Favorite part of HRKC: The people! As much as kendo is about self-improvement, I’ve learned that kendo is about learning from others. There is a famous kendo saying that goes “be reflecting when you strike, and be thankful when you are struck”––I have been able to improve my kendo by thinking about how my friends are able to strike my tall head. Committing shenanigans around the world with my kendo friends is my favorite part of HRKC.

Favorite part of HRKC: I came for the sword fighting, and stayed for the people! By far the best part of kendo is our community. I basically get to go on training arcs with my friends. We also have some really awesome relationships with sensei from Japan who visit us and we get to visit them, and it’s always a privilege to learn from them.

Favorite part of HRKC: Definitely the community. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive, which makes kendo so much more fun! I feel like starting something new can be a challenge sometimes, but being surrounded by friends really transforms it. I’m so glad to be able to learn through my peers, and do it while laughing with them — my awesome kendo friends! — all along the way.

Favorite part of HRKC: The community is definitely my favorite part of Kendo. Having the opportunity to meet and make friends with so many people that under normal circumstances I probably wouldn’t have met. Our alums are also very kind people and seeing them still doing kendo after college really solidifies how amazing this club truly is. Wearing a hakama is also fun.