MANILA KENDO CLUB
about manila kendo club
We are dedicated to promoting and advancing the Kendo practice in the Philippines.
OUR HISTORY
In the 1970s, Japanese expatriates who were staying in the Philippines wanted to continue practicing Kendo. It sparked interest from friends to passers by and grew in numbers. Students who joined came from different interests, from the fascination of swords to their fondness of Japanese culture. Despite the difference in backgrounds, everyone enjoyed learning and training Kendo (the way of the sword) together.
By 1995, the club grew with about 25 members, including 15 Filipinos. On September 21 1996, Manila Kendo Club members came together to form our first Board of Directors, sign and formally register the club under the Security Exchange Commission (SEC) which was approved on October 3, 1996.
Manila Kendo Club moved to multiple locations as the club grows. Manila Polo Club, Makati Sports Center, Reyes Gym and RFM Sports Center were a few of them. We now hold our main practices at Gatorade Hoops Center and Treston International College catering kids as young as 6 years old to adults.
OUR PRESENT
Through the years, Manila Kendo Club has honed various talents, creating seasoned players and practitioners who remain active today. The club has developed its members through seminars led by our senseis and visiting senseis, visits to other clubs, and participation in local and international examinations. This training has equipped our teams and members to collect achievements in various tournaments and events.
Presently, Manila Kendo Club continues to stay true to its vision by promoting Kendo in the Philippines. Even with the pandemic, we continue to stay connected both online and offline to ensure the welfare of our members and affiliated clubs as part of the United Kendo Federation of the Philippines (UKFP). Practice continues in the safety of home to protect our members and their loved ones. Even though our dojo doors are closed, Manila Kendo Club strives to adapt to the evolving situation, as we have always done, because of our desire to keep the flame burning.
As of 2022, we proudly introduce our partnered school, Rizal Technological University as MKC's branch.
OUR LOGO
"Our logo was inspired by a specific moment when as the seniors voiced out concerns during one of our club meetings, a majority of the club listening on raised their shinai in agreement.
We wanted our logo to depict the unity shown by our members and our vision of growth for the club by articulating it in the tradition of a ‘kamon’ (家紋) or a family crest. To do this, we put the mengane (面金) side by side to show our unity, and the negative spaces forming a blossoming flower to signify growth.
To others it may seem like any other logo, but to us it reminds us of how we, as Manila Kendo Club, once stood in solidarity to face times of adversity, bringing hope, beauty, and new life to protect our future. Manila Kendo Club, to us, is more than just a club: it is a FAMILY. Because #WeAreMKC.”
Logo/ Kamon Design and Conceptualization by:
- Lambert Antonio [Art Designer/ Manila Kendo Club Member]
WHY WE KENDO?
CONCEPT
To discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana(sword).
PURPOSE
Mold the mind and body.
Strive for improvement.
Cultivate a vigorous spirit.
Hold in esteem courtesy and honour.
Through correct and rigid training.
Associate with others with sincerity.
To forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Portfolio
I was invited by my uncle to attend the trial training to see if it is something that I'm interested in. At first I thought it wouldn't last but I ended up continuing it and have made new friends. My experience in Kendo was great, the training is always challenging and at the same time it is fun. The people were so nice too, they help each other and they are very friendly. Practicing in MKC is an awesome experience, it makes you want to learn more and do better on the next practice. Bowing before entering the dojo taught me the value of respect, not just for those who are ahead of you but for the craft itself. Wiping the floors, removing footwear before entering the dojo, taught me discipline, that ensures that we can practice on a clean surface. [...]
I started playing #kendo in 2013, and at that time, I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. Looking back, I'm glad I did it just the same. Kendo has helped me become a stronger person-- mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I have learned and discovered a strength in me I didn't know I had, and it has continued to help me break my own personal barriers in every way. With Kendo, I've learned that fear doesn't matter; what actually matters is that you face up to what it is you fear, every chance you get. It has also taught me humility: kendo is an art and a way of life, and everyday I am learning to listen better, accept feedback, and allow myself to be molded by great senseis and senpais because I want to make my kendo as beautiful as I can make it. These are just some of the reasons. [...]
I first started Kendo back in June 2019. I initially started because I was trying to explore ways to stay fit and active that was more engaging than just running or lifting weights. My experience with MKC has evolved more than just physical activity. It is now a very big part of my life. Sabi nga nila Kendo is the “Way of the Sword”, diba? (Like they say, Kendo is the "Way of the sword", right?) The biggest thing I learned from MKC is the value of overcoming oneself. Kendo has taught me that the biggest opponent in life is not other people, it is yourself. It is important to understand that there is always a way to improve and in order to improve you have to compare yourself not with others but only with yourself. I think this quote best summarizes it: 昨日の我を乗り越えろ！！ “Overcome the ‘me’ of yesterday!!” This is the philosophy I apply even outside of the Dojo. This is my way of the sword. [...]
Honestly, my reason for taking Kendo was a bit childish. I saw it on television and I thought that it would be cool to wear one of those, armor (bogu). I had no idea what I got myself into and since I'm not an athletic person the training for me was hard, but despite that, I continuously have fun. Being an introvert, it's hard for me to socialize, but here in the Manila Kendo Club, the people are very welcoming and it makes me feel that I belong. Through the years I have gained a lot of friends and it has made my time in the dojo more enjoyable. Doing Kendo has helped me a lot, especially since I am a short-tempered guy and I feel that the discipline that it instilled in me is making me a better person. It has allowed me to practice respect, be it to yourself or others and it has made me calmer, focused, and make better decisions. [...]
Testimonial
"Manila Kendo Club will help you find The Way of The Sword!"
"MKC is my happy place, where I can go to do something I truly love, in a good environment with great friends."
"We, Inoue family like MKC because of the sensei’s commitment to teach Kendo for free. The club’s culture of willingness to help grow ones Kendo."
