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.

Just this June, Rikki, 2-dan, marked 11 years since he began training his childhood dream sport – Kendo. When he was a kid, his interest in the sport was cultivated by frequently watching TV shows that showcased Japanese culture. As he grew up, he continued to become an enthusiast of both swords and the Japanese pop culture.

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".

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.

Born in a secret government facility. One of the youngest Filipina international supermodels. Jetted across the globe modeling for prestigious brands at 16. Outside the glitz and glamour, the statuesque Cebuana pursued varied interests such as taking culinary arts, overseeing their restaurant business, tending to an herb garden and doing martial arts training.

Elvira Inoue "Tita Elvie" joined MKC in 2009 and participates in all Manila Kendo Club activities. She is an avid supporter in events including our online activities. She is definitely one of our members that portrays that age and height does not matter.

As a pilot episode of this campaign, let’s delve into the memories of Kristopher “Kutch” Inting, IGA Kendo Club’s Quezon City Dojo Manager and concurrent President of the United Kendo Federation of the Philippines.

Kathleen Tan Jadie is a mother of three kendokas practicing in MKC with her husband. She practices together with the family in and out of the dojo and they are a regular in our E-suburi + HIIT program.

Aran joined MKC in 2019 during our beginners recruitment and has moved to our intermediate class in 2020. He continues to practice his Kendo at the comforts of his home.

No matter how much we like training, work and life in general sometimes gets in the way of that. Such is the case with one of our 1-dan yudansha members, Red Canoza. He’s been with IGA-Ken since 2010 but his appearances in training have been sporadic due to the nature of his job; he even has to work abroad for a long period of time.

Tet Grajo joined Manila Kendo Club in 2013 and have been actively participating and helping the club ever since. She now resides in Singapore but continuously provides support to her fellow MKC members from afar.

Lambert Antonio joined MKC in 2010 and an active supporter and participant in our activities. As our club's artist and head 'craftsman', Lambert contributed to many events and promotions of our club. Read more about him, his Kendo and his crafts.