–“I have noticed that I have more energy and better mood, especially after the training.”
–“I’ve improved my physical strength and known lots of friends : )”
We will say goodbye to 2016 and welcome new semester by an interview to our new members. Most of them joined our club during semester 2, 2016. During this period, they’ve learned a lot of stuff from Kendo club. However, the things they’ve got is not only Kendo knowledge.
At this time, I’m glade to invite Amber and Yuu, two of our semester 2 members to answer questions and talk about their experience since they been one of us.
Hello Amber and Yu, I have some questions to ask you guys. So let’s start!
So firstly, can you tell me something about yourself?
Amber (A): Hi, my name is Amber and I’m 23 years old now. I’m studying for master degree in Sydney Uni. I have lots of hobbies such as swimming，playing piano and playing guitar.
Yu (Y): My full name in Chinese is He Youyu and my friends always call me Yu (sounds like “fish” in Chinese) because I don’t have a English name yet. I joined the club as soon as I came to Sydney University to take my CET course and that was about three months ago.
Wow, so you are quite new! Not only for our club, but also new for Australia! You said you start Kendo when you come to the Uni when you arrived in Australia, so can I ask you guys, why did you start and continue doing Kendo?
Y: Oh, yes, I have the strong interest in Japanese history. I began to be curious about samurai. Maybe a martial art like kendo is the most appropriate way to seek for spirit of ancient samurai. Training is not that easy as a game or a sport, however, I know I must keep going and show my full spirit as this is what I have chosen.
A: Not like you, I was just walking through the gym one day，and I saw many people wear the kendo uniform，which seems really beautiful and cool，so I just decided I want to join them!
Cool! So which part do you think is the most interesting in the training?
A: My favorite part in kendo is kirikaishi practice. It’s really exciting and interesting. I can build my body strength by this training.
Y: The most attractive thing for me is the ceremonial sense. From the moment I stepping into the dojo I could feel there is obviously different atmosphere compared with outside. Ceremonies and manners have far deeper meaning than I thought: the extent of steps forward and back, the sight line during the bow and the details shows the drawing of the shinai like a real katana. I’m honored and pleased to have opportunity to understand and feel these ancient traditions.
Amazing! I can feel you great enthusiasm to Kendo and have passion to its spirit. So, the last question is: Do you have any expectation for your future training?
A: Oh, that simple! In the future, i want to join competition and win some prize. Get honor for me and also for our club!
Y: I have no more expectations than keeping practice and making small efforts step by step. After all, I’m still focusing on basic things. I remember that Fujisawa Sensei had told us “Kendo is about fixing the simplest things and trying to keep them.” If kendo could be separated to many small parts such as footwork, action of arms and hands, core of our body or even smaller elements, that would easier for us to achieve small goals and finally mature.
Great! I’ve got some fantastic answers. Thank you for your helping! Hope you can do well in your future Kendo life!
Moreover, I’ve also asked Lily, one of our youngest member, to talk about her thought after she join the Kendo club. She said: I really appreciate USYD Kendo Club. It helps me more than build my physical strength, it also teaches me many truths of lives (sincerely). Especially Twins (one of old member in our club), he teaches me a lot, and make me benefited whole my life.