First kendo championships for the SAKF

The South African Kendo Federation (SAKF) hosted its first Junior Kendo Championships in South Africa on November 27 at Parkhurst Recreational Centre.

The technical director of the SAKF, Logann Naidoo, explained that kendo is ‘the way of the sword’, a traditional Japanese martial art practised by all ages in South Africa.

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Naidoo said scoring in lendo shiai is extremely technical, and one must follow the principles of Yuko Datotsu.

“It was a momentous day for the SAKF, for me and the task team as we launched a new electronic scoring system.”

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He stated that the junior championship consisted of an inter-club team competition and an individual competition, both of which were incredible to watch because of the team spirit, excitement, good sportsmanship, and passion that each team displayed.

“The winners of the team competition were Team Samurai Slayers (RKC), represented by Divana Aura Naidoo, Charles Sun, and Tyler Nitzen, with Team San Kawa placing second and, jointly, Team Shihoko and Team Midrand placing third.”

Naidoo added that the Junior Individual Competition was a display of highly spirited and quality kendo by the competitors who fought for the honour of being crowned South Africa’s National Junior Kendo Champion, and the title was awarded to Phillip Steyn from San Kawa Kendo Dojo.

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He concluded that the day will be remembered forever as they received exciting news.

“President of the SAKF Michael Grice commended the wonderful spirit and sportsmanship displayed by competitors and stated that the SAKF will be taking a junior team to represent South Africa at the European Kendo Championship, scheduled to take place in France in May 2023.”

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