17th East-West Tournament
By Melissa
Following the idea of Japan’s annual All Japan East-West Tournament, where the best kendokas from Eastern Japan and Western Japan pit against each other, to decide the winning side (Eastern or Western Japan), we have our own such tournament in the month of June every year.
We were divided into East and West teams purely based on our local addresses, and with this being my first official tournament, it is needless to say that I was really anxious teaming up with 4 experienced, non-NUS kendokas.
Shimpans briefing before the start of the matches
Lining up in our various teams!
Fighting in a team match feels very different from an individual match. It is the team’s overall performance that ensures advancement, and that requires a lot of team effort and support from each and everyone in the team. Watching your teammates give their best in those precious 3-minute matches really builds up a strong sense of camaraderie.
Jigeiko after the tournament
The East-West Tournament is not so much a tournament to compete and win glory, but more of making friends and getting to know kendokas from other clubs such as SKC, SMU and NYP, which makes this tournament more lighthearted and enjoyable than I expected it to be. Overall, the tournament was a really fun experience and it is something every kendoka can look forward to.
The prize giving ceremony
(Nella: Congratulations to Melissa & team for a job well done!)
Group shot of everyone! (: