17th World Kendo Championships

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17th World Kendo Championships

Namdong Gymnasium, Incheon Korea

September 14, 15, 16, 2018

The World Tournament is held once every three years and Hawaii has been a part of this auspicious event from the beginning, spanning 48 years.  The first WKC was held in Japan, hosting 17 countries and regions compared to the 17th WKC which has grown to accommodate 56 countries and regions.

Team Hawaii, both women’s and men’s team practiced 18 months in preparation for this prestigious tournament.  Mililani Kendo Club was well represented.

Andy Fujimoto Sensei was Hawaii’s Kantoku and did a fantastic job planning, organizing and executing.  Aside from training Team Hawaii and trip planning, the “little things” deserve mentioning.  Fund raising, photo taking, Team ties, WKC tenogui, Team shirts, Team warmups, Omiyageprep, recordkeeping and most crucially, getting the team mentally prepared as Hawaii’s Best.  Thanks to his meticulous preparation the team had a great tournament.

Mililani comprised 4 of the 5 fighters on the Women’s team with Gina, Akiko, Nicole and Audrey who was able to join us from Maui for the 3 days.  Our Individual Wahine’s team proved tough and everyone from Mililani, Gina, Akiko and Nicole made it out of the elimination round and into the tournament!

Gina faced competitors from Spain and Norway in the elimination round. Her fighting spirit and hours of training was evident as she eliminated both opponents to make it into the tournament round.  Akiko had a high pressure first round.  Usually paired against 2 or 3 opponents it’s possible to lose one and still advance but she had only one opponent, Austria’s M. Achleitner.  One and done is tough, but Akiko made it look easy.  Nicole quickly defeated fighters from Italy and New Zealand to advance to the tournament round.  Nicole then went on to beat Switzerland, Brazil, and Chinese Taipei on her way to the quarterfinals.  This put her in competition with the top 8 fighters for the Women’s division.  After a close match she fell to Japan.  Congratulations Nicole for being one of the 8 best Kendokasin the world!  She was awarded a certificate for best fighting spirit and a beautiful trophy for her efforts.

Wesley Fujimoto Sensei captained the men’s team.  Hawaii defeated Malaysia and Mexico in the elimination round and faced Finland in the tournament.  After a very close match Finland prevailed.  Team Hawaii ended its quest as one of the top 16 teams out of 56 countries.

Congratulations Team Hawaii and to the Mililani fighters. We’re all proud of you and look forward to you returning as well as our up and coming fighters joining in the 18th World Kendo Championships in France.

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