OUR HISTORY

Dumaguete Kendo Club was founded by Heinrich Lezama in 2017, bringing to Dumaguete City a discipline he had first developed as a member of the Cebu Kendo Club. Encouraged to extend kendo beyond its established circles, Lezama took on the demanding task of introducing a Japanese budo in a setting where awareness was limited and resources were modest. The effort required more than technical skill; it called for steady advocacy, sustained visibility, and the discipline to build trust and credibility from the ground up so that kendo could be recognized, understood, and respected in the city.

To broaden the club’s reach and connect with prospective members, Lezama pursued strategic cultural and cross-disciplinary bridges that made kendo more accessible and relevant. The community began as the Dumaguete Kendo Study Group and grew through deliberate outreach, including the co-founding of a Star Wars Lightsaber Group to highlight martial principles familiar to popular culture. He also engaged the European Historical Martial Arts (HEMA) community through cross-training activities, representing kendo with clarity and professionalism. Training sessions were held in visible public venues, such as a badminton court and a local park, turning shared spaces into invitations for curiosity and participation. In 2018, the group formally adopted the name Dumaguete Kendo Club (DumaKen), marking a stronger identity and a clear success in attracting new practitioners, particularly those drawn to Japanese culture and the disciplined spirit of the art.

OUR LOGO

The club’s logo is characterized by 8 rays which symbolize the following;

Reigi means courtesy and etiquette

Yuki means courage

Chishiki means knowledge

Wa-i means harmony

Danketsu means unity

Kigan means opportunity

Ki-ai means spirit

Shisei means posture

The inner circle that binds the 8 rays is represented by the "Token" which means swords correct cuts. The outer circle is represented by "Zanshin" which means the remaining spirit and to be ready always. Finally, the Dumaguete Bell Tower in the center symbolizes the origin of the club.

Logo/ Kamon Design and Conceptualization by:

- Heinrich Lezama [Graphic Artist/ Dumaguete Kendo Club Founder]