Waikato Kendo Club

Beginning Again: The Path Continues - Neisha

2026-10-08T23:58:05.204+13:00

“none of us ever really outgrow being a beginner”

Stay the Course:

“Neisha san, you not do Judo, you do Kendo! Kendo is sport of Kings, Judo, street fight!”

These are the words I remember from a conversation when I was around 10 or 11 years old. I had just started Judo after seeing my cousins Judogi and yellow belt hanging on his bedroom door.

Judo was very much a niche sport in New Zealand back then. Kendo, even more so. Kendo looked cool, but it simply wasn’t accessible to a family with no connection to Japanese Budo or martial arts. Our only real source of information was the Encyclopedia Britannica at my aunt’s house - which wasn’t exactly the same as walking into a dojo.

That was about 43 years ago. A lady never her true age, so you can do the maths.

My Mum never really liked the idea of Judo, but the choice at the time was Judo or ice hockey. Ice hockey didn’t take “girls” back then, so off to Judo we went.

Sadly, my first encounter with Judo was short-lived. A long trip down Dominion Road on a cold, wet Auckland night to train in a freezing hall soon lost its appeal. Being grounded on the bench for throwing a boy probably didn’t help sustain my enthusiasm either.

Fast forward 17 years and I found myself back in the dojo, this time with a renewed determination to give it another go.

Twenty-seven years later, I attained my Yondan.

It is an accomplishment that has come with plenty of sweat, blood, tears - and, of course, politics - but it is one I am immensely proud to have achieved.

...the path does not need applause.

So, what now brings me to Kendo?

A different path.

In 2023, I was privileged to participate in the Japan and New Zealand Budo Cultural Exchange Programme, an online initiative hosted by the Nippon Budokan and Auckland Kendo Club, New Zealand. The programme showcased both modern and classical Japanese martial arts, with the aim of promoting international understanding and the dissemination of Budo, as well as friendship and goodwill between our two countries.

I was introduced to the breadth of Japanese Budo: Kyudo, Sumo, Aikido, Naginata, Kendo, Judo, Shorinji Kempo, Iaido, Karate, Jukendo and Tendo-ryu.

The energy and spirit shared that day stayed with me.

At the same time, my growing interest in Judo Kata had opened another door. After studying Ju-no-Kata and Kime-no-Kata, Kendo seemed like a natural progression – a way to explore more deeply the traditions and philosophy of Japanese Budo. There was also a wonderful connection to Judo. Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of Judo, had studied Kenjutsu. But beyond those historical connections, something else drew me to Kendo: its sense of purpose and discipline, its emphasis on intent, and the way it has retained such a strong connection to its Japanese roots.

There was just one small problem.

Where was I going to train?

There were no Kendo clubs in my region. The closest was the Waikato Kendo Club in Hamilton.

Fuel prices were soaring, the roads between home and Hamilton were not exactly a quick commute, and common sense might reasonably have suggested finding a closer hobby. But apparently common sense is not a prerequisite for taking up another martial art.

A martial artist must have resilience - and find a way.

So, 21⁄2 hours later, across the treacherous Matatā Straights and over the Kaimai Ranges, I stepped into my first Kendo lesson at Waikato Kendo Club with Sam Tsai sensei, and I was hooked.

Beginning again.

The learning has been progressive and the fundamentals have been taught exceptionally well, laying a strong foundation that I hope will support me along my Kendo path for many years to come.

But the unexpected surprise has not been the teaching. It has been the people.

The Waikato Kendo family is something special. A community that would not exist without the hard work, commitment and generosity of both Tsai-sensei, Sam and Marleen, who have opened the doors and created a place for us to learn.

There is a wonderful lineage within this group, connecting New Zealand, Japan and Taiwan.

But knowing great masters is not enough. Having studied under great teachers is not enough. Having collected experience, ranks, titles or achievements is not enough.

What matters is what we are able to transmit.

At the heart of this group are values that I have come to appreciate deeply: humility, intellectual curiosity, generosity in teaching, a willingness to listen, and respect for people whose path may be different from our own.

Transitioning from Judo to Kendo has brought many familiar echoes - but also the humbling experience of starting again from the beginning. After decades of Judo, beginning again as a novice in another Budo is a useful reminder that none of us ever really outgrow being a beginner.

You can have a rank. You can have titles. You can have medals. You can have a résumé full of impressive names, but none of those things, by themselves, make you a better practitioner, teacher or person.

The value of a path is not measured by the number of names we can mention, the ranks we hold, or the medals we have collected. Ultimately, the measure of a journey is how we behave toward the people we encounter along the way. Your achievements tell people where you have been. Your behaviour tells them what you have learned.

This journey has brought me into a shared collective of like-minded, professional people where character matters more than credentials; where kindness and mutual support make us stronger; where we learn from one another, challenge one another and encourage one another.

All while trying to hit each other with bamboo swords.

Perhaps that is the real beauty of the path. It doesn’t need applause. It simply needs us to keep walking it together.

Neisha Brooking, Kendo Reflections, 10 August 2026.

Kendo Fundamentals: Mastering the Men Strike and the Art of Receiving

2026-08-15T11:54:00.892+12:00

Kendo Fundamentals: Mastering the Men Strike and the Art of Receiving

In Kendo, the Men strike is more than just a basic move; it is a fundamental pillar of practice that requires precision from both the person striking (Shite) and the person receiving (Motodachi). Proper form is not only about effectiveness but also about ensuring the safety of your partner.

The Receiver’s Responsibility: Safety and Posture

When you are acting as Motodachi, your role is crucial for a successful practice session. Here are the key points to remember:

Protect the "Cross Path": Ensure you receive the strike on the "cross path" of the Men protector.
Keep Your Chin Down: Maintaining a tucked-in chin is essential for proper alignment.
Prioritise Eye Safety: A critical safety rule is to avoid looking through the metal bars directly in front of your eyes. If a Shinai (bamboo sword) happens to crack upon impact, splinters can pass through those specific bars and cause serious injury. Instead, position your head so you are looking through the bars in a way that keeps your chin down and the protector safely aligned.

Executing the Strike: Power and Timing

For the person delivering the strike, the goal is a clean, resonant hit that demonstrates control rather than brute force.

Strike on the "Bounce": Initiate your hit as soon as you "bounce up" to capture the right momentum.
Relax and Move Forward: Stay relaxed and focus on throwing your head forward during the movement.
Seek the "Box Sound": A well-executed strike is often identified by a crisp, resonant "box sound".
Direction of Power: Remember that hitting harder is not necessarily better. Your focus should be on directing your power forward rather than simply striking downward with force.

By focusing on these technical details—especially the safety of the receiver and the forward momentum of the striker—practitioners of all heights can ensure a productive and safe Keiko (practice).

---

Direct thanks to Orion for capturing and producing this teaching moment. Text above is summarised by Gemini Notebook from the video.

From Dojo to Second Home - Mimi

2026-07-28T23:52:47.338+12:00

If an employer tells you, "We're like a family here," you'd probably think, "Yeah... no thanks." Family isn't something people declare, it is something you feel. Why do I mention this? I will explain below.

Backward to my very first day at Waikato Kendo Club happened to be a grading day. One senpai came over to introduce themselves, explained how grading worked, and patiently taught me a few kendo terms. During our conversation, they mentioned that kendo had changed their life, that they no longer felt as anxious or stressed as they used to. At the time, I remember wondering, How can swinging a bamboo sword around possibly do that? Four months later, I think I finally understand.

My love for martial arts actually started with my love for Japanese culture. As a teenager, I practised Aikido and absolutely loved it. When I moved to New Zealand, though, I couldn't find a dojo that felt like the right fit. Aikido relies heavily on working with your partner's energy, and as a small person training alongside people three times my size and with years more experience, I found it difficult to revisit the fundamentals. Add a body that's now in its late twenties - less flexible and at a stage where even sleeping in a slightly wrong position can tweak my back for a week and require a full recovery plan - I stopped training.

Then one day, while walking through the University of Waikato campus, I found Waikato Kendo Club. The line that caught my attention was simple: "All ages and genders welcome." That felt inviting. Also... kendo involves swords. Honestly, who doesn't want to learn how to use a sword?

I really enjoyed the beginner classes with Sam Sensei. We focused on the fundamentals, and every session came with clear, immediate feedback that helped me improve. At first, my biggest challenge was remembering all the Japanese terminology. More than once, everyone else would already be moving while I was still trying to work out what had just been said, quietly waiting for the demonstration before catching up.

The bigger challenge came when I joined the advanced sessions. They were a fantastic opportunity to apply everything I'd learned, but they also made me feel clumsy, slow, and constantly behind everyone else. Surrounded by experienced senpai, I worried that I was slowing the class down.

