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- Clubs and Circles
July 1, 2026
Kendo fosters cross-border exchange: Hachioji Campusheld an introductory workshop for international students at the Hachioji Kendo Club
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Teikyo University Martial Arts Center, Teikyo University’s Kendo Club held a kendo experience class for international students participating in the Teikyo Asia Exchange Program (TAEP).
TAEP is a program at Faculty of Economics—specifically the Department of Economics, Department of International Economy, and Department of Business Administration campuses—that accepts international students from partner universities across Asia. Aimed at fostering talent that will contribute to the development of Japan and Asia, all lectures are conducted in English. This initiative was organized to allow students to experience traditional Japanese culture through martial arts and to deepen mutual understanding among the students.Held for the second consecutive year, the event was attended by approximately 14 international students from countries including China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, transforming the Budokan into a vibrant venue for international exchange.
The day began with Kendo Club arts hall, the sharp clashes of bamboo swords, and the refined atmosphere captivated the students, and they seemed completely engrossed in the powerful spectacle.
In the subsequent session, the international students donned protective gear and tried their hand at basic movements and striking techniques. At first, some struggled to handle the unfamiliar bamboo sword, but with careful guidance from Kendo Club, powerful strikes gradually began to resonate. After the experience, some of the international students commented that they were able to "experience Japanese culture firsthand."
Furthermore, for Kendo Club who provided instruction, the experience of teaching kendo to students from different cultural backgrounds was a great source of inspiration and new learning. It was an opportunity to overcome language barriers and share the spirit of kendo, which begins and ends with respect, through gestures and body language.
Teikyo University will continue to conduct experiential international exchange programs and strive to create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to learn from and grow together.
Kendo Club original website
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