Kendo championships a success
This was the first time in two years that the annual tournament, hosted by the SAKF, saw international sensei’s Uwe Kumpf of Germany and Markus Frey of Finland join South Africa’s very own Buster Sefor for a weekend of training and competition.
Rivonia’s Ryu Ken Chi (RKC) Dojo members recently performed well in the South African Kendo Federation (SAKF) International Seminar and Sefor Cup.
This was the first time in two years that the annual tournament, hosted by the federation, saw international sensei’s Uwe Kumpf of Germany and Markus Frey of Finland join South Africa’s very own Buster Sefor for a weekend of training and competition.
The federation also extended the invitation to other countries, and members from Austria, Mauritius and Namibia accepted.
According to RKC Dojo’s Warren Ho, the Saturday session saw participants face several intense training sessions under the watchful eyes of the European senseis.
“Old techniques were re-taught to ensure correct practice, while new exercises were taught for better understanding of more advanced concepts,” said Ho.
The Sunday session began with the women’s competition and women in bogu (armour) went head-to-head.
Wendy Vermeulen of the Shihoko Dojo (Randburg) came in first, followed by Yentl Krugel of the Mushin Dojo (Pretoria) in second.
A joint third place was shared by two members of the RKC Dojo, Aura Naidoo and Lisa Chivanga. Naidoo also secured the prestigious Fighting Spirit Award for the competition.
Ho added that the main event for the day was the 5th Sefor Cup, an open competition that any competitor in bogu would be able to compete in, regardless of their age, gender or kendo rank.
“Previously called the SA Open Championships, this competition was renamed in 2017 to the Sefor Cup in honour of Buster Sefor sensei, who had served on the SAKF executive committee for almost 30 years [including that as SAKF president for a number of years], and ensuring the growth and continuity of kendo development in South Africa over those years.”
The cup was won by Brendan Dateling of the San Kawa Dojo (Parkwood), with Jae Hyun Kim of Mushin Dojo in second place.
In joint third place were Thabiso Mabokela and Alexander Kent, both from the Ichibyoshi Dojo.
Mike Kazadai of the Shihoko Dojo won the Fighting Spirit Award.
Details: RKC Dojo 082 389 9098.
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