Tag: Kendo
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One Step Closer #7: “Failing” Forward with Gratitude.
I had felt all fired up writing up my journey to my 7 dan exam. For a while, I was writing with enthusiasm about all the things I was learning―not just about kendo, but about myself. I did not expect anyone else to read my blog―but several did and sent beautiful messages and expressed kind
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#4 One Step Closer: Connecting with Ki.
One of the things I cherish about kendo is how holistically well I can feel during and after kendo. On most days, especially when I have had a hard day, I struggle to feel excited about going to training. I have the discipline to go, like I am on autopilot. Also, I know what it
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#3 One Step Closer: Being Comfortable in Open Space.
Kendo practitioners in leadership positions can neglect their own kendo development due to their responsibilities inside and outside of kendo. I stopped competing and attending seminars for myself once I started national team coaching and organising the Oceania Women’s Seminar and Taikai. Although I was developing other skill-sets and enjoying the enriching experiences and relationships
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#2 One Step Closer: Standing Tall.
On new years eve 2024, I committed to preparing for my 7 dan exam in 2025. My pre-preparation had started a year earlier but I was still a national team coach preparing for the 19th World Kendo Championships. I am a one-track person, meaning I can only really focus on one kendo goal at a
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#1 One Step Closer: Starting Again.
In the blog series titled “One step closer,” I write about the insights I have gained though my kendo training and relevant experiences outside of kendo in preparation for my 7 dan exam. This writing is not intended to be didactic; rather, it aims to facilitate reflection and articulate what I am learning through kendo,
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‘The First All Japan Women’s Kendo 7 Dan Tournament’ with Dance Yokoo (Germany).
Foreword by Kate Sylvester. The first All Japan Women’s Kendo 7 dan Tournament took place at the Kose Sports Park in Yamanashi prefecture on December 15 in 2024. It was the very first time that a women’s 7 dan competition had been held in Japan. Thirty of the best 7 dan women from around Japan
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Guest Essay: ‘The Way of the Sword as a Way to Connect: An Essay on Kendo and Autism’ by Martine Mussies (Netherlands)
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. Guest Essay: The Way of the Sword as a Way to Connect: An Essay on Kendo and Autism by Martine Mussies (Netherlands). Martine Mussies
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Guest Essay: ‘Voyages’ by Manuela Hoflehner (Austria).
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. Guest Essay: Voyages by Manuela Hoflehner (Austria). Manuela Hoflehner is currently 5th Dan and has been practicing kendo since 2007. She was part of
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02 Women Kendo Luminaries: Dance Yokoo (Germany).
Women Kendo Luminaries: There are a number of women in kendo that continue to strive achieving personal goals and supporting the growth of kendo in their countries post their national team careers and amidst work/family commitments. This is the second (02) article under the category “Women Kendo Luminaries” that acknowledges the perspectives, achievements, and contributions
Kate Sylvester Perspectives 