OUR HISTORY

In 2014, the Davao Kendo Club (DKC) was founded by Johnny Lardera Jr., becoming the first kendo club established in the Mindanao region. Although his goal began as a personal aspiration to practice and build a local kendo community, Lardera recognized that long-term credibility required experienced leadership. He invited Philip Lim, 3rd Dan, a former senior member of the Metro Kendo Club (MKC) then residing in Davao City, to serve as DKC’s first instructor. This decisive choice grounded the club in authentic instruction and transformed an emerging initiative into a structured training environment capable of developing formally and sustainably within the local martial arts landscape.

DKC’s role quickly expanded beyond routine practice into institution building and national participation, reinforcing kendo’s visibility in Davao City and strengthening the pipeline for future practitioners. The club supported the establishment of school-based organizations, beginning with the Davao Doctor College Kendo Club in 2015 and followed by the Ateneo de Davao University Kendo Club in 2017. These milestones signaled growing interest and increasing acceptance of kendo within academic settings, where structured programs can nurture continuity and discipline. In the same year, DKC further demonstrated organizational maturity and a commitment to national development by hosting the 2nd Philippine National Kendo Tournament (2017), affirming its standing as a key contributor to the advancement of kendo in the Philippines.

OUR LOGO

The logo symbolizes the country's very own Philippine Eagle, one of the icons in Davao City as it is symbolic of the Filipino's bravery and strength. It consists of four wings which represents the club being the 4th kendo club that has been formed in the Philippines. It also represents the club's flight towards being a strong foundation and a pioneer club in Mindanao.

The wings are depicted as curved-shaped slashes to represent the swings of the members' swords. The 4 slash-shaped wings represents the 4 key elements of kendo: Ichi Gan, Ni Soku, San Tan, Shi Riki (一眼 二足 三胆 四力)

1. Gan (sight): the ability to see your opponents, not just their physical presence but also their character, feelings, and intentions.

2. Soku (footwork): the movement of the body.

3. Tan (courage): one's spirit and attitude toward one's self and fellow human beings.

4. Riki (power): the ability to put into practice ki-ken-tai no ichi to produce powerful strikes and a powerful presence.

The design is minimal, simple and sleek. It uses the colors black and white inspired by the idea of Yin and Yang representing duality, balance, and harmony. Its white circle background which means unlimited potential.

Logo/ Kamon Design and Conceptualization by:

- Rikki-kun [Art Director/ IGA Kendo Club Senior Member]