Katsuhiko (second from left) presenting gold medals to the champion of the team category at Japanese Ambassador’s Cup Kendo Championship in Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
A SIMPLE but effective strategy landed team JM Adventure the champion’s title in the 8th Japanese Ambassador’s Cup Kendo Championship.
Team captain Tomomasa Otsuka, 29, knew that the final bout would not be a breeze when they faced team JM Giant.
“I told my teammates to focus on their own bout and not let the score of other teammates affect their performance.
“This is especially important if we are trailing behind and the pressure to perform would affect our judgement,” he told StarMetro.
Luckily, they started strong by winning the first bout 2-0 and it snowballed to the last round.
Eventually, they lifted the cup after sealing a 9-1 victory over JM Giant.
“It was a difficult match despite the score, but I am glad we made it through,” said Otsuka.
JM Giant was first runner-up, while second runner-up went to JCKL Kendo Club in the tournament organised by Malaysia Kendo Association (MKA).
A kendoka striking the protective armour on the head of his opponent.
The event at Pusat Komuniti Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur also featured the Under-15 Junior Individual (mixed gender) category and attracted some 110 kendoka (kendo practitioners) from 22 teams.
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art that uses shinai (bamboo swords) and bogu (protective armour).
A point is awarded to the kendoka only if he displays fullness of spirit, correct posture, direction of sword edge, striking region of the shinai, striking zone bogu, as well as zanshin (full spirit and the ability to respond naturally).
In a team event, there are five bouts and whoever scores two out of three points will be declared winner of the bout.
Championship director Alice Sum said the event attracted contestants from different states.
“We only had 18 teams in the previous edition.
“This time, there are also more junior kendoka participating in the championship.
“We have kendoka from Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur dojo,” she said, and added that she hoped more would join the tournament in the future.
MKA president Christopher Wong said the kendo exponents showcased a high level of energy and skill in the championship.
“We have witnessed improved skills from the kendoka. I hope more teams can join us next year,” he said.
Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Takahashi Katsuhiko, who was present to witness the finals of the championship, said sports was the most efficient way to strengthen friendships between different nationalities.
“The valiant display of energy and skills is proof of the training of the past year, and I urge fellow kendoka to continue training and reach the top.
“I can also ensure continued support of this kendo championship by the embassy,” he said.
The sponsor of the championship was Toyo Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd. — By JAROD LIM