The funny thing is... nobody else seemed to think so.

That insecurity existed almost entirely in my own head.

Every senpai encouraged me through their kiai, gave me thoughtful feedback, and celebrated even the smallest improvements. I never felt judged for being a beginner. Instead, I felt like everyone genuinely wanted new kendoka to succeed.

Every practice follows the same pattern. It starts with a little discomfort - the part of me wondering if I'll mess something up today. Then somewhere between the loud kiai, endless footwork, and trying not to trip over my own feet, something changes. I leave the dojo feeling lighter, stronger, and somehow more ready for whatever waits outside.

Little by little, my body has become stronger, my confidence has grown, and the worries I carried into training seem to disappear somewhere between the first bow and the final rei.

Now I finally understand what that senpai meant on my first day.

If Sensei provides the foundation, and the dojo is the roof, then everyone training there forms the walls that make it a house.

One thing I love is that nobody expects you to make small talk or explain how your week has been. We arrive, bow, show respect, train hard, encourage each other, and leave having shared something much more meaningful than conversation. Often there are even homemade muffins or snacks from Marleen Sensei waiting at the end of practice, which, let's be honest, is another excellent reason to train hard. To me this feels like home.

Looking back at my first grading, there were over thirty people watching, cameras everywhere, and a panel of examiners observing every movement. Strangely, I wasn't nearly as nervous as I expected to be. That's because Sensei always reminds us that grading isn't about winning or losing, passing or failing. Kendo isn't a race. It's a lifelong journey of improving yourself.

I had practised hard, so I walked in feeling confident. I was fortunate enough to pass, and I was genuinely happy. But even if I hadn't, I would have walked away with valuable feedback, another goal to work towards, and only been $10 poorer. That's a pretty good deal for personal growth.

I don't know where life will take me in the future, but I hope kendo will remain part of that journey for a long time. My next goal is to wear bogu (armour) and eventually become a motodachi - the person receiving strikes and helping those who are just beginning, just as so many senpai have done for me.

One small tradition that I have come to appreciate is taking a group photo after every practice. At first, it seemed like just another routine. Now I realise those photos quietly capture something much bigger than attendance. They capture our progress, our friendships, and the moments that slowly turned a dojo into a second home.

Four months ago, I joined because I thought swords were cool.

I still think swords are cool.

I just didn't expect to find a family along the way."

A Path to Becoming a Better Person

2026-07-26T19:27:25.613+12:00

Train the body. Cultivate the mind.

Another regular Saturday afternoon at the dojo.

No tournament, no grading, just everyone putting in the effort, side by side.

At Waikato Kendo Club, we believe Kendo is more than just technique. It’s a path to becoming a better person.

Today we saw it in action:

Physical wellbeing - building posture, balance, and body awareness with each suburi.

Mental wellbeing - finding focus, calm, and the confidence to try.

Inner strength - persevering through the hard parts, learning that effort matters more than perfection.

Teamwork & respect - listening, supporting each other, and training safely together.

From our youngest members in their first bogu to our senior members, everyone was cultivating themselves. That is what Kendo is about.

Thank you to all our members and families for your effort today. One keiko at a time.

*

Progress in Kendo is like stacking sheets of paper. A single sheet is too thin to notice, but as you continue to stack them, the height of the pile becomes evident.

From Fear to Learning: A Kendo Reflection - Nico

2026-01-23T23:41:00.003+13:00

Photo Credit: Heathen Light

Over the last year or so of practising Kendo, I have found it to be a truly wonderful experience that has had a positive effect on almost all areas of my life. One of the things Kendo has helped me with the most is anxiety, something I have dealt with throughout my adult life.

I almost didn’t attend my first lesson because I felt so anxious about starting something new. Now, at my most recent grading, I didn’t feel anxious at all. I knew that, at the very worst, even if I didn’t pass, I would learn where I was on my Kendo journey and what I needed to improve and work on.

Over the past year, I have really enjoyed taking my first steps on what I hope will be a lifelong Kendo journey.

“In Kendo, discovering where you are is already part of becoming who you will be.”

Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information

2026-01-12T09:36:00.005+13:00

At Waikato Kendo Academy, we believe in the Japanese principle of Bunbu Ryōdō (文武両道)—developing both the mind and the body. We hope every child will grow not only as a Kendoka, but also as a learner, a friend, and a responsible member of the community.

Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information

Welcome to our Little Samurai Kendo class. This page is for parents and caregivers whose children are enrolled, or considering enrolling, in our junior Kendo programme.

We understand that choosing an activity for your child is an important decision, and we sincerely thank you for trusting us to guide and support your child through their Kendo journey.

What Is Little Samurai Kendo?

Little Samurai Kendo is a junior programme based on Japanese Kendo (swordsmanship), adapted to be age-appropriate, safe, and positive for children.

Kendo is not just about learning techniques. It is a structured activity that supports children’s physical development, mental wellbeing, character building, and social skills.

Our programme is designed to align closely with New Zealand school values, with a strong focus on wellbeing and lifelong learning.

Our Teaching Philosophy

We focus on helping children grow in four key areas:

Physical Wellbeing

Developing coordination, balance, posture, and body awareness
Encouraging healthy movement and physical confidence
Building fitness gradually through regular practice

Mental Wellbeing

Supporting children to feel happy, calm, and positive
Developing focus, attention, and emotional self-regulation
Providing a safe environment where children feel comfortable to try

Inner Strength and Resilience

Encouraging perseverance and confidence when facing challenges
Teaching children that effort and improvement matter more than perfection
Helping children learn how to manage mistakes constructively

Social Skills and Teamwork

Learning respect, manners, and dojo etiquette
Developing listening skills and cooperation
Understanding how to train safely and positively with others

A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

Our dojo aims to be a place where children:

Feel safe, supported, and respected
Are encouraged to try their best
Learn at their own pace
Develop confidence through positive experiences

Training is structured and progressive, with safety and correct learning always prioritised.

What We Expect from Parents

We believe the best outcomes for children come from a partnership between parents and instructors.

To support your child’s learning, we kindly ask for the following:

Attendance

Regular attendance helps children build routines, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Consistent practice supports steady progress and enjoyment.

Communication

Please inform us of any injuries, health concerns, or changes that may affect your child’s training. Open communication helps us support your child’s wellbeing.

Encouragement

Every child develops at their own pace. Positive encouragement at home — rather than pressure or comparison — helps children enjoy training and build resilience.

Working Together

By working together, we can create a positive, respectful learning environment that supports your child’s physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please feel free to speak with an instructor or contact the dojo.

We look forward to supporting your child on their Kendo journey.

Little Samurai Kendo – Building confident, resilient, and respectful young people through the art of Kendo.

For more information:

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈
Or
Join our Little Samurai - Waikato Facebook group for more updates.
Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Waikato.Kendo

Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com

Day 1 Kendo Beginners – FAQ

2026-01-12T08:58:00.007+13:00

What is Kendo?

Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art based on traditional swordsmanship. It is both physical training and a cultural practice, emphasising discipline, respect, etiquette, and personal development alongside technique.

Do I need previous martial arts or sports experience?

No. Kendo beginners start from the very basics, and no prior experience is required.

Am I fit enough to start Kendo?

Yes. You do not need a high fitness level to begin. Training intensity increases gradually and improves fitness over time.

What should I wear to my first class?

Please wear comfortable sports clothing such as a T‑shirt and track pants or shorts. Training is done barefoot.

Do I need to buy equipment before starting?

No. All beginner equipment is provided. Your instructor will advise you later if and when equipment purchase is needed.

What will I learn in the beginner class?

Beginners learn etiquette, posture, footwork, shinai handling, and fundamental techniques in a safe and structured way.

How long does the beginner course take?

Most beginners complete the course in approximately 3 months, depending on attendance and readiness.

When do I wear bogu (armour)?

Students begin wearing bogu after completing the beginner programme and when approved by the instructor.

Is Kendo safe?

Yes. Safety is prioritised at all times. Beginners train without armour initially and techniques are introduced gradually.

What mindset should beginners have?

An open mind, respect for others, and patience with the learning process are the most important qualities.

For more information:

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈
Or
Join our 2026 Beginners Facebook Group for more updates.
Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Waikato.Kendo

Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com

Post grading Kendo reflection - Felix

2026-01-10T09:55:00.006+13:00

Post grading Kendo reflection - Felix Dinh

Last week I took part in the Waikato Kendo grading, and it was a very important experience for me. First time grading ever, I was nervous before it even started because I did not know if I could show everything that I’ve been practicing and training. When I put on my bogu and stepped into the grading area, I was of course nervous and tense but also tried to keep it calm because at the same time I felt excited to finally test myself.

