A Record Year for Philippine Kendo

The sound of bamboo swords echoed through Mandaluyong’s Gameville Ball Park as the United Kendo Federation of the Philippines (UKFP) held the 7th Philippine National Kendo Tournament last October 25–26. It was a milestone weekend for the country’s kendo community—the largest shinsa (grading) and shiai (tournament) in local history, drawing more than 250 practitioners from eight clubs nationwide.

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Japan Information and Culture Center Director Shigehiro Matsuda opened the two-day event, which combined competition and ceremony in equal measure.

A record 110 kendoka tested for ranks from 6th Kyu to 4th Dan—the most ever in a Philippine grading—underscoring how fast the sport is growing beyond the confines of Metro Manila.

In the shiai, clubs from Cebu, Davao, Negros, and Manila crossed shinai in spirited matches that saw Yushinkai’s Robert Carabuena extend his reign with a fourth consecutive Men’s Individual Championship, while Metro Kendo Club (MetroKen) swept the Men’s Open Team Event to close the tournament.

The women’s side saw Yushinkai’s Suzzane Jean Yu claim the championship, with MetroKen’s Denise Gonzales taking second. Across the youth and student divisions, emerging kendoka from Davao and Negros shone—proof that the art’s discipline and spirit are finding new roots across the islands.

For the UKFP, the record-breaking turnout is more than numbers. It’s a sign that kendo, with its quiet rigor and respect for tradition, has found its footing in the Philippines.

“Each strike, bow, and match this year reflected the growing strength and unity of our community,” the federation said.

The 7th Philippine National Kendo Tournament showed far the art of the sword has come—and how much further it’s willing to go.