Our 2025 Kendo program at Rototuna High School has now come to an end, and I want to say how proud I am of all the students for their effort and commitment this year. Every Friday afternoon has been something I’ve looked forward to — not just for the practice, but for the energy, enthusiasm, and fun you all bring.
It has been wonderful to see you challenge yourselves, support each other, and grow through Kendo. I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you, and I wish each of you all the very best in whatever comes next — whether that’s continuing with Kendo or simply carrying the lessons you’ve learned into your everyday life.
A special thank-you also goes to Rototuna High Schools for supporting this program and giving us the chance to share Kendo together.
Sam Tsai
Renshi 6 Dan
Waikato Kendo Club
To Tsai Sensei,
First of all, I want to thank you greatly for your perseverance and effort you put into teaching us Rototuna High School students kendo. When I first started, I was very nervous about our lessons since I didn't know anything about kendo. But by your thoughtful and skillful teachings, I was able to learn not only the skills and moves, but the culture and background of kendo as well.
In all of the three terms of school, I learned the four basic moves of kendo (一本打ちの技-ippon uchi no waza) including 面、こて、胴, and つき (men kote, dou, tsuki). We also touched on some other moves like はらい (harai) too–I especially enjoyed trying some 二三段の技 (ni-san dan no waza).
Apart from the different skills, I learned how important it is to keep a straight and steady posture, while maintaining control of the 木剣/竹刀 (bokken/shinai). Even though we weren't able to do any proper kendo matches, it was still a very enjoyable time.
Overall, I very much enjoyed doing kendo ー learning both spiritual and physical aspects of it. I again thank you for all of the hard work you put into teaching us. It has made the typical boring Friday afternoon into a time where I can learn new skills and knowledge.
With gratitude,
Wato S
Kendo is not solely the movement of the sword. It is about self-discipline, self-challenge, resilience, and focus. The art of Kendo teaches you that in order to improve yourself, you must rely on everything that is within; that you have no need to seek anything outside of yourself. In order to get the best result, you must first be your best self.
With this thinking, I have learned how to connect my mind with my body. I am more confident with myself and ready to focus when learning needs to take place. With a good mind, patience, and commitment, you can excel in anything. Possibly even further than the naturally gifted. This is what makes kendo beautiful.
From Gabrielle
Though I have not been doing kendo for a very long time, I have still learnt a lot from it, Kendo has given me many opportunities, like going to the Eiga and Morioka Sensei seminar, and helped me push myself mentally and physically to help me grow as a person.
Kendo has brought me close to many people and has helped me create new bonds and friendships with many people. Kendo has helped me gain a lot more confidence and has made me even happier. It's improved me so much as a person, and I am grateful for the opportunity to start kendo at RHS, I would've been a completely different person if kendo weren't in my life. It has played such a big role in my life and has helped shape me into who I am today. I am very grateful for everything that I have experienced in kendo.
From Conor
Kendo has taught us many things, such as the history behind Japanese culture, beliefs, the body, and how it reflects onto our daily lives. It has taught us discipline and respect, which helped us in parts of our other life in those aspects. Also, our body and mindset towards hard things got better. So we are really grateful that we have experiences Kendo in our lives, whether it be a long time or a short time. We will not forget it.
Reflection on Kendo - Benji and Angelique
1 What kendo helps with
Kendo helps understand Japanese culture as well as build up physical body strength. Kendo can also help with strategizing because of the variety of acts to choose from.
2 Improvements in daily activities
I've noticed myself getting stronger every week and understanding more about Japanese culture. I also seemed to get more active and smart from kendo which has made life easier for me.
3 Things I like about kendo
Not only do we learn kendo but we also learn Japanese culture and language with the bonus of candy and even pizza parties. Sensei has been very patient and kind to us and I hope to do it much more often.
From Max
Dear Tsai sensei:
Kendo is a Japanese martial art about fighting with swords. In Kendo, you can use either a Bokken, which is like a Katana but made out of wood, and Shinai, which is a sword made out of bamboo. You take your shoes and socks off while doing Kendo. There is armour for Kendo which is for sparing like helmets and chest plates.
Doing Kendo not only teaches you how to fight but also teaches you valuable life skills. A Kendo school is called a Dojo. I like Kendo because it is challenging yet fun, and even though it's tiring. It's very fun and also lets me become fit. I would like to keep doing Kendo at the Waikato Dojo so maybe I'll go there sometime.
From Beke
My memories about Kendo =)
I have been doing the Japanese Kendo for a few terms now, and it has taught me a lot of things. First of all my kind Kendo teacher Tsai has shown me how to self-defend with many cool moves throughout the weeks and months, like moving and throwing the Japanese sword in many different ways. Also it helped me develop friendships with many nice people especially Tsai.
My favourite memory about this class is definitely the pizza party, where Tsai would give me and my classmates lots of delicious pizza and we would spend some time together, talking and socializing. Thank you so much Tsai and the wider Kendo community for helping me a lot recently.
We turned the Kendo club to “pizza club” today! 💕
Comments