Guest Essay: ‘My Kendo Journey’ by Divana Aura Naidoo (South Africa).

Women’s voices and achievements are under-represented across kendo-related media and literary channels. Guest essays published on this website share personal experiences, perspectives, and reflections on kendo that are written by women.

Photo: Divana Aura Naidoo.

My Kendo Journey by Divana Aura Naidoo.

My journey into the world of kendo began in 2018 when I was just 12-years -old. At that time, kendo was predominantly a male-dominated sport, and I could only count about 4 other females. Despite my youthful struggles with focus and presence, kendo turned out to be a transformative experience, helping me manage my ADHD and fostering a deeper connection with life. 

Kendo, with its emphasis on precision and attention to detail, not only improved my focus but also provided valuable life lessons. It taught me the significance of finding a sense of belonging beyond blood ties, and introduced me to the concept of a dojo family. Joining a sport dominated by adults might have been intimidating, but I always felt safe and welcomed, a fact I consider crucial given the unfortunate experiences some women face in sports. 

While kendo does have its fundamental cuts, the journey becomes even more intriguing as you dig deeper. Initially challenging, kendo’s continuous difficulty is something I truly enjoy. After all, what’s the fun in sticking to the basics? Learning more intricate techniques has always been a passion of mine. Kendo, in its essence, lacks “easy stuff,” and that’s what makes it truly engaging. It’s all about perspective and the mindset you bring to it—your mentality and input directly shape the output. 

The importance of the mindset one has going into a fight cannot be understated. I have had many fights over the years, and as I have grown in this sport and matured as a person, there have been changes in my level of confidence. 

An example of this can be seen in our most recent Spring Championships, where I fought people that I had initially been too afraid to fight because they were better than me. During the mixed team fights I fought some one that I had been afraid to fight, this person was quick and very good at shiai, but as I fought them, I was able to stand my ground and although I had not won the fight, I won the experience. This can all be attributed to my mindset, and how I’ve grown as a fighter over the years. As I rewatched my fights I also saw that I was getting faster and smarter with how I was attacking and when I attacked.  

Another area I have also seen improvement is in squad training and my endurance. The sessions are high intensity for a long time and I need that extra push. Our regular trainings are 1 hour and 30 minutes, but squad training is about a day long with only short breaks and now I have learnt to push myself far beyond what I thought my limit was. 

I still have a lot to learn and there will always be things to improve on, but looking back at where my level was a year ago, I know that in no time I will become one of the best versions of myself. I will always strive to improve and grow, not just in skill and endurance, but in how I take on my opponents mentally. I will continue to reflect on my performance so that I have a deeper understanding of my mindset going into every fight. 

In this article, I’ll have shared my personal experiences and insights gained from my kendo journey, highlighting the transformative power of this martial art both in my life and within the broader context of building a supportive community for all.  

About Divana Aura Naidoo
Divana is a dedicated Grade 11 student who’s already achieved notable success. As the youngest female 2nd Dan grade Kendoka in South Africa, she has proudly represented hee country at the European Kendo Championships in France earlier this year. Beyond academics, Divana is fueled by her passions: swimming, kendo, and painting. She firmly believes that teaching is the most effective path to learning and lives by a saying her father taught her, “Learn, Teach, Repeat”. Divana calls Johannesburg, South Africa, her home, where she lives with her wonderful parents and a charming little cat named Pepper.