Students improve their Kendo grading

The Namibia Kendo Federation (NKF) was established nearly ten years ago under the guidance of Hamada Shinichi and one student. After about one year of training, a few more students were accepted who wanted to practice Kendo, and the Windhoek Kendo Club was established.André Pienaar, Sensei took over the responsibility as Chief Instructor, after achieving his second Dan grade, and after Hamada-San returned to Japan. With the support of two former Japanese ambassadors, Nishimaki Hisao and Harada Hideaki, as well as the current incumbent Asazuma Schinichi, it became possible to showcase the NKF at events such as the Emperor’s Birthday and the Cultural Festival hosted by the FNCC. Subsequently two dojos were established, namely Musashi Kendo Dojo (with children and adult students; in Windhoek Southern Industrial Area) and the Hope Dojo (Evelyn Street, Katutura).The Bogu (armour) and Shinai (bamboo training sword) used for training was graciously donated by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), which helped considerably to advance the performance of junior and senior students alike. The NKF is an affiliated code to the Namibia Sport Commission. In October 2023, André Pienaar attended various Dojos in Fukuoka and Iizu to experience Japanese training methods with small children. “This experience was invaluable as we could make a breakthrough with our junior students, who correspondingly improved their school grades and received good commendations for their respectful behaviour and disciplined conduct,” says Pienaar.On 26 July, the following 16 students of both the Musashi and Hope Dojos attended a formal Kyu (pre-blackbelt) grading with a distinguished ALL PASS result (new grading indicated; lower number means higher grading):8th Kyu: Charmaine Naobes, Sylvia Eises, Hiliya Marthin, Elvin Skrywer.5th Kyu: Urs-Peter Gamma.4th Kyu: Kristofina Martin, Reinholdt Ganeb, Dulden Eixab, Ubi Hituwamata, Mario Boois, Magereth Khaxas, Megameno Amukoto, Moses Fredericks, Alexander Smith, Christiane van der Heiden.1st Kyu: Renier Prinsloo.

Students improve their Kendo grading

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-09

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Students improve their Kendo grading

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-09

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