Around 70 participants underwent a whole-day program of lectures on Kendo etiquette (reigi), basic movements (kihon-dosa), forms (kata), training (keiko), and shinsa under the supervision of local and foreign veteran instructors based in the Philippines.

Organized by the United Kendo Federation of the Philippines (UKFP), this series of seminars will be held in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to help Kendokas prepare for the kyu or dan examinations on the upcoming 1st Philippine Dan Shinsa.

“This shinsa seminar is important for two reasons. Primarily, it’s to prepare participants (and even the sensei/instructors) for a milestone event in the local Kendo community - the first official promotional exams in the Philippines which will happen in November. These seminars will help familiarize everyone with the proposed grading procedures, and also allow the UKFP leadership to refine the same procedures,” said UKFP President Kristopher Inting.

“Secondly, after a long break due to the pandemic, this would allow the participants to gauge their current kendo level, and what they need to do training-wise to prepare themselves for the shinsa,” he continued.

The UKFP is staging its next seminar in Mindanao which will be held at the Rizal Memorial Colleges Gymnasium in Davao City on 04 September 2022. It will be followed by the Visayas seminar at the Riverside Courts in Dumaguete City on 25 September 2022.

“We are very happy to be able to stage Kendo events in the country again. This is our way of saying that Kendo is back, and stronger than ever! If you are interested in taking up Kendo, now would be a good time to inquire. We hope to see you in one of our dojo soon!” enthused Inting.

While the COVID restrictions have eased up and allowed kendokas to fully train in their respective facilities, the Federation put firm protocols in place to ensure the safety of its attendees. Measures include proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID test result, the mandatory wearing of masks, having disinfectants readily available, and the use of StaySafe app for all registered guests. The UKFP also strictly implemented a Green Policy where attendees are discouraged to use single-use plastic items, among other sustainable practices within the facilities.

*Photo images by Ini Roces and Ronin Bautista