2025 Welcome Week Recap! | Sydney University Kendo Club

Welcome Week!

From Wednesday 19th to Friday 21st February 2025, several members of our club volunteered their time to help represent the USYD Kendo Club at USYD’s Welcome Fest stalls! It was a very long and busy few days, with some amazing members even coming for all three days (absolute soldiers!), but everyone worked their hardest to show off our club and recruit new members (despite being rained out!). A massive thank you to everyone who helped out – we had a lot of interest this year!

Jess and Felix kicking off Welcome Week with a smile!

Thanks to our day 1 workshop volunteers Dan and Kai (and Felix)!

Dan explaining how to hit kote on our target dummy Jordan (thanks Jordan)!

Our Friday mascot John proud after doing almost 10 pull-ups in full bogu!

Some of last year’s beginners still on duty despite the rain!

Vice President Sebastian helping run the workshops!

Excitement at our humble stall!

Kyte and Equipment Officer Joshua looking cheery!

Sylvia and Secretary Gita hard at work!

Felix and Media Officer Felicity roaming Eastern Avenue, spreading happiness! (…Felicitations…)

Friday Trial Lesson!

On Friday evening, we held our first trial lesson for our interested beginners – there was an awesome turn-up – we almost couldn’t house everyone! The trial beginners had a lot of fun with our instructor Tom leading the activities, and our hardworking team of instructors helped everything flow smoothly. Friday’s trial also started with a short demonstration from our most senior members – it was a super cool teaser for what we do in our club! We ended Friday’s training with a pizza party, where beginners and seniors mingled, chatted, and got to know each other! It was lovely to meet so many eager, friendly people!

Everyone listening keenly to instructor Tom!

Instructor Joe handing out a bouquet of wooden katanas!

So much excitement!

Lots of new friends and faces at Friday’s pizza night!

Be sure to always stretch well before training!

Instructors Joe and Ervin teaching how to hit kote!

Instructor Iggz helping out a beginner!

Sunday Trial Lesson!

On Sunday 23rd, we held a second trial lesson at the Arena Sports Centre – another fantastic show of numbers! Some beginners joined Sunday’s session even after attending Friday’s – they just couldn’t get enough! Afterwards, we held a club BBQ and potluck, which was also another great opportunity to relax and mingle!