HISTORY OF THE LIDSTONE MEMORIAL TAIKAI
Few UK kendo events have a historical background as rich as the Lidstone Taikai. The late R. A. Lidstone (1895 - 10 Oct 1969) belonged to the first generation of kendo presence in the UK, who was particularly good at teaching beginners. Apart from being the first president of the BKA, outside kendo Squadron Leader R.A. Lidstone was known as a great western martial artist and fencer. More than 30 years ago, in the same gym where the regular Nenriki Dojo Friday night practice took place, Lidstone Sensei collapsed during practice, and passed away at the age of 74. This annual competition invites the kendo community to celebrate the founding of the dojo, in commemoration of the teacher and to carry on the heritage in British kendo.
Source: Wan.M (2004) The 87 Samurai
