Tyler Nitzen: Doing kendo has benefitted me in many ways that are not only physical but mental. Being a younger female in the community gives me space to look up to and admire the women of kendo and gives me an idea of what I aspire to be. Our dojo is a safe space where I feel comfortable training with everyone as a family, where everyone is welcomed in a fun but disciplined environment. Kendo has taught me discipline and structure, which I can apply to my everyday life, and it helps me realise
RKC Dojo has introduced the Japanese martial arts of kendo, iaido, and jodo to many women in South Africa.
Shakti Daly: I have been practising kendo for a little over a year now and my first impression of martial arts was intense. A year later, my feelings have not changed. Kendo, in all of its competitiveness and intensity, has made a tremendous impact on my life in terms of self-confidence, discipline, and strength (both physically and mentally). The community that surrounds this sport is one that I find nurturing and kind, and it is familial in many senses of the word. The senseis and senpais are a
In celebrating this past Women’s Month, women at RKC Dojo highlighted what they have learned so far.
According to the head sensei at RKC Dojo, Warren Ho, the benefits of doing martial arts over a prolonged period included improved fitness, increased mental focus, and inspiration to work on one’s personal development.
Deminique Viljoen-Doyle: Training at RKC has brought all three of these principles – focus, fun, and family – into my life from an angle that would have never entered into my life in any other way. I have friends that I consider family now. Coming to the dojo can be the best part of my day, laughing together with people from all walks of life with a mutual interest and goal creates a training environment that can switch between light-hearted fun and laughter to serious focus and disciplined trai
“The concepts of focus, fun, and family are very distinctive principles that the RKC Dojo and its members bring to each training session.”
Delisa Govender: Kendo has been the highlight of my year. It has given me something to look forward to every week, and I have met the kindest and most respectful people there. I have felt the motivation to pursue other life goals because of kendo. I have so much fun in the dojo and I feel like I have found another place where I belong. It can be nerve-wracking to try something new but all it is so far exciting and challenging in the best way. I am happy I decided to leap in.Shasika Singh: Naturally, my dojo family is fast becoming an extension of my biological family; the senpais and senseis are always willing to assist and guide across all activities, whether it is the practice of the fundamental solo movements or the pattern of movements with a partner. I am looking forward to eventually being in Bogu and practising full-contact sparring. I am learning that kendo is a way of life and beyond the clinical advantages associated with physical, mental, and spiritual
