Kendo is a Japanese form of fencing with two-handed bamboo swords that was originally developed as a safe form of sword training for the samurai.
Kendo literally means ‘the way of the sword’ and has its origin in the martial art developed by the samurai in battlefield combat and in duels.
Eloise Witbooi, who is the administrator of Midrand Kendo Dojo said, “Kendo has been in South Africa for more than 25 years and has been rapidly growing in the Gauteng region in the last seven to eight years.”
She added that it was only a matter of time before she and her husband opened a dojo in the Midrand area. “We have a number of dojos in the Gauteng area and Midrand is an area that has been in need of recreational sports,” she said.
“The development of a healthy body and mind through Kendo has been known in Japan for centuries,” said Witbooi.
According to her, the mental and physical benefits of training in Kendo is improved focus, spirit, strength, endurance and overall fitness. “Children can take the amateur classes which will teach discipline and respect for their fellow contestants, it is perfectly appropriate for them,” said Witbooi.
When questioned about the growth of the sport in the country, she said she was seeing more and more women participating on a professional level. “It used to be that the sport was a pastime, however, women such as Natalie Morris and Catherina Joubert, who is ranked 16th in the world, are proving that this is not just a man’s sport,” she said.
The club is currently looking forward to representing South Africa at the Arnold Classic Africa at Sandton City on 27 to 29 May.
“This is the first time that there will be a Kendo exhibition at the multi-sport festival.”
Details: www.arnoldclassicafrica.com; www.midrandkendo.wordpress.com
