With more than 50 competitors across four categories, the Ryu Ken Chi Dojo’s (RKC Dojo) annual Spring Championships at the Rivonia Sports Club was a resounding success.
Participants of all ages competed in the Kendo Kids Individuals, Non-Bogu Individual, Junior Individuals and Open Team events, making it the biggest taikai (event) yet.
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The Kendo Kids event had two categories, ages six to eight and nine to 12 years old.
According to the dojo’s Warren Ho, the Non-Bogu event also yielded impressive results.c
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“Skill, stamina and [fighting] spirit was the scoring criteria and competitors certainly had to bring their A-game to make it into the medals category,” said Ho.
The Junior Individual Shiai, ages 12 to 18 years, displayed impressive skills while the final category, the Open In-Bogu team competition was one not to be missed.
With 11 teams of three people per team, this was a unique event as the teams were made up of randomly drawn members from various dojos.
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“There were some surprising upsets during the pool and KO rounds, but inevitably the top four teams came up tops to give us impressive semi-final fights.
“Unfortunately, due to an injury sustained while fighting, one of the team members had to pull out, resulting in his team forfeiting that game and the match. The finals were finally won skilfully by Maki-san from Japan and his two other South African teammates.”
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He shared a very special message of thanks to the community and participants for their support of the championships.
“To conclude, this championship would not have been as successful as it was without the assistance from all those who came. Let’s keep growing stronger.”
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