During the grading I tried to remember all the things that Sam Sensei, Marleen Sensei, and all other senpai had taught me, such as correct movement, right techniques, or effective footwork, but turns out remembering is totally different from actually doing it. Because grading carries almost the same amount of pressure as a competitive Shiai. I think with the differences being the outcome, for Shiai it’s about who lost and who won, however for grading, you only get one chance to show everyone what you’re capable of doing and that’s it. Which means I can’t just bring up the flawless men that I did the other day and do it exactly as it is during the grading, but that is the whole point of kendo, you train more and more to achieve perfect techniques consistently.

Overall thoughts on my performance during the grading, in my opinion, I think it was pretty disappointing, not really the outcome that I’d wanted. For good news, I did pass and obtained a new grade. Many senpai complimented my improvements. But speaking solely about my performance, I noticed that there are many areas that I need to further improve on such as:

Maintaining a good maai, timing and distancing, specifically issoku itto no maai.
Better Men cut in one fluid motion with no wasted movement.
Make a more stable and solid kamae.
There are still more problems with footwork that I will need to work on.
Make more use of the shoulder.

Even though I wasn’t perfect during the grading, I am proud that I did my best. I also learned that grading isn’t always about passing or failing, but rather it’s about seeing where my weak points are, what needs to be improved and figuring out how to fix problems. It showed me what I need to focus on in future training, striving to be better.

In conclusion, I’m thankful for the opportunity to do this grading. It was a good challenge and a valuable experience. I feel more motivated to keep training, and I will use what I learned to become better in both my Kendo and my spirit. Pursuing Kendo has improved me in many aspects, I gained better controls and coordinations of my own body, I grew stronger, and I connected with a small but friendly and awesome community of people who are in the Waikato Kendo Club.

Thank you all.

Kendo has offered me an entirely different kind of experience

2026-01-09T09:52:00.002+13:00

Jingee‘s insight

I’ve always been passionate about sports—whether it’s extreme activities, strength training, or gentler forms of exercise, I’ve consistently thrown myself into them with enthusiasm.

But kendo has offered me an entirely different kind of experience.

It demands strength, but it is not only about strength.

It requires control, yet it is not merely about control.

It calls for observation, reaction, an awareness of one’s own body, and a sharp reading of the opponent’s movements.

Among all my athletic pursuits, it stands out as something truly unique.

I hope that in the days ahead, I can continue to study and practice it with genuine dedication.

Orion's Reflection on My Kendo Practice

I have been learning kendo for half a year now. During this time, I have felt a new focus that I never had before, and I have gained a lot.

First, about the mind.

Kendo helps me give full attention to every movement and every strike. When I hit Men, I feel how the body and spirit work together. It makes me calm and concentrated. Even if I face different partners, I imagine the person in front of me is myself, because to defeat myself is always the hardest.

Second, about the body.

The essence of kendo is the use of the whole body, not only the arms. It builds my core strength. This is different from lifting weights in the gym. In Kendo, every strike uses all the muscles. After training, the deep breathing makes me feel fresh and full of energy.

Third, about the family.

Practising kendo with my wife and child is a special way to keep harmony at home. We respect each other, and we can sometimes practise together. It brings joy to the family. For me and my wife, it gives us more to talk about. For me and my son, it is also a fun match between father and son.

These are my thoughts after half a year. My favourite saying is: “Do not try to be a better fighter, but a better person.” I hope the spirit of kendo will stay with me always. Thank you, Sam Sensei, for your guidance.

2026 Beginners Information

2026-01-07T11:33:00.012+13:00

You are warmly invited to join us and begin your New Year’s journey as a Modern Samurai.

Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays

Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays

Intermediate and Advanced Class: 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays

Starting Dates

Term 1: Saturday 17 and 31 January (no training on 24 January)

Term 2: Saturday 7 and 14 March

Term 3: Saturday 25 July and 1 August

Term 4: Saturday 31 October and 7 November

Course Information

No previous experience required.

Open to all genders, ages 6 to 60.

Your first lesson is free (trial lesson).

Day 1 Kendo Beginners – FAQ

Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information

Monthly Membership Fees

Primary school students: $50.00

Intermediate & high school students: $60.00

Tertiary students: $80.00

Adults: $100.00

Family Discounts

Second family member: 50% off

Third family member and beyond: free

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be ready to put on Bogu (armour) and start your Kendo journey as a modern Samurai!

Venue

School of Education (SOE) Gym,

The University Waikato
Gate 4, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton.
Google Map

A message for Beginners from Sam Tsai Sensei

Kendo is more than a martial art; it is a lifelong companion.

For more information

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈

Join our 2026 Beginners Facebook Group for more updates.

Like our Facebook Page - Waikato.Kendo

Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com

Privacy Statement

We collect personal information only for the purpose of managing Kendo classes and contacting you about training. Your information is kept secure and is not shared with any third parties. If you have any questions about your information, please contact us.

Kendo and Rototuna Junior and Senio High Schools 2025

2025-09-29T11:52:00.002+13:00

Rototuna High School Kendo Club 2025

Our 2025 Kendo program at Rototuna High School has now come to an end, and I want to say how proud I am of all the students for their effort and commitment this year. Every Friday afternoon has been something I’ve looked forward to — not just for the practice, but for the energy, enthusiasm, and fun you all bring.

It has been wonderful to see you challenge yourselves, support each other, and grow through Kendo. I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you, and I wish each of you all the very best in whatever comes next — whether that’s continuing with Kendo or simply carrying the lessons you’ve learned into your everyday life.

A special thank-you also goes to Rototuna High Schools for supporting this program and giving us the chance to share Kendo together.

Sam Tsai
Renshi 6 Dan
Waikato Kendo Club

To Tsai Sensei,

First of all, I want to thank you greatly for your perseverance and effort you put into teaching us Rototuna High School students kendo. When I first started, I was very nervous about our lessons since I didn't know anything about kendo. But by your thoughtful and skillful teachings, I was able to learn not only the skills and moves, but the culture and background of kendo as well.

In all of the three terms of school, I learned the four basic moves of kendo (一本打ちの技-ippon uchi no waza) including 面、こて、胴, and つき (men kote, dou, tsuki). We also touched on some other moves like はらい (harai) too–I especially enjoyed trying some 二三段の技 (ni-san dan no waza).

Apart from the different skills, I learned how important it is to keep a straight and steady posture, while maintaining control of the 木剣/竹刀 (bokken/shinai). Even though we weren't able to do any proper kendo matches, it was still a very enjoyable time.

Overall, I very much enjoyed doing kendo ー learning both spiritual and physical aspects of it. I again thank you for all of the hard work you put into teaching us. It has made the typical boring Friday afternoon into a time where I can learn new skills and knowledge.

With gratitude,
Wato S

Kendo is not solely the movement of the sword. It is about self-discipline, self-challenge, resilience, and focus. The art of Kendo teaches you that in order to improve yourself, you must rely on everything that is within; that you have no need to seek anything outside of yourself. In order to get the best result, you must first be your best self.

With this thinking, I have learned how to connect my mind with my body. I am more confident with myself and ready to focus when learning needs to take place. With a good mind, patience, and commitment, you can excel in anything. Possibly even further than the naturally gifted. This is what makes kendo beautiful.

From Gabrielle

Though I have not been doing kendo for a very long time, I have still learnt a lot from it, Kendo has given me many opportunities, like going to the Eiga and Morioka Sensei seminar, and helped me push myself mentally and physically to help me grow as a person.

Kendo has brought me close to many people and has helped me create new bonds and friendships with many people. Kendo has helped me gain a lot more confidence and has made me even happier. It's improved me so much as a person, and I am grateful for the opportunity to start kendo at RHS, I would've been a completely different person if kendo weren't in my life. It has played such a big role in my life and has helped shape me into who I am today. I am very grateful for everything that I have experienced in kendo.

From Conor

Kendo has taught us many things, such as the history behind Japanese culture, beliefs, the body, and how it reflects onto our daily lives. It has taught us discipline and respect, which helped us in parts of our other life in those aspects. Also, our body and mindset towards hard things got better. So we are really grateful that we have experiences Kendo in our lives, whether it be a long time or a short time. We will not forget it.

Reflection on Kendo - Benji and Angelique

1 What kendo helps with

Kendo helps understand Japanese culture as well as build up physical body strength. Kendo can also help with strategizing because of the variety of acts to choose from.

2 Improvements in daily activities

I've noticed myself getting stronger every week and understanding more about Japanese culture. I also seemed to get more active and smart from kendo which has made life easier for me.

3 Things I like about kendo

Not only do we learn kendo but we also learn Japanese culture and language with the bonus of candy and even pizza parties. Sensei has been very patient and kind to us and I hope to do it much more often.

