About Us

History

Kendo Club at the University of Michigan was founded in the fall of 2001 and officially recognized by the Midwest Kendo Federation (MWKF) in the fall of 2002. Instruction of our club was originally lead by Chika and Takashi Ezaki. Once they returned to Japan in 2003, instruction transitioned to Yukio Watanabe and Joe Ponchart. After the groundwork was laid out for a consistent practice space at the University of Michigan, cross training with Seishinkan Kendo in Ypsilanti (formerly Eastern Kendo Club) continued. Our shared history reaffirms our continued partnership as both clubs seek to advance and promote the practice of Kendo in the Midwest. Many of our instructors and members continue to train at both locations.

Our club is classified as a student organization through the Michigan Student Assembly, the student government of the University of Michigan. Our Kendo Club is also part of the Midwest Kendo Federation (MWKF), which is the regional chapter under the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), the national governing body for Kendo. The MWKF is responsible for all Kendo clubs and Dojos in the Midwest area.

24 club members posing in bogu or regular clothing, smiling.
Group photo of the club members in 2011!

Motto

心技一体

Our club motto reads "Shin Gi Ittai", which translates approximately to "The Spirit and Skill are One Body" or "The Heart and Technique are Together". This motto was one of several proposed by Masaki Hori in the fall of 2004, and was chosen by our club officers and coaches to best represent the ideals we strive for in our club. This motto is on our club tenugui (cloth headband worn under the helmet), which is traditionally given to club members before their first competition as a sign of mutual support and encouragement.

A club member sitting with most of their armor on, putting on the helmet.
Club member putting on the part of his bogu that will protect his head, the men.

Constitution

We are officially recognized as a Voluntary Student Organization by the University of Michigan. Our club constitution can be found on Maize pages.