Bamboo Blade - Season 1 (2007)

Down and out kendo instructor Toraji can't even afford a new light bulb - let alone lunch, but discovering a prodigy like Tamaki might change his fortunes.

Tamaki joins the kendo team and makes short work of a sadistic bully with a thing for beating up on girls.

Toraji takes the team to a kendo supply to store to stock up on weapons and armor. Later, he gives the female members of the team color-coordinated code names!

A friendly text message convinces Sayako to rejoin the kendo team. She's excited to meet the new members, but that might change if Miyako ever takes her mask off.

Toraji tries to devise a strategy for winning the practice match, but all he can think of is sushi, so Tamaki teaches the team some basic kendo fundamentals.

Kendo is a sport of great honor, but Toraji's dreams of exotic, raw fish tempt him to taint the practice match.

After watching his team lose, Ishibashi challenges Tamaki to a winner-take-all grudge match.

Tamaki has her eye on a new anime release. Unfortunately, her piggy bank is running low and part-time jobs are against school rules.

Toraji's trip to the grocery store quickly becomes an inescapable nightmare when he crosses paths with the world's most unpleasant woman.

The team competes in its first big tournament, and a strange girl's sudden appearance makes Miyako uneasy.

Kirino gets a tip that Tamaki isn't the only kendo prodigy in school. If she can convince the new girl to join the team, it might save the sensei's job.

Kirino and Sayako literally drag Azuma to the school's dojo. She proves to be a strong fighter, but there's a reason she gave up kendo.

Azuma feels like she's really becoming part of the team after a practice match with Tamaki rekindles her love of kendo.

Even though she loves Kendo, Azuma is still hesitant to join the club, but after Miyako pays her a little visit, she may change her mind.

Everyone is excited about the upcoming kendo training camp. Well, maybe not everyone. Tamaki's father is having a tough time letting go of his little girl.

The kendo team is in top form at the preliminary tournament. They only need to win one more match to advance, but their opponent is notorious for dirty tricks.

The opposing team dishonors kendo and the spirit of fair play to keep Tamaki from competing in the final match, but they only succeed in strengthening her will to win.

Tamaki uncharacteristically unleashes a devastating attack, and Toraji makes an honorable - but difficult - decision. If the team is destined to win, it will be up to Kirino make it so.

Miyako agrees to a Kendo showdown with a pushy American - winner gets Donny! Miya-miya fights from the heart, but the foreigner attacks with a highly advanced technique.

Yuuji invites Tamaki to the amusement park for what may - or may not be - a date. If love is in the air, it'll have to take a backseat to Blade Braver!

Tamaki and Rin both love Blade Braver, but their favorite characters are mortal enemies. When the girls visit the show's set, an animated rivalry spills into reality.

A kendo tournament becomes a grudge match when Miyako battles her rival for Donny and Tamaki finally encounters an opponent who can match her skill level.

Tamaki's stunning loss to Rin crushed the morale of the kendo club, and things only get worse when the principal summons Toraji to his office for a less-than-pleasant chat.

After Miyako and Tamaki resign, Kirino does her best to hold the kendo club together. But even she can't handle a downtrodden sensei and a looming suspension.

Next up for the reunited kendo club is a tournament ripe for revenge. Miyako gets a chance to silence her rival, and Tamaki is destined for a rematch with Rin!

Tamaki doesn't know what to do when some freshmen show up to check out the kendo club. Kirino ponders life after high school, and a familiar face returns to the dojo.