From Max

Dear Tsai sensei:

Kendo is a Japanese martial art about fighting with swords. In Kendo, you can use either a Bokken, which is like a Katana but made out of wood, and Shinai, which is a sword made out of bamboo. You take your shoes and socks off while doing Kendo. There is armour for Kendo which is for sparing like helmets and chest plates.

Doing Kendo not only teaches you how to fight but also teaches you valuable life skills. A Kendo school is called a Dojo. I like Kendo because it is challenging yet fun, and even though it's tiring. It's very fun and also lets me become fit. I would like to keep doing Kendo at the Waikato Dojo so maybe I'll go there sometime.

From Beke

My memories about Kendo =)

I have been doing the Japanese Kendo for a few terms now, and it has taught me a lot of things. First of all my kind Kendo teacher Tsai has shown me how to self-defend with many cool moves throughout the weeks and months, like moving and throwing the Japanese sword in many different ways. Also it helped me develop friendships with many nice people especially Tsai.

My favourite memory about this class is definitely the pizza party, where Tsai would give me and my classmates lots of delicious pizza and we would spend some time together, talking and socializing. Thank you so much Tsai and the wider Kendo community for helping me a lot recently.

From Yanran

Celebrating the efforts of Kendo and study in Term 1.
We turned the Kendo club to “pizza club” today! 💕

Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes - Eiga and Morioka Sensei seminar

2025-09-21T12:55:00.001+12:00

2025 Eiga and Morioka Sensei Seminar

Dear Kenshi and Friends,

On behalf of Waikato Kendo Club, I want to sincerely thank you for joining us at the August seminar and for celebrating our dojo’s 26th Anniversary together.

Your participation—whether travelling from near or far, adjusting your schedules, or simply bringing your spirit and energy—made this gathering truly meaningful.

It was wonderful to see old friends reconnect, new friendships formed, and everyone learning together under the guidance of Eiga sensei and Morioka sensei.

Organising this seminar was not an easy journey, but your enthusiasm and dedication made every effort worthwhile.

We hope that the teachings and memories from this weekend will continue to inspire your kendo journey.

Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes

While everyone’s presence made this seminar special, I would like to especially acknowledge the “unsung heroes” whose efforts behind the scenes made it all possible:

Ben Kennedy, Head of Sport Department, Hillcrest High School - for helping me to organise the two gyms that keeps the teaching flow sound and safe.
Clement Guo – Waikato old boy, who took initiative for bridging connections with the Australian Kendo Renmei.
Andrew van Hamond, AKR President – for rallying the Australian team, organising transport, and showing great leadership and thoughtfulness.
IT & Proofreading teams – Jae Tsai, Leo Lin, Jeffrey Ke, Sam Tsai, Janet Yen & Rex Wu – for working tirelessly into the late hours to perfect the registration system and seminar webpage.
Agnes Chen & Matthew Henderson – for their generosity and countless hours of funding applications, which kept us afloat when resources were tight.
Maiko Smith & Nick Smith, Hiroko-san & family – for opening their homes and hearts to host our senseis with warmth and extra care.
Chun-fang Huang sensei base in Taiwan – for her dedicated correspondence with Eiga and Morioka sensei, ensuring flawless communication despite time differences.
Interpreter team – Sachiyou Lee sensei from Rembuden, Rina-san from AKC, Akiyo Yamaguchi Ellin sensei from Maru, Blake Bennett sensei and Tamura sensei from Australia – for making the teachings accessible to all participants.
On-site & support staff – Gaelle Guyader, Rex Wu, Nicole Richard, Matthew Henderson, Joe Vuataki, and Orion Wang – for their tireless work in logistics, check-ins, childcare, filming, and photography.

Each of you gave your time, energy, and heart without expecting recognition, and I am deeply humbled by your selflessness. This seminar was not my achievement—it was ours.

Once again, thank you all for being part of this milestone in our dojo’s history. I look forward to training together and meeting again in the spirit of kendo.

With gratitude,
Marleen
- -

Marleen Charng

President of Waikato Kendo Association

Eiga and Morioka Sensei Kendo Seminar

2025-06-08T15:39:00.003+12:00

We are honored to announce that Eiga Hideyuki Sensei (Hanshi 8th Dan) and Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei (Kyoshi 7th Dan) will be visiting New Zealand this August to lead a Kendo seminar.

Everyone is warmly invited to join the event—or follow along for updates, photos, and highlight videos. We look forward to sharing this special occasion with the wider Kendo community!

Introducing Eiga and Morioka Sensei

Eiga Hideyuki Sensei - Hanshi 8 Dan (栄花英幸 - 範士八段)

Renowned worldwide for his exceptional skill and deep understanding of Kendo. Eiga Sensei’s notable achievements include placing 3rd at the 21st All Japan Invitational 8th Dan Tournament in 2023, first at the 19th All Japan Invitational 8th Dan Tournament in 2021, and placing 2nd and two 3rd positions at the All Japan Kendo Championships. He graduated from Tokai University and currently serves as a teacher at Hokkaido Eniwa-Minami High School.

Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei - Kyoshi 7 Dan (森岡宏光 - 教士七段)

A respected teacher with vast experience in Kendo training and instruction and having graduated from the Osaka University of Health and Sports Science. He has served as the head coach of the Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences Naniwa High School Kendo Club and the former head coach of the Osaka University of Health and Sport Sciences Women's Kendo Club.

Morioka Sensei has been a key supporter for NZ Kendo, having led multiple seminars in New Zealand and supported the NZ Kendo Team in previous WKC campaigns.

📅 Seminar Dates

📍 Friday, 15 August 2025 (evening): Goodwill Keiko – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

📍 Saturday, 16 August 2025: Official Seminar – 9:00 AM to 4:40 PM

📍 Sunday, 17 August 2025: Official Seminar – 8:30AM to 2:00 PM

📍 Seminar dinner (optional) – Saturday 6:30 PM, buffet style

Click here to register yourself to the event

The mindset for kendo training - Shigeoka Hanshi

2024-12-28T00:16:00.003+13:00

剣道修行の心構え / 重岡昇

The mindset for kendo training / Noboru Shigeoka

現代剣道百家箴，昭和四十七年

A Hundred Aphorisms of Modern Kendo Masters （1972)

"Never allow the first strike to land."

No matter how skilled or unskilled your opponent may be, both sides start on equal footing, fully committed to the first strike. This requires putting your entire being into that initial attack.

"Strike at the opponent’s initial movement."

Always train with the mindset of targeting your opponent’s opening move. Be proactive, fully prepared, and maintain readiness. Cultivate an unwavering mind and approach each engagement with a steady, unshaken heart, free from the Four Fears (fear, doubt, surprise, and hesitation).

"Kendo is about striking at openings. If two combatants are evenly matched in strength, the one who strikes first will lose."

A stance that embodies both technical skill and mental preparedness has no openings. However, any disruption in this balance creates an opening. Such disruptions allow for logical opportunities, leading to techniques that align with proper principles. Forcing a technique can lead to failure, as it fosters impatience and creates vulnerabilities. When both opponents are equally strong, the one who moves first exposes their initial motion and thus loses.

"Come at me! If you won’t, then I will attack!"

This reflects the spirit of balance between "waiting while threatening" and "threatening while waiting" during a confrontation. It encapsulates the subtle art of timing and readiness. "1 to 9 of 10, 2 to 8 of 10, 5 to 5 of 10—find harmony in these intervals."

The phrases "Welcome those who come; send off those who leave." and "Do not refuse those who approach; do not chase those who leave" reflect slight but important differences in mindset. Harmony with others, whether in human relationships or in kendo, is best achieved through maintaining a rounded and balanced perspective.

"Strengths are also weaknesses; no one possesses two advantages."

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. The journey of life is about refining one’s individuality. For example, a practitioner strong in men (head) strikes may also be vulnerable in defending them, while someone skilled in kote (wrist) strikes might struggle to defend their wrists. The saying goes: "Heaven does not bestow two gifts." Ambition and selfish desires cannot coexist. This principle teaches humility and warns against self-centered attitudes. Hardship is the seed of joy, and one can only rise above challenges by letting go of self-interest.

"Immerse yourself completely."

"Practice as if you were in a match; approach matches as if they were practice."

Your progress depends on your opponent—whether you are training at the level of a beginner (shodan), an intermediate (sandan), or an advanced practitioner (nanadan). True guidance comes from immersing yourself fully in each level of training. The foundational principle for instructors is to create an environment where keiko (practice) and shiai (matches) are nearly indistinguishable in intensity and focus.

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

2024-11-15T14:01:00.005+13:00

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades
Thanks to Janet for organising this article.

When entering & leaving the Dōjo（道場, training hall）, we need to bow respectfully from the waist, first towards the direction of Joseki（上席）, in our case this is the Waikato Kendo Club WKC banner.

