Now that the new Semester 1 beginners of 2019 have probably settled into our club, I (Takumi) have kindly asked two individual to share their opinions through an interview – Deva and Andrew!
To start things off, briefly introduce yourselves.
D: My name is Deva Nie. I am from China and this is my first semester in USYD. I am studying for a Master of Commerce, specialising in Business Analysis.
T: That sounds very technical :O
D: Just like Kendo, haha!
A: I am Andrew Manning. I have been married since 2005 and I have 3 sons aged 7, 5 and 2. I work at a Law firm with my father. He is a senior family law practitioner and I do literally everything else.
T: At least you’re trusted to run the place 😀
Why did you start Kendo?
D: Actually it is because of my younger sisters – they are obsessed with Japanese culture. I found myself not being able to join in their conversations as I’m not as familiar with the culture so when I saw Kendo being advertised during Welcome Week, I joined! So in a way, it was to get closer to my sister.
A: The reason why I joined could be summarised as, “if not now, when?” I have had interest in Japanese culture beforehand and I have spent two months in Osaka which increased my respect for it. There are also two reason as to why I joined Kendo specifically. It is a sophisticated and enduring martial art. I also believe that is a taught in a very structured way to access Japanese culture in increments.
What keeps you motivated?
D: Coming to training itself! After starting the Kendo training, I found it more interesting and it’s really cool. I like the instructors as they are encouraging and funny. I also made some friends and found it to be a good way to ‘de-stress’.
T: Haha, the instructors will be happy to hear that.
A: Two primary reasons: I ask myself, is it worth doing? Do it right then as “mastery is an end, in and of itself”. My second reason is that I am a father and also the eldest son in my family, so I feel obligated to set an example for other people and be the person who I wanted to be.
Is it different from what you expected?
D: I think it’s a bit harder than I expected. There are so many technical skills and the training intensity is over my expectations. I’m surprised to find that there’s attendance and a final test! On the other hand, I found the Kendo club to be a close and connecting place. Everyone takes care of each other and we get to know everyone. I always thought it was more of a sports club where we just hit each other but there’s a lot more interactivity.
A: Yes, one thing that exceeded my expectations was the pleasing seriousness that comes from the seniors of the club. This seriousness flows down to everyone else so learning something for the first time makes it a very good experience.
T: Alright, we’ve had many questions that were Kendo related. Let’s trying something a little different!
For Deva, favourite places to study (or sleep)?
D: My bedroom!
T: Is it because it’s comfortable?
D: I find my bedroom is a place where I can stay focused.
Next for Andrew, recommended places to go out and eat (that are AFFORDABLE)?
A: I have 3 places:
- BBQ 1
- It is a VERY affordable place located in Eastwood and I would recommend their ‘cha siu’.
- Star Capital
- A seafood restaurant in Chatswood.
- Little Star
- A local Japanese place on 33 York Street. Highly recommend the ‘aji-tama’ ramen (with the egg)!
D: I’m getting hungry listening to those places.
A: I gave you 3, is that good?
T: Plenty!
Finally for the both of you. Imagine yourself suddenly having the urge to ‘kiai’. Where is the worst possible
place you can think of to kiai?
A: In front of the court of appeal, during closing submission, in a murder trial.
T: That certainly would be bad!
D: As a student, when you have so many assignments, it would probably be calming instead to have that urge.
T: Perhaps maybe not in the lecture room though?
D: During a lecture is okay.
T: !!!
A: You’re too controlled.
D: I like kiaing 🙂
Well let’s wrap it up at that! Thank you Deva and Andrew for taking your time with the interview!
