‘Power and Responsibility: Identifying Harassment within Kendo Hierarchical Relationships’ by Kate Sylvester.

This article is shared on this website with permission of Fine Ladies Kendo Worldwide Magazine. It was first published in Fine Ladies Worldwide Magazine in Vol. 6 (Spring, 2024).

The article discusses ways to identify various forms of harassment within kendo hierarchical relationships. It also problematises the normalisation of harassment in kendo and the impact it can have on women and girls. Not excluding men and boys. It also discusses how formal complaint processes can fail to promote change and protect community members, especially those that complain. As such, for change to take place, it is critical that community members actively take part in fostering safer and more inclusive spaces. It is particularly important for those in positions of power to be accountable for and to reflect on their own behaviour—in ways that co-create safe and inclusive kendo environments.

For the culture of kendo to be more inclusive and safe, women and girls, men and boys need to feel secure to share uncomfortable or harmful experiences with their kendo peers, seniors, and teachers. It is also vital that women, especially men, speak up about and call-out inappropriate behaviour that is witnessed for a cultural transformation that genuinely promotes inclusivity and safety in kendo to occur.

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About Fine Ladies Kendo Worldwide Magazine (FLKWW)

It is the first-ever women’s kendo magazine and publishes all articles both in Japanese and English. The mission of the magazine is to connect women kenshi worldwide and to provide articles and information on women’s kendo past and present, for the growing number of international practitioners.

Current Issue Vol.7 (Spring, 2025)

Pioneers Of Women’s Kendo

Interviews

Fujita Hiromi (Japan)

Christiane & Dido Demski (Germany)

Ara Makiko (Canada)

Articles

The Indomitable Ella Hattan – La Jaguarina by Paul Budden

Women’s Participation at the 19th WKC by Kate Sylvester

And many more!

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