(But in Japanese dōjo there is often a Kamiza（上座） with a small Shinto shrine or altar displayed with religious significance).

And then bow towards Sensei & Senpai on your way in before neatly organising your belongings on the side & getting ready quietly.

At beginning of each Keiko（稽古）, Sensei（先生）or Senpai（先輩） will say:

Line up - Seiretsu（整列）:

We will need to quickly find our position along a horizontal line facing Sensei (in the middle) in order of our experience/ rank with Senpai (Seniors) on the right and Kōhai (Juniors, 後輩) & Shoshinsha (Beginners, 初心者) on the left.
Standing straight facing the front, holding Shinai firmly with left hand. For those wearing Bōgu (armour, 防具), we also need to hold our Men & Kote beneath our right arm.

Seiza - 正座:

This is the formal traditional way of sitting in Japan.
Take half a step back with left foot then kneel with left knee while gently placing your Shinai down on the floor, Kensen first then the Tsuba in line with the knee without making a noise and ensure it doesn’t roll sideways (always treat the Shinai as if it’s a real sword/ Shinken (真剣) so we don’t want to damage the blade of the sword).
Then put our right knee down in line with the left, with both foot beneath the buttock & sit gently on the feet.
For those with Bōgu, we need to place the Kote & Men on our right side, make sure to align it with the Senpais on the right.

Shisei wo tadashite - 姿勢を正して:

Make sure your posture is correct & back is straight.

Mokuso - 黙想:

Begin meditation.
Place your hands relaxed over the front of your lap with the right palm facing upwards then the left palm over the top of the right with both thumbs gently touch over the top.
Take three deep breaths through nose & breathe out with our mouths slowly, trying to clear our minds.
When Sensei claps 👏 once,

Mokuso yame - 黙想やめ:

Meditation finished, return to normal seiza & hand resting position on thigh.

Shōmen ni - 正面に:

Turn body to face towards the front, Joseki (WKC banner).
Showing appreciation, respect & humility for those before us who contributed to the development of kendo, the dojo where we can train in.

Rei - 礼:

Bow🙇‍♂️

Sensei ni - 先生に (OR Senpai gata ni - 先輩方に):

Facing towards Sensei (OR Senpai leading the keiko, when sensei is away).
Showing appreciation & respect to Sensei or senpai for teaching us.

Rei - 礼:

Bow🙇‍♂️

Otagai ni - お互いに (OR Sōgo ni - 相互に):

Towards each other

Rei - 礼:

Bow🙇‍♂️ And say together:
Onegaishimasu - お願いします at Beginning of Keiko. Which means please take care of me & show appreciation for training together.
OR Arigatou gozaimashita - ありがとうございました” at End of Keiko. Which means thank you very much for training with me.

Men (wo) tsuke - 面を着け:

For those with Bōgu.
Respectfully Bow 🙇‍♂️ to our Bōgu for protecting us during training.
Then put on our Men & Kote as swiftly as possible then stand up & line up to make sure we don’t make others wait for us & can start training as soon as possible.

Men (wo) Tore - 面を取れ:

Remove the Men, Tenugui & Kote swiftly & quickly place them neatly on the floor aligned with others on the right while in Seiza before waiting for Senpai to call for the above bows to end the Keiko.
The only difference is the order of the bow at end of Keiko is bowing to Sensei first before bowing to Shomen.

Grading FAQ: fees, attitudes and purposes

2024-10-06T14:47:00.001+13:00

Beginners Grading October 2024

Appreciate everyone's participation and efforts in making this a successful grading event for beginners and kids. 💕

Talking About Grading: fees, attitudes and purposes

Grading is an integral part of the Kendo journey, along with Keiko (training) and Shiai (tournaments). Each aspect shapes a Kendoka’s growth in its own unique way.

Fees:

We pay membership fees for regular training and event fees to participate in tournaments. Similarly, fees are required to challenge the Kyu/Dan Promotion Examination, which we often simply refer to as grading.

From the organization’s perspective, grading fees serve as a necessary source of income. It's widely agreed among members—Kendo enthusiasts—that this is not just a contribution to our local clubs, like the Waikato Kendo Association, or national bodies like the New Zealand Kendo Federation (NZKF). It extends to the broader Kendo community, even reaching the International Kendo Federation (IKF). More importantly, grading acknowledges our members’ learning milestones, reflecting the hard work and dedication they’ve invested through quality training over time.

Attitudes:

Grading is a formal event in the Kendo journey. At the Waikato Kendo Club, we offer the first grading free for all our members. This provides a valuable learning opportunity, allowing beginners to experience what a Kendo grading looks and feels like. This initial exposure helps them better prepare for future gradings as they progress on their path.

For the Little Samurai class, our grading system serves as a scaffolding tool for this young group of kids. It helps guide them in following instructions, managing stressful situations, and building resilience. These skills extend beyond Kendo—they're essential life skills. We hope that our Little Samurais will transfer what they learn in Kendo to their school and personal lives, becoming not only good students but also leading healthy and successful lives in the future.

For our adult beginners, we have outlined the specific requirements for each Kyu grade to help you set clear learning and training goals on your way to achieving Dan grades. This system allows you to evaluate your own progress, recognize areas for improvement, and know where and how to seek guidance when needed.

Purposes:

Kendo is a lifelong companion. Throughout this journey, we will encounter many joyful and rewarding moments, as well as challenges and uncomfortable situations. However, true fulfilment in Kendo comes from both experiences, especially the satisfaction of overcoming difficulties.

We sincerely invite you and your children to embrace the challenges of training (Keiko 稽古), grading (Shinsa 審査), and competition (Shiai 試合). Through these experiences, you’ll discover how this ancient Japanese martial art can inspire a better life in modern society and help you enjoy life to the fullest.

Some photos from the event:

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Closing Ceremony

Together, we achieve more!

💪💪💪

The Stressful Experience Enjoyed - Daniel W

2023-09-18T22:56:00.003+12:00

The days leading up to our Kendo grading had started becoming a little stressful I have to admit. Despite our sensei telling us not to worry it was very difficult to push the doubts out of my mind. Even the minutes leading up to our grading were spent clarifying certain techniques or movements. I was confident in my ability to correctly perform the required Kihon-dosa but I lacked confidence in understanding a new language and was afraid I would incorrectly interpret an instruction.

It was a great start to the afternoon as I got to watch my 2 children perform their grading. I was very happy to see that our efforts at practicing everyday (despite their objections) had paid off.

As our group (group 2) was called up my anxieties were at their highest yet the moment sensei instructed Tai-to (placing your shinai at our left waist) all that anxiety simply melted away. All of a sudden I was in a very familiar space. Everything that was asked of me in the grading I had done many many times before and thus I had become very comfortable in my surroundings. If it weren't for all the little errors I was making you could almost say I was starting to enjoy the experience.

I noticed early on that my left heel early on was not raised enough and was impacting my movement. Remaining focused was important and concentrating on staying upright, correct posture with square shoulders, feet 2 fists apart and heel to toe. As I started correcting these small errors I began to feel more confident and focused on performing rather than trying to remember everything. When it was time to perform Fumikomi-ashi I was in a very good place mentally as I enjoy these Kihon-dosa. My focus here was not to have my shinai reach too far back before I went to strike and to slow my movement down. Sensei has reiterated many many times to slow everything down to perform it well, not to try and create power through speed. This advice really helped me. It's amazing how quickly you can forget the little details that help to build a strong and correct technique when trying to be fast. 1 small error can easily affect other aspects of your form. I still need to work on stamping my right foot and using the left foot for power, committing to forward movement.

To be asked to perform Bokuto Kihonwaza Keikoho 1 was a surprise as these waza are new to me but I felt very good about this one. Caleb (my son) had insisted on practicing at home as many forms of Kihon-waza as we could remember and it turned into a little game. Although everything went well I was aware of little things I wished I had done better. I was relieved and happy when we had completed our grading because I felt I had performed my best on the day and it was very satisfying. I am very grateful for all the advice and guidance from our sensei's, senpai's and fellow students who have all helped to answer or demonstrate any questions I had.

Daniel Wood.

Experiencing Jōdan-no-Kamae & Gyaku-Dō

2023-06-01T19:41:00.000+12:00

Wednesday 31st May 2023 Keiko Reflection - Janet

Tonight’s Keiko was planned by Marleen sensei & led by Senpais Leo & Joyce.

We had a rare opportunity to watch & learn some wazas/ techniques first hand from both senpais particularly on their specialties: Jōdan-no-Kamae & Gyaku-Dō.

The upper-level posture or stance (Jōdan-no-Kamae) which Leo Senpai uses, is the Hidari (left) Jōdan, where the left foot is in front of the right foot, so essentially the foot positions are reversed from normal Chudan position.

