Kendo taikai has it all

Echoes of clashing bamboo swords and shouted challenges rang through the corridors of Rivonia Sports Club all day long while the rain consistently patted on the roof above.

This for Rivonia Kendo Club’s first kendo taikai, a competition featuring a number of diverse events.

The club is five years old and has had its share of single events but this competition on 8 December included a 10-fighter team kachinuki and non-bogu obstacle course along with the individual shiai.

With 40 competitors from five dojos from around Joburg, honour and bragging rights were at stake. Nevertheless, the competition ran through in a good spirit with opponents encouraging and congratulating each other, and the team event featuring teams made of members from different dojos.

“The competition was very successful,” said sensei at Rivonia, 5th Dan instructor Warren Ho. “All our entree fees went to charity, so we gave R4 000 to By Grace Korean Church.”

He said it was an honour to have two senior sensei, 7th Dan Buster Sefor and 5th Dan Ray Fleming, act as head judges on the day.

“Another highlight for me was the wonderful participation from all the dojos and the organisation by my club members, most of whom have only been there for up to two years.”

Rivonia Kendo Club will host one final grading on 11 December before it closes for the year.

“We start again in January and I am excited to start a children’s class. We will have a seven to 12 years group and a 13 to 17 years group, separate from the adult classes.”

Ho encouraged community members to give the martial art a try, as it improves physical fitness, concentration, confidence and mental resilience.

Details: Rivonia Kendo Club

info@rivoniakendo.co.za