Dumaguete Kendo Club

about dumaguete kendo

OUR HISTORY

2018.

Cebu Kendo Club actively encouraged one of its members, Heinrich Lezama, to start the Dumaguete Kendo Study Group in 2017 with the aim of promoting the budo in the city under its guidance. Unlike other clubs that already had potential starting members upon establishment, this Dumaguete-based study group had to start from scratch, with kendo being unknown in the city.

Hoping to bridge kendo with potential practitioners who are interested in popular culture, Lezama co-founded a local Star Wars Lightsaber group, highlighting the martial arts’ connections with the famous movie series. He also joined European Historical Martial Arts (HEMA) group promoting kendo by representing the martial art in cross-training exercises.

The study group alternately practiced between a badminton court and the local park, attracting interest in the process. With more members coming in and securing a regular practice venue, Dumaguete Kendo Study Group was officially renamed Dumaguete Kendo Club (Duma-Ken) in 2018.

The Dumaguete Kendo Club accepts new beginner student only every first Saturday of the month. Classes are open to all age groups, body built, gender, and with or without martial arts background. We are available for demonstrations and seminars for events and in schools.

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]

INSTRUCTORS

Yoshisato Ota, 2nd Dan, Head Instructor, Japan
Heinrich Lezama, Club Manager, Dumaguete City, Philippines

CONTACT INFORMATION

Website: https://dumaken.kendo.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DumagueteKendo
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dumakendo
Email: dumaken@kendo.ph
Mobile: +63916-3626776

DOJO

DUMAGUETE CITY
Dance In Motion Studio, inside B.C. Catarata compound, San Jose Ext. besides Ocean Dive Supply, 6200 Dumaguete City, Philippines
Saturdays | 9:00AM - 12:00PM

ALTERNATIVE DOJO(Beginner/Mixed)
Riverside Badminton, 6200 Dumaguete City, Philippines
Saturdays | 9:00AM - 12:00PM

Portfolio

Being crazy with the Way: Heinrich Lezama

In early 2016, I joined Cebu Kendo Club, headed by a friend, the late Isagani Batayola Sensei. Living 160 kilometers away on a different island, I would travel and attend a 2-hour keiko, 2 to 3 times a month. Suddenly, I was crazy to fall in love with Kendo. "Can you start and sustain a Kendo club from scratch in the Philippines?" - a crazy idea? I answered Yes, without hesitation. With my crazy will and attitude, I did not give up, until the Dumaguete Kendo Club was born.

From Iaido to Kendo: Gremere Villacampa

Iaido was the first Martial Arts I got myself exposed to – that was more than 10 years ago. I taught myself the art by following videos on youtube but not long after I got frustrated – for the obvious reason of lacking a teacher. Not until a friend told me that A Japanese Martial art called Kendo is being taught nearby. So without hesitation I joined Kendo which I immediately fell in love with right after. And since then I never stop immersing myself into training. [...]

Kendo is fun with others: Maia Lezama

How do you demonstrate Kendo to those who don't have a clue about the Way of The Sword? The easiest and quickest way is to have a partner to show the basic moves to potential beginners. When starting as a kendo study group, Maia was her dad's partner in showing the fundamentals quickly like strikes and footwork. At 9 years old she taught all about it as "playing with swords". [...]

Transform into a Warrior: Clarisse Reyes

I started Kendo training with my whole family and some of my friends when I was 7 years old. It was fun and challenging sessions. I love the essentials during practice, the respect, the discipline, and enjoy training with my Senpais. My shinai keeps my mind, body, and spirit balanced. I learned to face my doubts and keep fighting spirit alive with Kendo. When I'm wearing my Bogu (armor), I transform into a Warrior. I have no fear in all fights, and that inspires me. I joined the national competition like my dad did. [...]

Testimonial

"I was so serious when I joined kendo, and now, I have never been more serious. I know that one day I will benefit from it when I will be needing it."

- Gremere Villacampa

"I never thought it would be too early or late when my daughter and I began kendo 3 years ago. Kendo helps us to develop our mind, body, and spirit as one. Learning and understanding kendo keeps us to respect its culture and helps us to improve our self-discipline."

- Reggie Reyes

"Admittedly, there was a time I stopped kendo because of an injury I got from a bike accident. But swinging the shinai inadvertently rehabilitated my left arm and it ultimately got me back on my feet. And with each swing, I slowly improve and slowly get better. Practicing kendo gave me a chance to harness my fighting spirit from within."

- John Barry Nuico