Using the posterior right foot to push off when going forwards & the anterior left foot to push off when going backwards.

Otherwise all other elements of footwork remains the same, like heels off the ground using Suriashi sliding steps, maintain inner parallel & the distance between both feet, right foot not overtaking left foot, using the left foot for fumikomi & right foot quickly follow up after strike to run through with Zanshin…etc.

When stepping into Hidari Jōdan-no-Kamae by moving the left foot in front of the right, remember to keep upper body straight & square facing forwards, then with same “V” shape hand grip on the Tsuka, concentrating on the left hand particularly keeping the “Pinky” finger tension, lift up the Shinai from Chudan position by rotating shoulder raising the Shinai overhead with left hand slightly to the left of midline about one fist in front of the forehead & the Shinai pointing to the back & right about 45 degrees with the blade facing up.

This standard Jōdan position is often used for deep breathing exercise such as after intense Haya-Suburi to help open up the chest.

However, during actual Shiai, each Jōdan users stance will be slightly different from the standard form, with their own variations to adjust to different situations such as pulling back their left hand slightly to protect their left Kote by increasing the distance the opponent needed to reach.

Unlike Chudan-no-Kamae, where the Kensen is directly in front of us helping us with better defence as well as easier to engage the Kensen with opponents kensen to test them out & to apply Seme, for Jōdan-no-Kamae, the actual tip of Shinai is now overhead pointing away from centre, therefore, the new “Kensen” now becomes the end of Tsuka controlled by the left hand, pointing towards the centre & opponent.

Jōdan user will slightly move the left hand & Tsuka forwards with a slight forward step to indicate their intention to strike performing Seme, before letting go of their right hand, & continue to rotate & pull down their left shoulder & arm to swing the Shinai forwards towards the centre while slightly rotating their upper body to the right (similar to pulling on a bow), perform Fumikomi with left foot & perform Tenouchi single-handedly with the left grip alone on contact with the target.

One of the advantages of the Jōdan position is the reach of the strike as the striking range is longer as well as the readiness to strike as the Shinai is already raised, therefore it is considered as the most aggressive of all stances or Kamaes.

We practised how to perform Jōdan-no-Kamae, how to do Okuri-ashi footwork going forwards & backwards in Jōdan, then hitting Men from Jōdan position which was a very interesting experience, almost like learning to use the non-dominant hand to write or eat.

This demonstrated the difficulty & the incredible amount of training & experience required for a kendoka to be able to switch to using Jōdan proficiently. We are very fortunate to have Leo Senpai at WKC who is able to do so, therefore, make most of the opportunities to Keiko with Leo Senpai when we have a chance to help us learn how to fight against a Jōdan user.

Joyce Senpai on the other hand shared with us some tips on her specialty: the Gyaku (reverse) Dō strike.

The strategy is to make the opponent think we are going to aim for the Men by rotating the arm & Kensen upwards similar to the starting sequence of Small-Men attack, thus luring them to lift up their Shinai to block, so disrupting their Kamae, exposing their Dō before we pull down our arms to perform Dō strike on the right side.

The theory behind the technique may sound simple enough however, to be able to perform it naturally & as effortlessly as how Joyce Senpais demonstrated will take heaps of practice this is the true intention of Marleen Senseis Keiko plan, to expose to us as many different techniques as possible at any stage to help us learn to utilise different parts of our bodies & muscles which we don’t usually use, therefore, it will feel awkward to start with but is essential to help train our bodies to become more balanced & coordinated in order to better move our bodies with ease & perform wider range of more advanced techniques in the future while minimising potential flaws or weaknesses in our body movements.

* * *

We then finished the Keiko by doing Kakari-geiko (continuous attack practice) & Ai-Kakarite-geiko (Simultaneous attack from both sides) against Leo Senpai. The purpose of Kakari-geiko is to help train our stamina & speed for rapid & continuous attacks, as well as helping to train our bodies to respond instantly when seeing an opportunity without thinking too much. By doing Ai-Kakarite-geiko, it will help us overcome the fear of seeing someone attacking us, resist the urge to block & encourage us to make simultaneous attack at same time to remain aggressive & proactive to maintain an attacking spirit.

Thank you Marleen sensei for her thoughtful Keiko menu & supervising the Keiko tonight🙏🙏🙏

Many thanks to both Leo & Joyce Senpai for their special instructions tonight & Leo Senpai for helping us with Kakari-geiko. We all learnt a lot🙏🙏🙏

Ji-ri-ichi - practice & theory combined into one 事理一致

2023-05-25T21:31:00.006+12:00

Wednesday 19th April 2023 Keiko Reflection by Janet

Tonight’s Keiko is a timely reminder of the importance of training in Ji-ri-ichi (事理一致, practice & theory combined into one).

While we are constantly receiving knowledge & theory passively from Senseis, one must also be actively applying the theories learnt into action to make it their own through repeated practice.

We must also be proactive in our own learning by actively seeking more knowledge such as observing other kendokas keiko (mitori-geiko), reading books, asking questions when in doubt, & constantly reflect & ask ourselves why do we do this? what are we doing wrongly or correctly?

This way we can better understand our bodies, the mechanics of each movements & the purpose behind each individual action, therefore maximise our learning outcome by improving productivity & quality of our practice or Keiko.

Remember Kendo is a martial art that descended from Japanese swordsmanship or Kenjutsu, so it’s not just any random stick or sword fighting without a purpose.

Kendokas are constantly seeking to train & synchronise their body, mind & sword for the purpose of self-improvement in order to one day achieve the most beautiful & perfect strike or Ippon that they can be proud of. Therefore, in order to achieve that goal one must put in effort & time to practice effectively.

Todays Keiko menu consisted of:

1. Kihon-geiko focusing on engaging our core & Tenouchi for Suburi, & more weight distribution on our left foot in order to perform more effective Okuri-ashi & Fumikomi-ashi by quickly follow up with left foot to be in proper Kamae at all times for rensoku or repeated strikes as well as able to push off & propel forwards adequately to generate proper momentum & power for each strike.

2. Big Men

3. Small Men with normal timing, striking when in Issoku-Ittou-no-Maai in one action without delay

4. Small Men with delayed timing, begin the striking motion when in Issoku-Ittou-no-Maai by moving forwards (right foot can either hover in the air or land on the ground depending on your timing & whichever way felt more natural) while raising the kensen as if going for the men but with a slight pause or delay to observe the opponents reaction, if they’re not blocking or are slower than you then you can continue to finish off the Small-men strike.

However, if the opponent anticipated & reacted to the Men strike first, they may try to block with their Shinai by raising their kensen over head & exposing their Kote, therefore this delayed timing may be useful for us to change the course of our strike to aim for the Kote instead.

This can sometimes be useful to disrupt the timing of opponent, make our strike timing less predictable, or even as a good strategy to feint & draw out opponents reaction as we desire.

5. Men-Hiki-men

6. Men-Hiki-men-Kote-men

7. Kakari-geiko

Thank you to both Sam & Marleen sensei for leading the Keiko tonight.

Thank you to all the Senpais, Kyu grades & beginners who made tonight’s Keiko very productive🙏🙏🙏

Having good and strong Kiai is essential

2023-04-12T00:02:00.001+12:00

Wednesday 12th April 2023 Keiko Reflection by Janet

Following several weeks of absence from Keiko while travelling overseas, it was great to return to keiko tonight. Thank you to both sensei, senpais & everyone who turned up for a great Keiko 🙏🙏🙏

I could tell my body had lost some muscle tone as well as muscle memory, which will need more time & practice to regain & re-adjust.

As always Sam & Marleen sensei have thoughtfully adjusted the Keiko menu to suit the needs of every member that are present in order to accomodate every skill level from those who just started kendo to those that had a break from kendo as well as the senior Dan grades to maximise the learning outcome for everyone.

It was designed to help us systematically learn & rebuild our fundamental Kihon skills (such as footwork Suriashi, Fumikomi, Tenouchi, Big & Small Men, Kote Taiatari, Kiai) as well as reconditioning our bodies to minimise injuries, before progressively introduce more in-depth concepts & skills/ wazas such as Seme, Tame, & the more advanced Oji wazas such as Kote-Nuki-Men.

The word Seme in Japanese means to attack but for Kendo we can interpret this as showing strong determination & intention to attack by applying pressure to try break through opponents Kamae physically to take centre as well as trying to unsettle the opponents mentally by exploiting the four kendo sicknesses (Shi-Kai): surprise, fear, doubt, & hesitation in order to create opening or find the right opportunity to attack.

