1 May 2025: Takanori Nakamura 8th Dan Kendo Grading Success

Always happy to hear news of folks who have managed to successfully achieve the highest rank in Kendo, 8th dan. Even better when you have a personal connection. So Rembuden Kendo Club congratulates Takanori Nakamura who passed 8th dan on 1st May 2025, Kyoto. Of the 892 who attempted 8th dan, Takanori was among the 9 people (1%) who passed. Takanori came to New Zealand in 2007 and competed at Rembuden Taikai, winning the Senior Men’s Dan competition. At the time I was NZ Coach for the 14 World Kendo Championships to be held in Brazil (2009). I was able to use him to provide valuable technical shiai advice to squad members following the Taikai. Subsequently, Takanori also trained with NZ Team members in Italy prior to the 15 WKC (2012). Takanori’s success comes after his brother Akira’s successful 7th dan kendo exam in February this year. Rembuden Kendo club has a particularly close affiliation with Akira as a result of his long-time and ongoing support of Rembuden Taikai over the years. This extends from the many years when he was living and practicing kendo in Auckland. Despite now residing in Japan, Akira continues to take the time and effort to travel to NZ and support the Taikai as a competitor and shinpan. Congratulations and thanks to both Nakamura brothers from the Rembuden Kendo Club!