Amin Abbas

A Japanese Kendo club in Dubai known as ‘Kenshi-Kai’ is offering UAE residents the chance to gather and practice the modern Japanese martial art.

Previously known as the Japanese Association Kendo Club, it was recently renamed by Kendo master Fumio Katano.

Yuki Hamajima from the club told Arab News Japan that they practice the art every Sunday at the Japanese School of Dubai.

“We have two classes, one for beginners and one for experienced students. The experienced class is for people who practice wearing kendo gear. Main purpose of Kendo is training our spirit and body rather than win or beat against others,” Hamajima said.

“In order to keep the club active, we need some high-ranking trainers and consistent participants. However, most of Japanese expats have assignment rotation and may leave Dubai within several years,” she explained.

“Also, although we have many people who are interested in Kendo and joining beginner class, it is challenge for us to keep attracting people and making them practice consistently until they become experienced enough to wear a gear,” she added.

Hamajima said that the participants of Kendo Kenshi-Kai Club are enjoying a new challenge in Kendo and are planning to have a friendship-match and joint practice with Abu Dhabi Kendo Club soon.