[Fellionas]

I'm in Beijing with my brother Blake for the Combat Games, and we were quite worried to see the devastation in our hometown of Christchurch in NZ following this morning's earthquake. I hope all the people in the Chch kendo clubs are okay.

How is the dojo? Being in an old buidling, I suspect it will be quite damaged. Please take care, and keep us posted.

[GennadiyRom]

Hi Alex and Blake,

Not to worry, we are all fine! Keiko this morning was cancelled though, because the city is cordoned off. That and the building may well fall down around our ears! Actually Karl sneaked in and had a look, our building is still standing, although one a few along had the whole front fall off apparently. But we are not going to go in until we have talked to the owner's after they have a structural engineer come assess the place - I think it was about to fall down before the earthquake, so we shall ave to be careful! Hope all the bogu etc is fine.

As to the rest of the damage, it has been an interesting experience - I think the media makes it sound worse than it is, probably only about 1% of buildings are damaged I reckon, and most of them not too badly. There are a few collapses in the city, but overall brick chimneys seem to be the highest casualties. Our suburb seems completely normal, although the house was shaking something wicked this morning!

Will update you once we hear about the doj - meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the Beijing trip!