The Way Of The Sword

       People generally have the misconception that once your university or college years have whizzed by, you will no longer have that privilege to indulge in competitive sports. In other words, people (and most employers) would expect you to hang up your racquet or shoes and put that fateful baseball mitt of yours in a glass display box. In my case, many people expected me to hang up my “swords” and turn my armour into another dust collecting ornament in the middle of my living room. Retiring from “fighting for the honor of my country” has yet to cross my mind.

      Now that I have gotten you folks all interested and curious, wondering what kind of crazy cosplaying, Japanese animation or game fanatic I am, allow me to share with you my passion.

   “Kendo, 剣道” or literally translated as “The Way of the Sword”.

       Kendo, is an ancient art that was derived for Kenjutsu (or also known the Japanese swordsmanship that we have all come to know) that has existed since the feudal ages of Japan. Back in the days, the Japanese warriors have created the armour, that resembles that being used in modern Kendo, as a protective gear that allows then to train amongst themselves safely. Their deadly katana were replaced with a sturdy bamboo sword known as a shinai. Modern day Kendo has since evolved from there to a full combat sport that has been successfully able in retaining its essence, culture and values without turning it into a ruthless brawl in the bar on the competition court.

 

Olden days swordsmen training using armour and bamboo sword that shaped the modern day Kendo equipment.

        I am a proud practitioner of Kendo with over five years under my belt. With a rank of 2-dan (or more commonly known as a 'black belt'), I am now playing my role in honouring my country by fighting alongside with four other of my comrades in Malaysia's National Kendo Women's Team. Representing the nation in countless tournaments across the globe, we have survived through hardship laced with blood, sweat and tears. Perseverance, diligence and determination... these are the words that we have hung on to our passion. These are the few values that have been ingrained into our minds by our relentless Japanese senseis (instructors) ever since the first day. To date, I have been selected to represent Malaysia in the following competitions:

• 9th ASEAN Kendo Tournament in 2010, Singapore
• Malaysia-Singapore Goodwill Tournament in 2011, Malaysia.
• 11th Asian Open Kendo Tournament in 2011, Hong Kong
• 15th World Kendo Championships in 2012, Italy
• 10th ASEAN Kendo Tournament in 2013, Malaysia
• Malaysia-Singapore Goodwill Tournament in 2013, Malaysia.
  
  

       Our latest stint in the 10th ASEAN Kendo Tournament in Penang, Malaysia has been our greatest achievement with our women's team bagging the champion title for the first time! In the individual's category, we have also managed to snatch the champion and runner-up title from our neighbouring countries. I, myself, was awarded the “Best Fighting Spirit Award” for being one of the Top 8 female players in ASEAN region! 

Facing off the tough opponent from Singapore.
Me, second from right.

Me in action.
“A score to the head!! Point goes to Malaysia!”

 

“Best Fighting Spirit Award” medalists.
Me, on the right.

 

Malaysia Women's Kendo Team with the Champion trophy! The ladies coach, Miho Iwamoto, holding the cup.
Me, first on the right.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my appreciation to my colleagues and also my students who have been encouraging and supporting me. Should there be a chance, I would very much love to share this unique sport and art to the younger blood in Vision College. 

By Looi Yeen May
Tutor
Postgraduate DIploma of Medical Ultrasonography (Asia)