First National Kenzo Championship to get underway this week
VOV.VN - The northern province of Ninh Binh will host the first National Kenzo Championship from November 20 – 23, attracting 250 athletes from 23 Kenzo clubs nationwide.
The championship, organised by the Vietnam Kendo Federation, features a comprehensive programme including advanced training courses, rank promotion exams accredited by the International Kendo Federation (FIK), and competitive sparring events.
On November 20, the championship will host a specialised seminar covering basic and advanced technical standards; updates on competition rules and match management; and FIK-based coaching methodology. The seminar also offers clubs a platform to exchange experience in organisation, training, talent selection, and athlete development.
The rank promotion exam will take place on November 21, under the supervision of Higashi Yoshimi Sensei, head coach of the Japanese Kendo team at the 19th World Kendo Championship. The exam follows a transparent process including document verification, eligibility review, technical assessment, and result announcement.
Competitive sparring matches will be conducted on November 22-23 under VKF regulations and FIK rules, with fully equipped zones for warm-up, competition, refereeing, and medical support, along with a structured system for complaints and technical handling. The scheduling, draw, and results management system ensures continuity and allows teams to plan strategies and physical preparation.
The championship aims to standardise the skill levels of athletes, coaches, and referees according to FIK criteria. By unifying technical standards, training methods, and match management, Vietnam Kendo will have a strong foundation to advance to regional and international stages. The championship also seeks to expand Kendo nationwide, encouraging the establishment of new clubs and nurturing the next generation of athletes.
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art, developed from traditional samurai techniques. It aims to cultivate both technical skill and personal character through sword training.
Although Kendo is relatively new in Vietnam, it is growing rapidly. In early January 2025, the Vietnam Kendo Federation was officially established, marking a significant milestone in the organisation and promotion of the sport. Today, there are numerous Kendo clubs across the country, with around 10,000 practitioners actively training.