Bronze for UKAF Kendo

The UK Armed Forces Kendo team exceeded all expectations to reach the semi-finals and win Bronze at the British Kendo Association Masters Taikai.

This National level event saw 20 five-person teams drawn from across the most competitive Kendo Dojos in the UK come together at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Reading. 

The UKAF squad had convened at the Army Combat Centre the day before for Shiai training led by Maj Chris Jones in advance of the competition.

Maj John O’Neill said, ‘This was truly a day to remember for the UKAF Squad. Reigning Inter-Services Champion LH Toby Nolan (RN) led the charge with vigour and set conditions for success as the team's opening fighter. 

He was followed by LCpl Nirajan Magar (QGS) who performed incredibly given that he had volunteered to fight in his first ever Taikai at last minute. 

Maj Chris Jones (RAMC) arguably produced the team's performance of the competition, quelling the unrelenting advances of Birmingham's Jodan (high guard) fighter in the final fight of the Quarter Finals to lead the team into the Semis. 

SSgt Bhim Limbu’s (REME) fighting spirit saw him securing numerous critical draws and a two-nil victory with an epic Kote (wrist strike) and Men (head strike). The squad had escaped their pool in second place with victories over Kings College London C and Hizen B. 

Having made it to the knock out stages, they secured wins over University College London and then Birmingham in the Quarter Finals. The journey came to an end in the Semis with the team losing to eventual winners Wakaba.

This result was only the second time that UKAF Kendo has medalled in a civilian competition, the last time being at the Mumeishi Threes in 2012, and the first time at a National tournament. 

It highlights how Kendo across the Armed Forces continues to develop in earnest and capitalises upon grading successes and a significant increase in qualified instructors over the last twelve months. 

The event also qualified LH Nolan and LCpl Magar for the award of UKAF Colours for which I will be deservedly nominating them in due course.’