Matthew Sykes-Gelder is from Radelfingen, Switzerland, and is a member of the Shin Ho Kan Dojo for Iaido and the Sakura Dojo for Jodo, both in the Swiss capital of Bern.

Matthew has been training for over 20 years, during which time has become assistant teacher in the Iaido dojo and is the organisational leader for Iaido and Jodo in the Swiss Kendo + Iaido federation, having managed several national and international events to help with the progression and enjoyment of these arts in Switzerland and Europe.

Matthew holds the rank of Godan in Iaido, Yondan in Jodo and Shodan in Kendo, and has been a regular member of the Swiss Iaido and Jodo national team; winning two bronze medals in the Iaido and Jodo European Championships.

In this episode, we talk about transitions in budo corresponding with transitions in life, we talk about the benefits of hosting national and international events for the participants as well as for the organizers, and the importance of developing a strong network of instructors and practitioners across many countries.

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