Page 6 - MidWeek Central - Nov 16, 2022

6 NOVEMBER 16, 2022
Hawai‘i Kendo Federation Continues Tradition In Central O‘ahu, Beyond
FROM PAGE 1
— and, thus, is separate from the U.S. Federation and has its own team competing in the World Kendo Championships every three years.
“We have over 200 mem- bers and nine dojos on O‘ahu and several others on Maui, Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i. We have a strong iaido (sword drawing technique) club and many high-ranking Sixth and Seventh Dan teachers. Our population is very diverse, and we hold many tourna- ments and educational sem- inars relating to kendo for members on all islands.”
(Above left and right) Hawai’i Kendo Federation has dojos across O’ahu including ones in Wahiawā and Mililani. PHOTOS COURTESY TUSHA BUNTIN
The organization’s dojos on O‘ahu alone including Mō‘ili‘ili (Japanese Cultural Center), Nu‘uanu (Hawai‘i Daijingu), Waipahu, ‘Aiea, Wahiawā, Mililani and Kai- lua. Buntin explains that he
takes part in Friday night practices at the Daijingu Shrine in Nu‘uanu as chief instructor Furutani Sensei (Seventh Dan Kyoshi and the president of the Hawai‘i Ken- do Federation) leads the train- ing sessions. To help the local organization continue its rich history in the islands, Hawai‘i
Kendo Federation has orga- nized multiple fundraisers this month to raise funds for and awareness around the group and the martial art. The first opportunity to get involved is at the ‘Aiea Taiheiji Kendo Tournament slated for 9 a.m. Nov. 19 at the ‘Aiea High School Gymnasium (98-1276
Ulune St.). The following day, Nov. 20, Hawai‘i Kendo Fed- eration will hold its Dan and Kyu Examinations as a follow up to the tournament at Hāl- awa District Park Gym (99- 795 ‘Iwa‘iwa St.) beginning at 9 a.m. The Hawai‘i Ken- do Federation is offering its inaugural Year-end Banquet
on Nov. 20 from 5-8 p.m. at Natsunoya Tea House (1935 Makanani Drive) in Honolu- lu. Tickets are $100 per per- son and $50 for ages 4-7 and it includes dinner, a silent auc- tion and prize giveaways.
current state of kendo in Ha- wai‘i,” Buntin says. “Kendo benefits not just the individu- als taking part, but the com- munity and eventually society itself. We are a nonprofit vol- unteer-based organization.”
“My goals are to educate the public and our community about the history, tradition and
Visit hawaiikendofedera- tion.org for more info and to register for the fundraiser.