2017 is drawing to a close, and 2018 will soon be upon us. In this issue, we will introduce Seekee, a former Dutch kendo representative who created the 2018 kendo calendar. What thoughts and feelings did he have when he created the calendar?

Profile

Seekee Chung Dutch-born Chinese. He started kendo in The Hague at the age of 23 and currently practices at the Fumetsu Dojo in Rotterdam. His hobbies are reading and searching for delicious food.

Kendo, Judo, Iaido...I've always been interested in martial arts.

I first became interested in kendo because of Japanese anime. I'm sure many foreign fencers became interested in kendo and other martial arts for the same reason. I initially studied judo and iaido. I was interested in kendo, but I was embarrassed about using kiai. However, after learning it, I realized that judo, like kendo, requires kiai. I started kendo at the age of 23 and have been practicing ever since. When I was still a teenager, I also tried learning jiu-jitsu once, but I just couldn't accept the physical contact. In this respect, kendo is perfect. I feel it is a very female-friendly martial art.

I like Japan's "feudal era"

I particularly like Japan's "feudal era." This era is often depicted in anime, so it's familiar to me. And things related to kendo, such as the clothing, swords, bushido, and martial arts, are very similar to those of this era. I think the origins of everything lie in this era.

Kendo practice time is...

When I first started kendo, I practiced about twice a week. However, as I became more and more absorbed in kendo, I started going to other dojos for training. At one point, I think I was practicing 4-5 times a week. I've now retired from the national team, but I still practice twice a week and participate in national team training once a month.

I never want to forget my sense as an artist

Ever since I was little, I've loved making things, drawing, making clothes, and building miniature models. But becoming an artist wasn't an option. Like many Asian families, we're encouraged to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers. But I always try to keep my sense of being an artist, even when I'm working. My partner is very supportive of this and encourages me to keep going. If you have something you love with all your heart, believe in yourself and work hard at it. Even when I'm away from art, I never lose sight of my identity as an artist. Just like I never lose my aspirations as a swordsman, even when I'm not wearing my kendo equipment.

Kendo is my life. I wanted to express my passion through art.

This calendar is a project that I have poured a lot of love into. Kendo is my life. I wanted to express this passion through my art. Unfortunately, art is not something that is "available to anyone, anytime." However,If it's in the form of a calendar, many people can enjoy it.I have other artworks related to kendo, but most of them are action scenes. I wanted to express another side of kendo. This calendar shows not people who are currently playing kendo, but people who are practicing it on a regular basis.Profiles of peopleThe most difficult part of making this was selecting the 12 scenes. It takes a lot of time to choose 12 different pictures.

At the end of the year, thank your teachers

Of the 12 paintings from January to December, the August painting is especially popular among men (lol).The most important painting for me is DecemberThe three people behind me are my teachers. They are very important teachers who founded the Fumetsu Dojo, where I go, and they were very enthusiastic and spent a lot of time teaching me. December marks the end of the year. I'm sure you all express your gratitude to the teachers at your dojo at the end of the year. I have been grateful to my teachers ever since I was welcomed into the dojo.

The appeal of kendo

This is the reason why I started Kendo in the first place, and one of the things that is attractive about it. The uniform, hakama, and protective gear... Above all, Kendo isBeautiful and good lookingAlso,It strengthens your mind and bodyThat's one of the attractions of kendo. Kendo has strengthened my unstable mind. But the most important thing is that I've met good partners and friends through kendo. Kendo has given me a family.

Postscript

Seekee's calendar was first unveiled at the "Fumetsu Cup" held in Rotterdam, Netherlands in October 2017. It was also distributed as a gift to outstanding players. We interviewed him at the venue to see the calendar in person and to let people in Japan know about it. BUSHIZO is selling only 10 calendars at a limited discount price. Because they are imported, the price is high, but we want everyone to get their hands on one, so we are offering them at the lowest possible price. We hope that this interview and the product will help spread the idea of ​​"exchanging swords, knowing each other, and sharing love" across borders.

[Limited to 10 people: 45% off] Kendo Calendar 2018!

Product name: KENDO CALENDAR 2018 (2018 edition Kendo Calendar) Created by Dutch artist Seekee, the calendar focuses on people's profiles rather than scenes of kendo practice or matches. Seekee is a former Dutch national team player. Although he has retired from the front line, he has trained his mind and body through kendo and met important partners and friends. The calendar is filled with Seekee's gratitude towards kendo. The August edition, which depicts a sexy woman's back, has been particularly popular with men. The piece that Seekee is most attached to is the December painting, which depicts the backs of three of his Dutch teachers. It expresses his desire to "express gratitude to his teachers at the end of the year." It functions as a calendar, but why not incorporate a little kendo art into your daily life? It is also recommended as a thank-you gift for teachers and friends at the end of the year, or as a Christmas present. This time,The regular price is 9,720 yen, but we are offering it at a special price of 5,400 yen. Furthermore, we are very sorry,There are a limited number of calendars available for purchase at this special price.Please order early. Go to product purchase page