As we are starting semester 2,our O-week beginners that started their Kendo journey in semester 1 must have some outcomes from their semester long training. Today, we ask some questions to Jeffery and Catherine and let them to share some Kendo experiences with us.
So….Let’s start!
Question 1: Can you tell me something about yourself?
Catherine: Hi, my name is Catherine, I’m studying in Bachelor of Liberal arts and Science, major in Pharmacology. This is my second year in uni. At the start of my new semester, I just want to do something new that I have never tried before. It is the time when I saw Kendo.
Jeffery:Hello, I’m Jeffery. I’m doing second year of Science in Bachelor degree. My major are psychology and anthropology.
Question 2: Can I know why did you start Kendo?
Catherine: I went to O week in the hope of finding a society that would motivate me to come to uni and keep it fun. Nothing there, so I went home.
Kidding… Just as I was about to leave, I happened to walk pass the Kendo stall surrounded by fit looking people in mysterious dark uniform. My first thought was “hm I wonder if I’d look cool in that”. So, that’s why I joined. Hehe..
Jeffery: I managed to learn about Kendo during O-Week when I was walking around and saw all these people in full gear training under the sun and on the lawn. Being the curious person that I am i decided to join and try it out because it isn’t that often that you get to do something like Kendo in life after all.
Question 3: Why did you continue Kendo?
Catherine: At first, I thought Kendo was just a sport and a way to keep fit. However, as I attend more and more training sessions, I have learnt that Kendo is more than just a sport. For me, Kendo is a form of relaxation. Screaming at people and hitting them relaxes me and relieves my stress.
Aside from that, I continue Kendo as I feel like it teaches me about all sorts of aspects in life. l learn more about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, how to manage my time, as well as the importance of respecting seniors, family, and friends who are always there for me.
Jeffery: I continued Kendo because of the spirit and the atmosphere it brings, also because of the fact that the people there were genuinely friendly, regardless of whether it was an instructor teaching us, the Seniors helping us out or just another beginner cheering you on. When i first walked into the training session, I had no idea what to do, until another beginner appeared out of the hall, approached me and introduced me to the instructor and the people around me, making it a warmer reception that I had expected.
Question 4: Until now, which part is your favorite in the training?
Catherine: For now, my favourite part is when I get the opportunity to watch the seniors and sensei’s in Bogu training. It’s inspiring to see them practice with such skill and spirit.
Jeffery:My personal favourite part of training is when everyone is working on their basics and helping each other throughout. Particularly the part where we get to take a quick breather after completing certain exercises despite doubting our own ability to even get close to finishing the whole training course.
Question 5: So final question for you, What is the first thing you will do after you get your Bogu (training armour used in Kendo)?
Catherine: I will probably take a picture… But before that! I will remember to thank everyone who gave me this opportunity and helped me get this far.
Jeffery: The first thing I will do after I get my Bogu… would either be to put it on and check out how it looks on me and pictures with friends probably, or just appreciate the fact that it is mine and although there are many like it, this one in particular was my own personalized Bogu set.
Wow, that really impressive. Thank you for Jeffery and Catherine and hope you have wonderful experience in your future Kendo study.