These past two weeks have been a very news-intensive time for our dojo! We have been featured in newspapers, websites, social media, and on streaming channels!
It has been busy period, but the intension has been to help promote Kendo both at our dojo as well as in South Africa as a whole.
In our latest media campaign, we were very fortunate to have been interviewed by Marc Joubert of Ruckus Media & Marketing (www.ruckusmedia.co.za). Marc's skillful questioning reveals both the fundamentals of Kendo, as well as some of the more philosophical aspects that makes kendo such a dynamic martial art.
Take a watch of the full 30 min interview here:
Secondly, our mini-Samurai's, the RKC Kendo Kids were featured in both online and printed versions of some of the local CAXTON newspapers.
1. Sandton Cronicles:
2. Midrand Reporter
Lastly, the Japanese Embassy of South Africa published the online Kendo demonstrations we had done for them earlier this year. In the past, we had assisted the Embassy by putting on a LIVE demonstration at their various events so as to promote Japanese culture and relations. This year, due to the pandemic and precautions due to it, no live demos were possible. Hence, the online demonstrations. Please see the 2 links to the Embassy's Facebook pages to watch these demonstrations.
"The South African Kendo Federation has a number of affiliated dojos in South Africa, with many participants. Kendo demonstrations are often showcased at our cultural events such as the Japan Cultural expo. Please enjoy this video demonstration from Rivonia Kendo Club.
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that originated from the Samurai. Participants fight with bamboo swords and wear protective armour. Kendo is not just about winning, but also about cultivating respect and good manners by applying the principles of the ‘katana’ (sword)."
https://fb.watch/5AyAjRO_zi/ <--- CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO 1
Kendo can be quite a loud sport, since part of the techniques involve "kiai", shouting to express one's fighting spirit or to intimidate one's opponent. Of course, Kiai also attracts many spectators at our Japan Cultural expo when the kendo demonstrations are happening.
Please watch a video demonstration by Rivonia Kendo Club showing some of the techniques of the way of the sword, including kiai.
https://fb.watch/5AyIf7o34t/ <--- CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO 2
Kendo techniques comprise both strikes and thrusts. Strikes are only made towards specified target areas on the wrists, head, or body, all of which are protected by armor. Thrusts are only allowed to the throat, but only senior practitioners are allowed to use thrusting techniques.
The Rivonia Kendo Club is one of the Japanese cultural organizations that usually participate in our events such as the Japan Cultural Expo. This year, they were kind enough to provide us with a video demonstration. Please watch it below.
https://fb.watch/5AyIQsORkW/ <--- CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO 3
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The Rivonia Kendo Club (RKC) train the traditional Japanese martial arts of Kendo and Iaido (sword-based martial arts), as well as Jodo(the art of the short staff/stick), that encourages the cultivation of the human character.
Please follow us on our various social media platforms:
Website: www.rivoniakendo.co.za
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RivoniaKendo
Instagram: @rivonia_kendo_club
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9UWDOR8p9eCLsrw1nuSZA
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