Club Sports: UCLA Kendo
By Andy Bao
Feb. 26, 2019 12:44 p.m.
Coach Joseph Yang, a UCLA alumnus takes off his men during UCLA's club kendo practice.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Third-year political science student Steven Yang removes his tenugui during practice. The tenugui helps keep sweat from dripping onto the swordsman.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Members of the UCLA Kendo club gather around as they listen to esteemed guest Yoshimi Higashi (center) speak at the end of their practice. Higashi has been instructing kendo at the Aichi Prefectural Police department in Japan since 1996.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
UCLA kendo club coach Nathan Makino (right) bows with Higashi during practice. Makino helped start the club in 2002.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Higashi teaches members of UCLA's kendo club during practice. Higashi has reached the highest rank of kendo, 8 Dan. Every year, Japan brings together every 8 Dan for the All Japan Kendo 8 Dan Tournament, which Higashi placed first at in 2011.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Protective armor is worn for kendo, including a face mask. Higashi prepares to don his men during practice
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
First-year math and economics student Flora Wang strikes men on alumna Aya Kuwabara. There are four types of strikes that can score points in kendo. Men-bu, on the top or side of the head, kote, on the left or right wrist, do, on the sides of the torso and tsuki, right in front of the throat.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Members of the UCLA kendo club watch their club mates spar during their practice.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Third-year aerospace engineering student Kyle Pagdayunan (left) spars with his partner. Bamboo swords, called shinai, are used in kendo.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
A shinpan, or tournament referee, officiates a match during the Yuhihai Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament at UCLA on Feb. 10. There are three shinpan on the court for every match.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Fourth-year economics student Adrian Lee during the Yuihai intercollegiate kendo tournament at UCLA on Feb. 10, 2019.
(Andy Bao/Daily Bruin)
Fourth-year biology student Nadia Lee competes during the Yuhihai Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament. The women's team finished in first place.
