Champions in the Making: RKC Kendo Kids and RKC Juniors Shine at the 2025 National Junior Kendo Championships
- RKC Dojo
- Dec 2
- 5 min read
On Sunday, 30 November 2025, the Parkhurst Recreation Centre in Johannesburg became the battleground for young kendo warriors from across the nation. The RKC Kendo Kids, aged 6 to 12, and the junior members, aged 13 to 18, stepped onto the tatami mats with determination and skill at the National Junior Kendo Championships. This event showcased not only their talent but also the spirit and discipline that kendo installs in its practitioners from a young age.
The Significance of the National Junior Kendo Championships
The National Junior Kendo Championships serve as a critical platform for young athletes to test their skills against peers from the different dojos. For many, this event marks the first step toward higher levels of competition and personal growth in Kendo. The championships are designed to encourage sportsmanship, respect, and continuous improvement, values that are central to kendo.
For the RKC Kendo Kids and junior members, participating in this event was more than just competing. It was an opportunity to apply months (if not years) of training, learn from others, and build confidence. The event also allowed instructors and parents to witness the progress of their young samurais in a competitive but supportive environment. For many of the Kendo Kids, this was also their first major competition, which could have been a daunting experience!
Preparation and Training Leading Up to the Event
Months before the championships, the RKC dojo focused on rigorous training tailored to the needs of both the younger and older groups. The Kendo Kids worked on fundamental techniques such as footwork, striking accuracy, and basic etiquette. Their sessions emphasized fun and engagement to keep their enthusiasm high.
The junior members, meanwhile, trained with more intensity, focusing on strategy, stamina, and mental toughness. They do so by taking part in the adult sessions where they get a variety of sensei to instruct them, as well as have a diverse range of other kendoka to train and test their skills with.
The preparation also included workshops on tournament rules and the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. This holistic approach helped the RKC team enter the championships ready to perform at their best.
Highlights from the Competition Day
The atmosphere at the Parkhurst Recreation Centre was electric as young kendoka from various clubs gathered. The RKC team stood out not only for their skill but also for their respectful conduct and team spirit.
Kendo Kids (6-12 years old)
The youngest competitors showed remarkable courage and focus. Many faced their first official matches, and despite some nerves, they demonstrated solid technique and sportsmanship. One memorable moment was when 11-year-old RKC member, Marcus Lin, executed a perfectly timed hiki-men strike (a strike whilst going backwards), earning cheers from the crowd and praise from the referees! Marcus eventually went on to earn the 2nd-place medal! More medals were also won by our other RKC Kendo Kids: Suri Williams (11) and Katlego Mangena (11) both earned the joint 3rd-place medals, while Hemerick Francis (11) and Nathan Ho (10) both earned a fighting spirit medal!
Junior Members (13-18 years old)
The junior members displayed advanced skills and tactical awareness. Several RKC juniors advanced to the later rounds, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond quickly during bouts. One standout RKC competitor, Lisy Rasoamahenina, aged 13, impressed everyone with her swift footwork and precise strikes, securing a place in the semi-finals! Such was the case also for RKC Junior, Ethan Cui, who also earned his place in the other semi-final. Both Lisy and Ethan fought gallantly, however they lost to their opponents, both of whom are junior national team members from South Africa ad Germany! As a consolation prize, they both earned a joint 3rd place medal! Special mention also to Jaime Lewis, who earned a Fighting Spirit medal for her courageous effort!
The winner of the 2025 Junior Championships is Kudjo Witbooi (17) of the Midrand Dojo! Kudjo was a handful of Kendo Kids who had originally started Kendo at the RKC Dojo some ten years ago when the dojo and the Kendo Kids program was still in it's infancy! It is such a privilege to now see him performing so well!
The juniors also supported each other throughout the day, offering encouragement and sharing insights between matches. This camaraderie highlighted the strong community within the RKC dojo.
Lessons Learned and Future Goals
Every match at the championships provided lessons beyond wins and losses. The young athletes learned to manage nerves, respect opponents, and maintain focus. Instructors noted improvements in timing, distance control, and decision-making under pressure.
Looking ahead, the RKC team plans to build on this experience by increasing training intensity and participating in more regional tournaments. The goal is to nurture these young talents into confident, skilled kendoka who can represent their club and country at higher levels.
Parents and instructors alike expressed pride in the progress made and excitement for the future. The event reinforced the value of consistent practice, discipline, and a positive mindset.
Supporting Young Athletes in Martial Arts
The success of the RKC Kendo Kids and juniors at the National Junior Championships highlights the importance of support systems for young athletes. This includes:
Qualified Instructors that balances skill development with encouragement
Parental involvement that motivates without pressure
Access to proper equipment and facilities to train safely
Opportunities to compete that challenge and inspire growth
By fostering these elements, dojos like RKC help children develop not only as athletes but as individuals with confidence and respect for others.
Encouraging More Young People to Try Kendo
Kendo offers unique benefits for children and teenagers, including physical fitness, mental discipline, and cultural appreciation. Events like the National Junior Championships showcase the excitement and rewards of the sport.
For parents considering martial arts for their children, kendo provides a structured environment where respect and self-improvement are core values. The RKC experience demonstrates how young practitioners can thrive through consistent training and supportive communities.
If you are interested in learning more about kendo or enrolling your child in a local dojo, attending a competition or watching a training session can be a great way to see the sport in action. Please contact Warren Ho of the RKC Dojo on 082 389 9098, or send and email to info@rkcdojo.com for more information. They also have a website, www.rkcdojo.com, which contains a wealth of information!
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The Ryū Ken Chi (RKC) Dojo train the traditional Japanese martial arts of Kendo and Iaido (sword-based martial arts), as well as Jodo (the art of the short staff), that encourages the cultivation of the human character.
Kendo Kid is also available for children aged 6-13 years old.
RKC DOJO has 2 training venues within Johannesburg - RIVONIA and OBSERVATORY.
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