Kendo National tourney at St Paul Street Complex

And, on Saturday, the Kendo Federation of Trinidad and Tobago will be staging a tournament at the St Paul Street Sports Complex, East Dry River, Port of Spain.

This contest will run from 1-4 pm and will include the Open and Women’s categories, while there will be awards for Kantosho and the Best Ippon, as well as the Japanese Embassy Cup for the overall winner. The Embassy Cup will be presented by a member of the Japanese Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago which has endorsed Saturday’s tournament.

Eddy Devisse, president of the Kendo Federation of Trinidad and Tobago, said, “We are really excited about this year’s championship and are expecting some great matches. Kendo is starting to grow in popularity here in Trinidad and Tobago and the National Championships and the awarding of the Japanese Embassy Cup is the highlight of our calendar.

“We hope that people will take the opportunity to come and see this dynamic and unique Japanese martial art and will be tempted to try it out for themselves.” The Kendo Federation of Trinidad and Tobago is the governing body for the sport locally and is recognised by both the International Kendo Federation and the Confederation of Latin American Kendo.

The sport of kendo began formally in the twin-island republic in 2004 and members practise on a weekly basis in Port of Spain.

Members have competed in a number of tournaments worldwide, including events in Chile, Mexico, Venezuela, Aruba, Cuba, Ecuador and Colombia.

In addition to local Kendo members, the National Championship will be attended by foreign guests from the United Kingdom, Mexico and Japan. Photo and video coverage of the event will be found on the KFTT’s Facebook page: www.fb.com/kendo4tt.