer Camp

21st - 23rd March 2025

Sun, Sea and Shinai

Yōshinkan Kendo Club is delighted to announce the return of a long-running club tradition. A weekend of Kendo training, shiai and team building on the (hopefully) sunny Kapiti coast.

This year we are delighted to welcome Alan Stephenson Sensei, Kendo 7th Dan, Iaido 5th Dan. New Zealand's first kendoka to achieve 7th Dan while living in NZ. Now leading Otago Kendo Club, Alan Sensei was a founding member of Auckland Kendo Club, founder of Jun Shin Kan, Chairman of the NZKF, and Sensei to Patrick and Nick!

The aim of this camp is to forge strong bonds between our team members, create an opportunity for an extended period of training which will elevate the Kendo of the whole club, and have a great time while doing it!

This event is open to all Yōshinkan members.

Don’t forget your shinai and your togs!

Key Information

Event Dates: Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd March, 2025

(Some accommodation will be available from the afternoon of Friday 21st)

Training Venue: Paekākāriki Memorial Hall

98 The Parade, Paekākāriki, 5034

Accommodation Venue: Paekākāriki Holiday Park

180 Wellington Road, Paekākāriki, 5034

Cost:

Includes two days of training with some of the most Senior Sensei in NZ, entry in the club shiai, meals across both days of the camp and snacks.

With 2 nights’ accommodation - $144

With 1 nights’ accommodation - $110

Sign Up Deadline: Friday, 28th February

Sign up via the registration form here.

Event Contacts:

Darius Elphick, darius@yoshinkankendo.nz

Patrick Sharp, patrick@yoshinkankendo.nz

Event Plan

More details will be added to this section in the runnup to the event.

Friday 21st March

For those opting to travel up to Paekākāriki on the day before the summer camp kicks off, it will be possible to check-in after 1pm.

The event organisers will be arriving at the holiday camp throughout the afternoon.

All those in Paekākāriki on Friday night are welcome to join us for dinner with Alan Sensei at a local restaurant.

Saturday 22nd March

A day of keiko led by our guest Alan Sensei along with the Senior Sensei of Yōshinkan. The day will kick off at approx. 10am.

Lunch will be provided.

After Keiko is finished, there will be an opportunity for those arriving on the day to check into their rooms, and those who wish to can head to the sea to cool off with a group plunge!

In the evening, there will be a BBQ at Paekākāriki Holiday Park for all attendees.

Sunday 23rd March

Our second day will kick off with early morning Asa Geiko for those who wish to start the day in the best way!

Breakfast will be provided at the holiday park, and then the second day of training will kick off at the memorial hall.

The second day will include a club Shiai, the winner of which will take home a fabulous prize which will be revealed on the day.

The camp will finish at around 3pm.

Accommodation

We have arranged shared accommodation for the team in cabins at Paekākāriki Holiday Park.

Our booking consists of six cabins, with various shared sleeping arrangements, which can accommodate between 4 and 6 people each. In total, we have accommodation arranged for up to 27 people. See below for more information about the accommodation.

The venue provides cover sheets on the beds and pillows with clean slips. Guests need to bring a top sheet per bed, blankets and/or sleeping bags and towels. Remember, this is a camp rather than a luxury holiday :)

You can find out more about the cabins, and the holiday park, here.

Places will be allocated on a first sign up, first served basis, and we'll arrange for campers to be grouped by gender wherever possible. When signing up, please indicate which accommodation option you would prefer of the following:

Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd March

Duration: 2 Nights

Places Available: 15

Camp Cost: $144

Two nights are available in tourist flats. Each has an ensuite bathroom with shower, a kitchenette and dining area.

Tourist Flat 1: Up to four people. Double in seperate room, 2 single beds in lounge.

Tourist Flat 6: Up to six people. Double bed in lounge, 2 sets of bunk beds in seperate room.

Tourist Flat 8: Up to five people. Double in seperate room, 1 set of bunk beds and one single bed in lounge.

Saturday 22nd - Sunday 23rd March

Duration: 1 Night

Places Available: 12

Camp Cost: $110

One night is available in one of three Kitchen cabins. Each sleeps up to 4 people, has a kitchenette, dining room, and access to communal bathrooms.
Each Kitchen cabin contains a double bed, and 1 set of bunk beds.

FAQs

This section will be populated with questions which are raised by attendees in the runnup to the camp.

  • The cost of the camp will depend on whether you opt for one or two nights’ accommodation.

    1 Night: $110

    2 Nights: $144

    • Two days of kendo instruction and training with Senior Kendo Sensei, including guest sensei Alan Stephenson 7th Dan of Otago Kendo Club.

    • Entry in a club Shiai, with an amazing prize up for grabs.

    • Accommodation for either one or two nights.

    • Meals and snacks across both days of the camp.

    • Your Kendo equipment

      • Club equipment will be there as a backup

    • Overnight bag

    • Togs and towel

    • A sleeping bag or bedding

    • Any alcohol you intend to consume

  • Several cars will be driving up, and we will arrange carpooling where possible.

    As an alternative if required, Paekakariki is well served by regular trains from central Wellington.

  • Everyone currently training at Yōshinkan is welcome to attend the camp.

  • Sign up here.

  • Some of our team members have asked if it’s possible to arrange their own accommodation near the training venue. Although we encourage everyone to get involved in the camp and any post keiko socials as a team building opportunity, this can be accommodated. Contact the organisers.

  • It’s a running gag. Yōshinkan’s Summer Camp was delayed one year and took place in the late Autumn, and so was renamed the Not The Summer Camp.