Tag: Kendo
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One Step Closer #8: Walking the long road.
As a human being with empathy, it is impossible not to feel deeply saddened by the unapologetic ignorance and cruelty taking place in the world right now. The stripping away of people’s basic human rights, safety, and life is happening all around us. It is no coincidence that occurring simultaneously is increased violence against women…
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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 