Waikato Kendo Club

Yana - My Kendo Journey 24 December 2018 Beginning (general) Up until 2015 I was playing volleyball and lived through that sport. In January 2015 I got a really painful muscle spasm in my lower back. Then we found out I had scoliosis. I was 14 at that time, which is the latest age for fixing things like scoliosis, leaving me with little hope for playing sport in the future. This news meant I couldn't continue volleyball, as my spine simply couldn't support the pressure of jumping, landing and colliding. My mum forbade me from playing volleyball or doing any other type of sport from then on. This really made me despair, as a big chunk of my life was gone, and so is its social/physical benefits and the feeling of being alive. Sometime later I also got asthma (living in an old house), which made my physical exercise experiences even harder for me. Around the same time 2014-2016 I was reading a book series called " Young Samurai " which described a range of Jap...

A meeting of minds - both young and old!  Thanks to  David  for the great photo and Raoul for the deserved caption!  We don't separate the class by age groups,  instead we think all the members will benefit from this mixed age arrangement. Just like a big family, elders take care of younger ones and younger ones respect and learn from the elders.  Young people remind where we all come from; Elder people show where we are all going to.  * Refer to Raea's Brotherhood .  

2006 Beginner Class A Grading Philipp I have always been interested in learning Kendo, ever since I was a kid.  Back then, it was all about the fact that I would've been able to whack people hard.  Now, though, I realise it is more about the communal experience of learning how to kill (with beauty and efficiency), among other things. I am actually really glad that I decided to give Kendo a go, and am eager to continue it in the future. Rasmus Why I go to kendo is because I find it to be easier and more interesting than all the other sports on offer.  It’s interesting to me because when training with the shinai it’s not just about the strongest or biggest hit.  What I also like about kendo is the fact that it has chosen to use brains over brawn, precision and skill over brutality and strength.  Kendo is easy and fun and I would vouch that almost anyone would like it if they try it. Rebecca I found Kendo o...

Presenting the 2016 A Beginners' grading certificates Beginners Grading on 7 May 2016 My time at kendo - Ethan Baird I have enjoyed my time at kendo because I like learning about the samurai and the Japanese culture. I have also enjoyed making new friends with students from St Johns . I like that there are people that come from the university and afar.  The skills that I have learnt help me with my sports because kendo teaches me to use my left foot/leg and not just my right. Kendo has taught me to be confident as well. I also like how the teachers are friendly and will always give you some helpful pointers.

We beleive that the youngest New Zealand Kendoka is at our Dojo -- Rafael is 4 years old! He joined Kendo with his big brother Raea.   -Raea BainBridge - My Kendo experience began when I was at school and a notice for all beginning to go to a meeting with Mr Tsai . I was immediately interested as all of my friends had told me stories about Mr Tsai's experience with Kendo.  My first time doing Kendo was an awesome experience as I got to meet new people, interact with other St John's College students and meet the senpai. I was ecstatic when I got graded to 7th Kty and from that I am determined to do my best so that I can represent my college at the end of the year . My brother Rafael joined Kendo to be with me as it is something that him and I can do together. He was proud of getting his own shanai and getting graded.  Thank you to everybody for all the support that you have given my brother Rafael.