Having good strong Kiai is essential to develop good Seme as when Kiai is performed properly not only will it will help improve upper & lower body coordination using the core muscles to generate more power & speed, but it’ll also help with developing proper kendo breathing regulation from the Tanden/ abdomen/ diaphragm to build up tension (Seme) while holding the pressure in (Tame) before committing to a strike when an opportunity arise.

Sensei also gave homework for everyone tonight to help us develop a more stable lower body so that we can handle more advanced techniques later on. We are asked to practise doing Men with Fumikomi then stop & hold this position with deeper forward lunges with both knees at 90 degrees.

Special mention to Ben who showed great Kendo spirit by attending tonight to do Mitori-geiko despite a calf muscle injury. His attentiveness while watching from the side as well as taking videos & giving us feedbacks from another point of view was commendable & very helpful for us. Wish him a speedy recovery🙏🙏🙏

Happy Rabbit Year 2023

2023-01-30T01:07:00.011+13:00

We wish everyone have a Happy Rabbit Year

Saturday 21 January 2023 Keiko Reflection - Janet

As lunar new year of the rabbit arrives so is our Dojo welcoming new beginners to get a taste of what kendo is like.

While the beginners learned brand new ideas, the senpais were reminded of the basic purpose of Kendo, which is self discipline, development & improvement of our body, mind, & spirit. Constantly striving for a more perfect & beautiful cut rather than being just a form of self defence or stick fighting.

Ashi-sabaki or footwork (Kouda sensei demonstration) is very important in Kendo particularly Suriashi or sliding steps as it not only look more graceful & elegant, but also would reduce noise when moving on wooden floors & reduce likely injury from stepping onto hidden weapons or obstacles on the floor in medieval Japan.

We were also reminded of the basic sequence of engagement during a kendo duel:

1. Holding good Kamae (on guard position, Kouda sensei demonstration) to prevent showing weakness or opening to the opponent. Make the opponent feel uneasy to step forward without an opportunity.

2. Have good Kiai (the shout we generated before & during strikes) to show our determination & spirit.

3. Perform Seme (to attack or break through opponents defence or creating opportunity by taking centre) & step into Issoku-Ittou-no-Maai (one step one cut distance) to execute the strike on target.

The senior Keiko menu consisted of Kihon-geiko Kirikaeshi, Uchikomi-geiko focussing on Gohon waza as well as Hiki waza (Chiba Sensei's demonstration; Hiki-Men, Hiki-Kote).

The difficulty of executing Hiki waza was being able to create proper opportunity by making the opponents move & expose an opening from Tsuba-Zeriai position (this is usually done by pushing against opponents Shinai to encourage them to counteract the force when we let go suddenly) then execute accurate strikes on target when going backwards to create enough distance for proper arm extension for strikes while maintaining same control & power of each strike with proper Tenouchi & backwards Fumikomi stamping & swift Okuriashi going backwards to quickly get out of the way to regain enough distance & maintain good Zanshin (alertness) & Kamae to be ready to block or counter opponents follow up strikes.

Even though a few of us had to excuse ourselves from Keiko early today to attend New Year’s Eve dinner with family & friends, other members who stayed behind with Sensei continued on with Kakari-geiko.

Many thanks to all those who turned up today to make this Keiko possible & thanks to Sam Sensei for leading the Keiko & Joyce Senpai for leading the warm up🙏🙏🙏

Best wishes to everyone at WKC a happy & prosperous year of the Rabbit 🐰

Shikai of Kendo: Surprise, Fear, Doubt & Confusion

2023-01-27T23:37:00.001+13:00

Welcome Andy York back to home 💕

Fear, one of the Four Poisons, needs to be overcame to do Kendo correctly. 💪

Wednesday 18th January 2023 Keiko Reflection - Janet

Tonight we had another productive Keiko during this hot & humid summer night.

Thank you to both Senseis for leading the warm up & Keiko & for all the Senpai & Kyu grades that turned up to keiko tonight🙏🙏🙏

We especially welcome back Andy Senpai who started his kendo journey right here at WKC many years ago & continued his training while overseas with various Senseis at different dojos bringing a wealth of experience back with him to share.

Tonight’s focus was on Kihon training, particularly Gohon waza & Kirikaeshi. The emphasis was on proper full shoulder rotation & for Kyu grades to focus on doing Big cuts.

We then take turns to have Ji-geiko with each other followed by Kakari-geiko with Sam sensei.

To finish off, Kyu grades watched the Dan grades doing mock Shinsa/ grading. We learnt a lot through Mitori-geiko, even though a lot of the techniques such as seme & tame, timing & opportunities are all still quite new & difficult for us to spot & understand, but one thing for certain was the strong spirit & determination they all demonstrated to us as well as the preparation with good Kamae & Zanshin for maintaining constant readiness to react instantaneously with fast, explosive movements & strikes with commitment.

四戒：驚懼疑惑

We were also reminded of the 4 poisons or Shikai of Kendo: Surprise, Fear, Doubt & Confusion. As we further progress on the kendo journey, we will need to gradually find our own methods of overcoming these in order to improve in Kendo, & the only way to do this is through repeated training. Not only will experience & muscle memory come with more training, but also by treating & preparing ourselves for each Keiko as if we are in a Shiai or Shinsa will help us develop better mentality & confidence & reduce the nervousness by making it into a habit or routine that we are used to doing rather than dealing with something that’s unexpected.

Thank you to all the senpais who unreservedly shared with us their experiences & self-reflection of areas to improve on which remind us that we are never alone on this kendo journey of self improvement🙏🙏🙏

Strong Body, Strong Mind & Strong Spirit

2023-01-19T16:45:00.002+13:00

So proud of you for the milestones:

Milestone 1: whole dojo kirikaeshi 👍

Milestone 2: full Go-hon waza 💪

Saturday 14th January 2023 Keiko reflection - Janet

Todays Keiko emphasis was on developing a strong body, mind & spirit. Learning to feel every inch of our bodies to better perform the correct movements through repeated Kihon & Kata training to enable us to perform minimalistic & elegant movements by engaging our core, straighten body posture with stable smooth footwork, full rotation of our shoulders to generate power & produce good Kiai & strikes.

Todays Kata training, we went through Bokuto ni yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keikohou:

1. Kihon Ichi: Ippon uchi/ Single cuts (Men, Kote, Dō, Tsuki)

2. Kihon Ni: Nidan Waza/ Two continuous cuts (Kote-Men)

3. Kihon San: Harai Waza/ Using Omote or left side of Shinai to sweep opponents Shinai away from centre (Harai-Men)

4. Kihon Yon: Hiki Waza/ Techniques performed going backwards usually from Tsuba-Zeriai position (Men-Hiki-Dō)

There are still 5 more Kihon wazas to learn so make sure we try to attend each Keiko as sensei is planning to dedicate the last 30 mins of Keiko for further Kata training from now on.

A Job well done to all young Kendokas who put on Bogu today to join the seniors in Uchikomi Geiko, Kihon Gohon waza (continuous 5 cuts: Men, Kote, Dō, Kote-Men, Kote-Dō with continuous Kiai & Zanshin run through) & Kirikaeshi.

Like sensei said it was a real milestone reached for our Dojō to have everyone now able to join the full Keiko & take turns being each others Motodachi & Kakarite.

Being a good Kakarite means to give your best strike every time to show your respect to the opponent by properly prepare our body, mind & spirit, check if we had good posture before proceeding with strong Kiai then strike with precision & Tenouchi to aim for Ippon for every strike.

Learning to become a good Motodachi is another challenge in itself & may seem a bit overwhelming at first but don’t panic! With time & heaps of practice it’ll eventually become second nature or reflex. We need to learn to observe the Kakarite, only provide the opening when they are ready to attack following good Kiai & to maintain proper distance to allow for the strikes to land on targets properly as well as step out of the way for Zanshin run through.

Kihon training is of the utmost importance & the basis of Kendo. Repeated revision of the fundamental skills & techniques will help Kendokas to develop new & better understanding of our body & the sword, & will help us to continue improve & polish our kendo.

Thank you everyone, including sensei & senpais for taking turns to be good Motodachi & Kakarite for each other to train in this hot summer afternoon🙏🙏🙏

Presenting the NZKF Certificates

Turning Pressure into Motivation

2023-01-08T12:02:00.004+13:00

Saturday 7th January 2023 Keiko Reflection - Janet

As the new year begins, it signals a new beginning for us to have new resolutions or goals to aspire to. Don’t be scared from pressures of grading or just life in general & try turning these challenges into healthy motivations & positive drivers for change & opportunities for bettering ourselves by having better awareness of oneself to actively reflect upon to improve constantly. This way it will certainly make our otherwise dull repetitive everyday lives more interesting & meaningful.

