Dr Kate Sylvester is an independent scholar. She was a research affiliate of GIH, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences (2022-2023), and Lund University (2020-2022). Her recent book titled Women and Martial Art in Japan (2022) is based on extensive original ethnographic research that examined identity politics and women’s sport and university kendo in Japan.
Kate started kendo as an high school exchange student in Japan and has trained at elite university and police institutions in Japan. A kendo practitioner of 33-years, she is ranked 6 dan renshi. As head coach of the women and men’s Australian National Kendo Team (2015-2018), she led the women’s team to place 3rd, which was Australia’s first medal at a World Kendo Championship. In her recent leadership role, Kate was head coach of the Swedish Women’s National Kendo Team (2021-2024). She has represented her country at 8 World Kendo Championships as a player and coach.
Kate advocates for the amelioration of gender-based discrimination and violence in kendo and other MACS (Martial Art and Combat Sport) through her research and leadership.
Kate Sylvester Perspectives 