For Rivonia resident Warren Ho, travelling to Bulgaria for a week of training is about more than earning another rank.

The South African martial artist, who is a founder and head sensei at Ry? Ken Chi in Rivonia, will undertake intensive iaido and jodo training while attempting his 3rd dan iaido examination. Ho said the experience represents an opportunity to continue building both his own abilities and the local martial arts community. Iaido, a Japanese martial art focused on drawing and controlling the sword through precise movement, also teaches discipline, awareness, and self-reflection. “It’s not only physical technique. It teaches you to understand yourself and control your movements and emotions.”

Read more: International Iaido master visits Rivonia dojo during Easter holidays

The trip includes several hours of daily training under internationally recognised instructor Sensei Renee van Amersfoort. According to Ho, access to advanced instruction remains limited locally, making international opportunities valuable. His preparation has focused on regular training and technical refinement ahead of the examination. Ho believes continuous learning remains essential in martial arts. “One of my instructors once told me training is like swimming upstream. If you stop, you move backwards.”

Also read: Deminique Viljeon-Doyle believes she was born for iaido

After completing the programme, Ho plans to bring what he learns back to South Africa and share it with students and the wider iaido and jodo community. He said stories like this matter because they show South Africans remain connected to international communities and continue contributing on a global level. “We are part of the world, and we must continue learning, participating, and sharing that knowledge at home.”

Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!