The first half of the Keiko today consisted of Bokuto Keikohou (AJKF) & Nihon Kendo Kata (AJKF) number 1 & 2. We also had the privilege to observe Leo & Joyce senpais demonstrating all Katas. In total there are 10 Katas & 9 Bokuto Keikohou techniques we will eventually learn throughout the course of our kendo journey. So make sure we come to Keiko regularly & make the most of the opportunities to learn from Sensei & senpais when Kata teaching sessions come up.

The importance of Kendo kata cannot be emphasised enough. Proper kendo training involves practicing katas with Bokuto as well as doing regular Shinai Keiko. Not only do Katas help to train our mental concentration, learn proper distance & timing to strike, but the postures, forms & techniques learned will also help us to better control our bodily movements (as every step or even Sonkyo are properly controlled & committed movements with confidence & resolve), thus allowing us to better apply these during regular Keiko.

Whereas things we learned from Keiko (Such as the feeling of proper striking distance & applications of each techniques during Jissen situations) will also feedback into & improve our Kata forming a positive feedback relationship to help our kendo grow steadily.

Following the usual warm up & Suburis, we started off with Uchikomi-geiko on both migi & hidari Dō strikes, focusing on Tenouchi, use of lower body to sink down a little during each strike & to relax at end of Tenouchi to allow kensen to naturally bounce off from the Dō.

The rest of the Keiko was then focussed on practicing faster/long Kirikaeshi (Osaka University of HSS Kendo Club, Kendo Jidai). Being able to perform proper footwork with faster Suriashi which consists of slight jumps is most crucial to achieve proper rhythm & speed. Then once the lower body footwork, core muscles & upper body are in sync, the faster strikes will follow naturally.

The Kyu grades then practised Kirikaeshi with each other by rotating as Motodachi while doing some mitori-geiko of Senpai & Senseis doing Ji-geiko. We then finished off with Kakari-geiko with Sam sensei.

Even though it was rather disappointing that I couldn’t perform my best & had to refrain from doing some drills due to a partial torn elbow tendon causing pain on extension & striking, I felt happy to still attended todays Keiko as I still got to do kendo to the best of my current ability, as well as able to observe others around me & work on other parts of my body like footwork. It was also a good opportunity to reflect on my posture & grip & where it’s causing the pain to try to correct it. Fingers crossed that it’ll heal uneventfully soon so I can do more training🤞

Thanks to Sam sensei for leading the Keiko today & thanks to every Kyu grades & senpais for helping each other train🙏🙏🙏

Having a goal in Kendo and Life

2022-12-11T23:43:00.007+13:00

Saturday 5th November 2022 Keiko Reflection - Janet

Today we had another fruitful Keiko with many of our Kohais joining in the intermediate to advanced Keiko. Thanks to Marleen & Sam Sensei’s teachings they all came with great Kihon foundation skills to continue build up & improve on. We especially applaud them for their willingness to learn & adjust very quickly during Uchikomi-geiko today, with the focus on Big Men & Kote strikes & the follow up Zanshin run through.

Prior to Keiko today, Marleen Sensei reminded us of our journey through kendo & the reason behind all our efforts to come to Keiko regularly was to improve & perfect our kendo through the repeated continuous Kihon training, with the ultimate goal for all Kendokas: To deliver the perfect Ippon (一本) or Yuko-Datotsu (有効打突) or valid strike.

The Kihon training: Ashi-Sabaki/ footwork drills, Kirikaeshi drill, double Shinai warm ups & Suburis, & Kiai training during warm up drills are all designed to help us systematically build up good understanding of the mechanics behind kendo so that we can learn to better use our bodies in the most efficient & effective way without unnecessary movements to maximise speed as well as reduce weaknesses for the opponents to take advantage of.

It will help us develop good stamina, spirit/ Ki, muscle strength, muscle memory (especially engaging our core muscles) & gain better perception of our bodies movements.

So that we can eventually display consistent good, beautiful Shizentai posture, maintain strong dynamic Kamae, generate strong Kiai, have swift stable footwork & be able to execute accurate & beautiful slicing cut with Tenouchi, in order to perform Ki-Ken-Tai-Icchi/ 気剣体一致(to synchronise the movements of spirit, sword & body into one), which is one of the requirements of being awarded an Ippon.

For me it was a little daunting to step up being a Senpai, as I will not only be responsible for my own training, but for others as well. I need to pay even more attention to my own Kamae, judgement of distance & the correct timing to expose an opening to be a good enough Motodachi for the Kohais. I need to learn to observe attentively to give accurate & useful feedbacks to help others improve. I can now better appreciate what efforts our Senseis & Senpais put into us & what it really means to do what we preach ourselves at all times. It’s truely not an easy feat.

I’m thankful to all the Kohais that trained with me today with an open mind, as I’m also still adjusting & learning myself so it’s essentially a mutual learning process. It’s a real privilege to be a part of their kendo journey so I wish to do justice of what I’ve learnt from Sensei’s & Senpais.

Many thanks to all the Senseis & Senpais for being patient Motodachi/ opponents during Shidou-geiko (指導稽古)/ teaching practice, to help the Kohais improve by providing individualised training menu depending on each person’s level & providing honest feedback to help push us to become better & better.

Last but not least, Sensei reminded us that it’s normal to encounter bottlenecks during different stages of our kendo journey, but the most important kendo spirit is to never give up in front of obstacles & constantly try to improve oneself. Having a goal is important however, remember to celebrate even the smallest successes along the way to reach that ultimate destination.

Keep asking ourselves have we done anything that is better than yesterday? If we did then awesome! Even if we didn’t, at least we acknowledge it & are still working on it, & that’s all it matters. Don’t feel deflated or retreat when you are beaten or failed, but rather be grateful for the experience, as a famous Chinese proverb says “Failure is the mother of success”, each failure will help you find out the weaknesses & why it didn’t go right, so we can learn from our mistakes, grow to become a better person & have the chance to create future successes.

Waikato Kendo Club

Beginning Again: The Path Continues - Neisha

“none of us ever really outgrow being a beginner”

Stay the Course:

A different path.

Beginning again.

Kendo Fundamentals: Mastering the Men Strike and the Art of Receiving

Kendo Fundamentals: Mastering the Men Strike and the Art of Receiving

The Receiver’s Responsibility: Safety and Posture

Executing the Strike: Power and Timing

From Dojo to Second Home - Mimi

A Path to Becoming a Better Person

From Fear to Learning: A Kendo Reflection - Nico

Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information

Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information

What Is Little Samurai Kendo?

Our Teaching Philosophy

Physical Wellbeing

Mental Wellbeing

Inner Strength and Resilience

Social Skills and Teamwork

A Safe and Supportive Learning Environment

What We Expect from Parents

Attendance

Communication

Encouragement

Working Together

For more information:

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈Or Join our Little Samurai - Waikato Facebook group for more updates.Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Waikato.Kendo Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com

Day 1 Kendo Beginners – FAQ

For more information:

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈Or Join our 2026 Beginners Facebook Group for more updates.Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Waikato.Kendo Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com

Post grading Kendo reflection - Felix

Kendo has offered me an entirely different kind of experience

Jingee‘s insight

Orion's Reflection on My Kendo Practice

2026 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and begin your New Year’s journey as a Modern Samurai.

Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays

Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays

Intermediate and Advanced Class: 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays

Starting Dates

Course Information

Monthly Membership Fees

Family Discounts

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be ready to put on Bogu (armour) and start your Kendo journey as a modern Samurai!

Venue

A message for Beginners from Sam Tsai Sensei

For more information

Kendo and Rototuna Junior and Senio High Schools 2025

Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes - Eiga and Morioka Sensei seminar

Acknowledging Our Unsung Heroes

Eiga and Morioka Sensei Kendo Seminar

Introducing Eiga and Morioka Sensei

Eiga Hideyuki Sensei - Hanshi 8 Dan (栄花英幸 - 範士八段)

Morioka Hiromitsu Sensei - Kyoshi 7 Dan (森岡宏光 - 教士七段)

📅 Seminar Dates

The mindset for kendo training - Shigeoka Hanshi

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

Grading FAQ: fees, attitudes and purposes

The Stressful Experience Enjoyed - Daniel W

Experiencing Jōdan-no-Kamae & Gyaku-Dō

Ji-ri-ichi - practice & theory combined into one 事理一致

Having good and strong Kiai is essential

Happy Rabbit Year 2023

Shikai of Kendo: Surprise, Fear, Doubt & Confusion

Strong Body, Strong Mind & Strong Spirit

Turning Pressure into Motivation

Having a goal in Kendo and Life

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈
Or
Join our Little Samurai - Waikato Facebook group for more updates.
Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Waikato.Kendo

Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com

👉 Fill the Google Form to Register Your Interest 👈
Or
Join our 2026 Beginners Facebook Group for more updates.
Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Waikato.Kendo

Email us: waikatokendo@gmail.com