The Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club, based in Bacolod and Bago, has made history while proudly representing the Philippines at the Ho Chi Minh City International Kendo Tournament 2025, from Aug. 9-10.
Even with only one to two-year kendo training, the seven athletes triumphed against skilled players from South Africa, Russia, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines—and brought home 14 medals and four trophies, Jowash Saballero, sensei of Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club, told the Negros NOW Daily Aug. 13.
The medals include six gold, a silver, five bronzes, and two Fighting Spirit awards.
Three of the six gold medals were pocketed by Saballero in the 2nd Dan Men’s category, Lyndi Lou Mendoza – 1st Dan Women’s category, Jackie Magpusao – Children’s category (Girls) on the first day of the tournament, and the remaining three by Mendoza, Juneseth Magpusao, and Jackie Magpusao in the Women’s Team on the second day.
Juneseth Magpusao also secured the silver in Under 1 Dan Women’s category, while the bronze medalists are Robert Thomas Martinez, Under 1 Dan Men’s category; and Martinez, Saballero, Alec Mendoza, and Christopher Marañon, 3-man Team.
The Fighting Spirit awards were received by Lyndi Lou Mendoza, Women’s Team; and Alec Mendoza – Men’s Team.
Kendo is modern Japanese martial art.
“This victory is a testament to the discipline, perseverance, and unity of our team,” Saballero said. “We faced some of the best kendo players in the world, yet our athletes stayed true to the spirit of kendo.”
This win is for Negros and every Negrosanon, who dreams of stepping onto the international stage. A reminder that it’s never too late to chase your passion and represent our home with pride, he added and thanked the tournament organizers, supporters, and everyone who believed in the club from the very start.
Saballero said it was the club’s first-ever appearance on the international stage. “For Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club, the event was more than a competition, it was a chance to share the art of Ibaraki-style kendo with the global community, continuing the legacy passed down by Takeyasu Onose-Sensei.”
The club is also the reigning overall champion in the 6th Philippine National Kendo Tournament, held Oct. 26-27 last year in Davao. The team brought home 15 medals, including six gold, four silver, three bronzes, and two Fighting Spirit awards.
“Building on that national success, the club has now made its mark on the international stage, proving that dedication, proper training, and the spirit of kendo can take Negros to the very top, both in the Philippines and beyond,” Saballero stressed. ||
