From Friday, September 14th, 2018 to Sunday, September 16th, 2018, I went to cover the 17th World Kendo Championships, which was held at Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon, South Korea.

This time, instead of writing an article about the matches, I would like to tell you about the feelings and thoughts of the overseas male fencers as they approached the tournament!

Off-shots & comments

Ecuador

X. VARELA

X.VARELA"I'm very proud to be representing my country in this match. It was an important match for me."

VARELA and her brother participated in the event, and both of them were very happy that it was a great experience!

Belgium

Grosfils & Takenouchi (Japan)

Makoto GROSFILS won the Fighting Spirit Award!

Japan

Katsumi (Japan)

Once again, they captivated the audience with their beautiful kendo!

Macau (MACAO)

WKWong & K.F.Sam

Bulgaria

Dimitrov

Dimitrov"This is my first time competing. I feel great to be able to take part in this tournament."

Switzerland

Rothacher-san

Although it was right after the game ended, they kindly agreed to take photos!

Hungary

Mr. Szegofi, Mr. Toth, Mr. Babos (from left)

Toth"Hungary has a connection with Kokushikan University, and I studied abroad there. I want to play a match that I will have no regrets about."

They have studied abroad at Kokushikan University, and are fluent in Japanese. Their passion for kendo was palpable. With Abe Tetsushi, a graduate of the first class at International Budo University, teaching, the level of kendo in Hungary has shown remarkable improvement.

Russia (Russian Federation)

Mr. Trofimov, Mr. Magnushevskii, and Mr. Ogorodnikov (from left)

Canada

Kim

KimIt was my first experience, but I played a good game. I was excited and nervous, but I tried to stay focused on the game.'

Brazil

Takayama-san

Takayama won the Fighting Spirit Award!

Aruba

Pim-san

Pim"It was my first time competing. I faced a taller, higher-ranked player and lost. I was the only one from ARUBA to compete this time. I am currently studying abroad at the International Budo University, where I am building up my skills, so I would like to compete in the next tournament as well."

Dutch Aruba is an island famous as a tropical resort, but I was pleased to see that kendo has also taken root there.

I want to go to Aruba...

If you're heading to the Caribbean, check out these 9 attractions in Dutch Aruba!

http://world-cruise.jp/alva/

Croatia

Tomljennovic

Tomljennovic"This is my second time competing, and the first time for a female competitor. I was happy that Borna BAN from the Croatian team won the Fighting Spirit Award."

It was impressive to see how happy he was for his teammates' success!

Korea

JYLee

JYjo-san

JYJo"The player I faced in the final, Ando, ​​was strong and had quick movements."

Jo was the runner-up in the individual competition, defeating Nishimura from Japan to advance to the finals.

He served as captain in the team match and fought hard until he was just one step away from winning!Thank you for your sincere response.

Norway

Schwarm-san

Thailand

Itthisek

He had a wonderful smile.

Chile

Nunez-san

nunez"It's great to see these guys play, they train every day. All the players are great.

I want to continue growing as a person. I think it's not about winning or losing, but growing as a person that's important. I think it's important not to put limits on yourself, whether it's in your daily training, work, or studies."

I felt that Nenez has grasped the true essence of kendo. He practices kendo not as a sport where you win or lose, but as a way to develop one's character. BUSHIZO will do our best to increase the number of kendo practitioners with this mindset all over the world!

Summary

We were able to introduce a side of foreign kendo practitioners that we don't usually get to meet. They all had a deep love for kendo and a deep understanding of Japanese culture. Their skills were also at a high level.

In every country, there are people who can speak Japanese. If you are Japanese and you are traveling abroad, why not try training abroad?

Related article

[Tournament Day 3] Japan Men's Team 17th World Kendo Championships

[Day 2 of the Tournament] Off-shots and comments from female athletes at the 17th World Kendo Championships

"Kendo was my everything" - An interview with actor Masahiro Komoto