What started as a simple search for an after-school activity has turned into a transformative experience for Shaka Shumba (16).
Shaka joined the RKC Dojo after discovering kendo online. “I was just hoping to find something fun to do with good people.” He recalls feeling both nervous and hopeful on his first day. “I kept telling myself, ‘Don’t embarrass yourself. You can do this’. I was also excited. I wondered if this might be exactly what I was looking for.”
Months later, Shaka said the dojo has helped him grow in ways he did not expect. “My confidence has risen greatly. Before, I was very soft-spoken. Now, I speak up more, both inside and outside the dojo.”
Shaka explained that staying committed has not always been easy. “Some days you don’t feel like going, but once you are there, you feel happy. After training, you feel calm. That feeling keeps me coming back.”
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Among the lessons he values most is perseverance. “You don’t always strike the target, but you continue with your spirit. Even if I miss in life, I keep going.” He added that the dojo’s welcoming environment also played a major role in his growth. “It is warm and open. Everyone is welcoming. It feels like a community, not just a training space.”
He said training has even changed how he approaches schoolwork. “I learnt that even small adjustments matter. That helped me realise that even small pieces of information in class can become important later.”
One of his proudest achievements was receiving his armour, a milestone in kendo training. “That showed me I was ready to commit fully.” To others who may feel intimidated, Shaka said: “There is no need to be afraid. It’s a supportive space. If you join, you will feel welcome.”
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