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Wearing black uniforms and wielding bamboo swords behind iron masks—kendo often emerges as a solemn, heavy discipline portrayed in films and dramas, appearing formidable to the uninitiated. However, stepping inside the Garden State Kendo Alliance reveals an entirely different scene filled with the sound of children's laughter and warm greetings from instructors. Kendo, a sport where fathers spar with sons and daughters and couples train together, presents an ideal activity for all ages. We spoke to Henry Lee, the head of the Garden State Kendo Alliance, who has dedicated over 30 years to kendo.
Interview and Article by Min-jung Son | Photographs by MoiM Studio, Grace Kim
Q: Hello, Director Lee. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Could you introduce yourself to our readers and briefly explain what kendo is?
Hello, and thank you for visiting our dojo. We are a formally registered kendo dojo under the AUSKF (All United States Kendo Federation). Having been here for over 20 years, our local community is quite familiar with us. Kendo is a martial art evolved from the ancient swordsmanship into a sport. Practitioners use bamboo swords called 'shinai' to strike designated targets on their opponents such as the head, wrists, abdomen, and throat to score points. However, it is more than a combat sport—it cultivates mental focus, proper posture, and even personal development.
Q: Kendo appears to be more solemn compared to other sports. Is there an emphasis on specific aspects within its practice?
While there are many facets to discuss, what I cherish most is that kendo starts and ends with a bow. No matter what decision is made by the judges, one never disputes their call; it is part of kendo's inherent etiquette and discipline, which prioritizes respect and personal growth.
Q: It seems like there are many young members here. What is the demographic distribution like at your dojo?
At our dojo, adults and children have roughly equal representation, with adults slightly outnumbering the younger members. We have families training together, and there is also notable participation from women—around 30%. My daughters are also kendo practitioners, and many women join initially for fitness but become enthusiasts. We even have current members who are part of the American Female National Team.
Q: That's impressive. Could you tell us about the history of the dojo?
This dojo alone has been here for 20 years. The previous director operated elsewhere, and I've been an instructor since the transition to this location. As the oldest Korean-run dojo in the eastern U.S., we have the most high-ranking members and recently achieved overall victories in both male and female team categories at a recent Eastern Kendo Association tournament.
An example would be the All Eastern US Kendo Federation Tournament at John Jay College in June 2019, where our teams secured first place in both male and female categories—an unprecedented achievement.
Q: Could you elaborate on the physical and mental benefits of kendo, and how they apply to adults and children distinctly?
Kendo involves significant physical activity. Transitioning from basic practice to free sparring involves substantial exercise and focus, making it unique as a sportive martial art without age restrictions. The low risk of injury makes it appealing even for older practitioners.
For kids, etiquette training is usually required, making it suitable for ages 7–8 and above. It's particularly recommended for students needing focus in academics or navigating adolescence due to its demanding nature and instructive experience in etiquette and concentration.
Q: Matches must follow specific rules, correct? How are they structured?
Kendo matches are typically best-of-three bouts. Participants score by striking designated target areas, and the first to win two rounds claims victory. Team matches involve five players per team competing individually, with the team with the most wins emerging victorious. Tiebreakers rely on points scored, and representatives face off in sudden-death bouts if necessary.
Q: Despite its benefits, why hasn’t kendo become as popular as some other sports?
The perception of kendo as costly may persist, though it’s more accessible now with more vendors. Kendo is not an Olympic sport, and its roots trace back to Asia, perhaps limiting its global reach. Historically, Japan and Korea dominate world competitions, indicating a strong Eastern influence and community.
Q: Lastly, any closing thoughts?
Today’s world sees many resort to unhealthy stress-relief methods while leading sedentary lifestyles. While kendo is a passion of mine, any suitable and enjoyable physical activity practiced as a lifelong habit would benefit one's health immensely.
We were fortunate to meet Director Henry Lee's two daughters, Leah and Hanna, who practice kendo two to three times a week. Having started five to six years ago, both girls love the vigorous and stylish nature of kendo, now gaining satisfaction from matches and their father’s unique mentorship.
The sisters, proud of their father, delight in finding online articles and YouTube videos showcasing his matches. Their enthusiasm to share the sport with friends underscores kendo’s fun and their father’s influence.
Father and son duo Wonsuk and Hokeun Choi have practiced kendo together for five years. Beginning in sixth grade, Hokeun transitioned from watching his father train at university to sparring alongside him today, relishing their shared journey.
Wonsuk endorses kendo to other fathers for its safety and inclusivity, fostering joint engagement despite age or skill differences. Their commuting time doubles as an opportunity to strengthen their bond through conversations.
We met three spirited boys, avid kendo enthusiasts. Hwarang, practicing for five years since kindergarten, loves the sport's active nature. Junkyu began two years ago, inspired by his kendoka father's friend. The youngest, Taegwon, also two years into his journey, appreciates kendo's energetic matches, where excitement and stress relief merge in friendly competition.
Kendo’s gear includes various protective uniforms and implements. Typically, participants wear a deep blue or white 'keiko-gi' and 'hakama,' with bamboo swords ('shinai'). Protective gear encompasses helmets ('men'), gloves ('kote'), breastplate ('do'), and groin protectors ('tare'), following traditional naming conventions due to kendo's Japanese origins.
Garden State Kendo Alliance
Address: 534 Bergen Blvd, Palisades Park, NJ 07650
Phone: 201-461-6444
Website: gs-kendo.com
Classes:
Photographer: MOiM Studio | Hair & Makeup: Haekyung Yoo
