Fighting fit for the new year
Rivonia – The Rivonia Kendo Club had their first training session for 2020.
It was the first training session for the Rivonia Kendo Club and it was an intense one. In attendance were old and new members alongside advisory Sensei Cedric Jacques and senior students Logan Naidoo and Andrew Whittaker who shared some of their knowledge about this Japanese martial arts form.
The Rivonia Kendo Club was established four years ago by sensei Warren Ho and Andrew Whittaker.
“It settled here to bring the art of Kendo to the community on this side because of the convenience of travelling. From our history, the initial Kendo that was started in South Africa was actually started in this very dojo,” said Naidoo.
Jacques explained that Kendo is a Japanese martial art by way of the sword. “Through the sword, we develop in terms of self-awareness and understanding where we are in life because we’ve always got spatial awareness, aware of your fellow training person and we train together.
“It teaches the mind to be open to moments, in Kendo you are taught that in the moment you need to readjust yourself, look for opportunities and understand them.
“Don’t focus on one thing but everything together. Keep yourself safe and everyone else around you safe too.”
Family, fun and focus is the motto of the club with the first session of 2020 they intend on building the spirit for the rest of the year and they did just that.
The class was excited to get going.
Naidoo added, “Our expectations for the first class were met. We intended to do 1 000 suburi for the first session, which is quite an intense workout. It translates to 1 000 cuts we would do in our warm-up session.”
Little Zane Lightbody (11) and his brother Jaden Lightbody (9) had fun at their first class last week Wednesday.
“I enjoyed it very much, it’s very nice here and I really loved it. I came to train with my little brother Jaden and I think he likes it just as much as I do!” said Zane excitedly.
The club will also be introducing some children’s classes later this year.
Rivonia Kendo Club’s 2020 plans include achieving and setting goals with their current members, growing the club and welcoming new members to the dojo. If you would like to find your centre, get in touch with the Rivonia Kendo Club.
Details: info@rivoniakendoclub.co.za
