Tell us about yourself
I am currently doing a master of Communications Law at UTS after I graduating last year from USYD.
I am still completely ungraded in kendo because grading always happened while I was not in Australia.
How long have you been practicing kendo and why did you begin?
I have been practicing kendo for almost a year while I took short breaks once in a while and went home for holidays (which is one of the reasons my kendo isn’t improving much).
I first started kendo because a) I wanted to lose weight b) the uniform looks great c) there is a crazy side of me.
Was there any difference you noticed when you transitioned from beginner to bogu training?
I seriously considered quitting when I first got into bogu. I lost confidence because bogu training was very different and very tiring and I was very nervous each time. I got a lot of encouragement and advice from my senpai, especially from the senior girls. So I eventually “found peace in myself” and everything started to work out.
What do you like about kendo and what do you get out of training?
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- Fitness
- Self fulfilment
- Confidence
- Passion
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A warm family of kendo people
Kendo makes me a better person. I become stronger both physically and mentally.
Is there anything else you would like to say about your kendo experience?
I feel very happy that I have joined this club. The people here are the nicest people I know. They make me feel accepted for the first time in my five years in Australia as an international student. Their passion and perseverance in kendo also give me great motivation for training and for life.