The University of Toronto Kendo Club is leading the way in sustainable sports
By: Qjiel Giuliano Mikhl Zamora
The way of the sword may also pave the way for a greener understanding of martial arts and sports. This is true for young people like Jinyoung, Izumi, and Hansen from the University of Toronto (UofT) Kendo Club. These passionate youths won the Intercollegiate Kendo Tournament Beginners’ division in 2024, where they showcased the fundamental concepts of Kendo. Rooted in sustainability, Kendo embodies a philosophy of minimalism. An awareness of the surroundings leads to respect for resources, often shown through the longevity of Bogu (armor), Shinai (bamboo sword), and Kendogi and Hakama (uniform).
The Humble Beginnings of the Team
Jinyoung, Izumi, and Hansen were all grouped as Team A for the Intercollegiate Tournament. They powered through the stepladders, eventually landing first place in the beginners’ tournament.
Hansen shared that he got into Kendo after seeing the Kendo Club at the UofT club fair.“ First year was kind of busy, but I wanted a fun and exciting university life eventually” he said.
Jinyoung, who was no stranger to the sport, shared that she started Kendo at a young age and wanted to rekindle the spirit from childhood. “I did Kendo around 7 to 8 years ago, and my parents wanted me to integrate it here,” she reminisced.
Izumi has a more intimate reason for Kendo that is rooted in family. “My brother did Kendo in Japan,” she shared. Izumi added that there is no specific age where you should start Kendo. “While my brother started young and I started around High School – I thought I was too late” she shared. “I asked for advice from my Mom and she told me that I could start at any time,” Izumi added.
Kendo and Sustainability
Varied experiences came together as one fighting spirit that propelled UofT to take home this year’s laurels. Above this recognition is a realization of how Kendo can be a shining example of athletic prowess and protecting the planet.
The Sports industry, which also extends to some martial arts, is notorious for being an avenue of plastic pollution. Single-use sports props, ever-changing uniforms or jerseys, and the high energy use in venues like stadiums all contribute to the planetary crisis we face today.
It is a different story for Kendo. Hansen excitedly shared how his Sensei (Teachers) wore the same Kendogi and Hakama since their younger years of doing Kendo. “They have been wearing this for decades.” Izumi and Jinyoung agreed, observing how the teachers’ uniform had imperfections, but were still usable. “They are grayish or almost white since they have been washing it multiple times,” shared Jinyoung.
The bamboo sword also symbolizes reusability as the Shinai was designed to be durable and often repaired rather than replaced. Kendoka (a practitioner of kendo) frequently use their Shinai for years contributing to less waste. “Bamboo is a sustainable resource,” shares Jinyoung. “We learn how to maintain our gear as a team,” she continued, highlighting the communal aspect of Kendo.
The Future of Kendo
While Kendo has preserved its sustainable practices since its inception in Japan, the growing interest in the sport may pose issues with sustainability. Global trade of quality products made in Japan may lead to significant shipping-related carbon emissions for international practitioners. Meanwhile, worn-out bamboo swords are sometimes discarded without recycling.
Similarly, the demand would often mean synthetic materials like polyester to be used over traditional cotton. Polyester, derived from petroleum, in clothing is known for shedding microfibers due to washing. While these microfibers are naked to the visible eye, they pollute waterways and are a form of microplastic harming both planetary and human health.
Luckily, there is growing awareness of these environmental implications among the community. Embroidery Enn, an embroidery and design passion project by Tomoko Harada, started the Reuse program. Old uniforms are given the chance to be fixed for other practitioners to use. Tomoko would set up the donation locations in the kendo tournaments while offering her embroidery services inspired by Japanese designs.
Overall, Kendo offers a unique lens through which sustainability can be taught as a way of life. The emphasis on discipline, respect, and resourcefulness aligns seamlessly with the principles of sustainable living. The use of durable, often natural materials like bamboo for the Shinai and the culture of maintaining equipment highlights a commitment to minimizing waste.
Young people will promote both balance and mindfulness beyond the dojo similar to the stories shared by Hansen, Jinyoung, and Izumi. Interested youth may look at their university or college clubs if Kendo is offered such as the York University Kendo Club, McGill Kendo Club, UBC Kendo Club, and the Calgary Kendo Club. Dojos exist within the provinces in Canada and Japanese-Canadian cultural centers may also offer Kendo classes such as those offered by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto.
The original article can be found on The Starfish website.
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