When 16-year-old Shaka Shumba looked for an extracurricular activity, he hoped to find something enjoyable to do after school.

Instead, he found a community that would change him. Shaka, one of the newest members of the RKC Dojo, said he discovered kendo while browsing online. “My school didn’t offer many extracurricular activities that really interested me. So, I went online. I found kendo, and through kendo, I found RKC Dojo.”

Read more: RKC Dojo enjoys training from international instructors

At first, he admitted, he was nervous. “I don’t remember all the details of my first training session, but I remember how I felt. I was nervous, but also excited. I kept telling myself, ‘Don’t embarrass yourself, Shaka. You can do this.’ He added that nervous excitement soon turned into something more meaningful. Before joining the dojo, Shaka describes himself as soft-spoken and hesitant to share his opinions.

Weekly training sessions gradually changed that. “My confidence has risen greatly since joining. I have become more vocal about my feelings and what I like and don’t like. That’s something I am very proud of.” Like many young athletes, commitment has been his biggest challenge.

“Some days I do not feel like going. I tell myself I can skip and go next week. But the feeling during training and especially after training keeps me going. At the end, you feel calm and happy. That’s what pushes me.” Beyond physical training, Shaka added that kendo had taught him resilience.

“One lesson I will always remember is to continue even if you miss. You do not always strike the target, but you continue with your shout and your spirit. I’ve applied that outside the dojo. Even if I fail, I keep going.”

Also read: Teen finds confidence and community in kendo at RKC Dojo

Shaka explained that the turning point in his journey came when he realised he was speaking up more confidently in everyday life. “That’s when I knew this was changing me.” He also praised the dojo’s welcoming atmosphere. “It’s so warm. If you are new, they welcome you no matter who you are or where you are from. We even spend time together outside of training. It’s more than just a place to practise.”

Shaka added that training had also changed his approach to school. “I used to think some subjects were useless. But kendo taught me that even the smallest adjustment can affect everything. I started applying that thinking to my studies, and I began seeing patterns and connections.”

One of his proudest moments so far was receiving his armour. “That was huge for me. It shows you’re ready to commit. I felt ready to go the full mile.” To anyone feeling intimidated about joining, he offers reassurance.

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