Press Release
2015/6/10
[15-07] Irish National Kendo Championship and Japanese Ambassador’s Cup 2015 -The Way of the Sword and Samurai Spirit-
The Irish National Kendo Championship and Japanese Ambassador’s Cup will be held at St. Mary’s College, St. Mary’s Road, Galway from 10.00 to 18.00 on Saturday 4 July, with around 40 competitors taking part in the Junior, Ladies, Men’s, and Team categories.
Kendo is one of the traditional Japanese martial arts that arose from samurai warriors fighting with bamboo “swords”. Kendo players wear protective gear like armour over kimono-like training wear. Kendo differs from other sports. Heir to the traditional spirit of Japanese martial arts, Kendo is not solely about winning, but also respects good manners and nurtures a strong spirit.
Mr. Chihiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland said, “I am delighted that the Embassy of Japan is co-organising the championship. I hope many Irish people will enjoy the Kendo matches in Galway and get to know this important Japanese traditional martial art.”
Mr. Jason Clouston, President of the Irish Kendo Federation said, “Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art which is becoming more and more popular in Ireland today. Last month the Irish Kendo team had the opportunity to travel to Japan to take part in the 16th World Kendo Championships, with the men's team progressing our of their pool to finish in the top 16 countries of the world”, and continued, “This opportunity to return to the roots of Kendo by training and competing in Japan has reinforced for us the link between our two island nations. With the support of the Japanese Embassy in Ireland we have been able to further the growth of Kendo in Ireland which has contributed to our success in competition.”
Kendo na hÉireann is the governing body for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in Ireland. It is a member of the Irish Martial Arts Commission, the European Kendo Federation, and the International Kendo Federation. Kendo in Ireland began formally in 1998 and there are now four established clubs: two in Dublin, one in Cork, and one in Galway.
Kendo is one of the traditional Japanese martial arts that arose from samurai warriors fighting with bamboo “swords”. Kendo players wear protective gear like armour over kimono-like training wear. Kendo differs from other sports. Heir to the traditional spirit of Japanese martial arts, Kendo is not solely about winning, but also respects good manners and nurtures a strong spirit.
Mr. Chihiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland said, “I am delighted that the Embassy of Japan is co-organising the championship. I hope many Irish people will enjoy the Kendo matches in Galway and get to know this important Japanese traditional martial art.”
Mr. Jason Clouston, President of the Irish Kendo Federation said, “Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art which is becoming more and more popular in Ireland today. Last month the Irish Kendo team had the opportunity to travel to Japan to take part in the 16th World Kendo Championships, with the men's team progressing our of their pool to finish in the top 16 countries of the world”, and continued, “This opportunity to return to the roots of Kendo by training and competing in Japan has reinforced for us the link between our two island nations. With the support of the Japanese Embassy in Ireland we have been able to further the growth of Kendo in Ireland which has contributed to our success in competition.”
Kendo na hÉireann is the governing body for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in Ireland. It is a member of the Irish Martial Arts Commission, the European Kendo Federation, and the International Kendo Federation. Kendo in Ireland began formally in 1998 and there are now four established clubs: two in Dublin, one in Cork, and one in Galway.