Dubai: The second Middle East Kendo Championships will be held at Emirates International School in Umm Suqueim on Friday.
Organised by Dubai Kendo Club, the event will host 50 competitors from six clubs across the region, and members hope the event will gain the Middle East global recognition with possible membership via the International Kendo Federation.
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting descended from traditional swordsmanship (kenjutsu).
Adult and child categories will pitch five contestants from opposing clubs against one another in matches decided by the first participant to gain two strikes to their opponent’s wrist, head or chest. Throat strikes are not permissible in the junior category.
If after three minutes it remains a draw the match will go to a first-strike sudden death.
The Dubai Kendo Club has been running for eight years and has 35 members. They train every Wednesday and Saturday at Emirates International School from 7.45pm and 3.45pm and sessions last two hours.
Ian Dawson of Dubai Kendo Club said: “Since its formation, Dubai Kendo Club has grown from an initial membership total of four dedicated enthusiasts to around 35 members, where practitioners of this art and way of the sword gain positive benefits through improved physical fitness and the core values of discipline and respect.
“We are, of course, very proud to again host this competition, which will hopefully launch the next stage of development plans for kendo in the Middle East through membership of the International Kendo Federation.”
For more information on kendo, email info.kendo.ae.
