This is the seventh in a series of articles featuring the IGA Ken delegation to the 15th Hong Kong Open. This time we focus on the 3dan & Under Team A.
Last year, IGA Ken’s 3dan & Under Team was the first ever all Pinoy squad of the Club to get past the elimination round of any international competition. Though they fell in the round of 16, they did not take this as a failure but as an opportunity to learn more about themselves. This same team is intact, and looking to go further in the tournament. Composed of veterans of the previous 2 Hong Kong Opens and the latest ASEAN tournament, they will be a force to reckon with in their division. And did we mention the cute (but cannibalistic) factor…?
Let us get to know the team members better.
Senpo – Jomar
Age: 25
Started Kendo: July 2011
Current Rank: 1-dan
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Short Bio: The fencer turned kendoka, Jomar is an avid fan of Tokusatsu shows (Super Sentai, Shaider, Masked Rider, etc.) and Rurouni Kenshin. He never runs out of smiles even if he is tired from training.
Chuken – Josh
Age: 25
Started Kendo: March 2012
Current Rank: 1-dan
Occupation: Technical Specialist
Short Bio: Kendo is Joshua’s 4th foray into the world of martial arts, a journey he’s been on since he was 4 years old (due to the influence of the Power Rangers). Is slightly stricter and more competitive than most of his peers when inside the dojo, which he hopes to channel properly into competitions. Into Geek and Otaku interests.
Likes to see if people will be able to notice his slight physical handicap. Current record among his dojo-mates for the longest time to notice it is 3 years.
Taisho – Rikki
Age: 28
Started Kendo: June 2010
Current Rank: 2-dan
Occupation: Art Director
Short Bio: RI – 利 = in japanese (kanji), it means rich/strong/advantage. KI – 気 = means spirit. Or to put it in another way, Rikki is an art director by day, an independent comic illustrator by night. A some time graffiti artist and a music lover, but definitely an energetic kendoka all the time.