World Kendo Championships

The World Kendo Championships (WKC) is organized by the International Kendo Federation (FIK) and is the largest international kendo competition in the world. The first WKC was held in Tokyo, Japan in 1970 and is held every three years among the member nations and regions of the FIK. The WKC began with only the Men’s Team and Men’s Individual events, but in 1997 the Women’s Team and Women’s Individual events started. 

Past results can be found here.

Rembuden Kendo Club Members @ WKC

Rembuden Kendo Club members who have represented New Zealand at the World Championships include:

  • 1997 Japan: Gerard Egerton (Fighting Spirit award), Richard Tremain, Loreena Bradley
  • 2000 USA: Gerard Egerton, Martin Lee, Loreena Bradley, Julia White, Neil Lee (Manager)
  • 2003 Scotland: Sachiyo Lee (Fighting Spirit award), Julia White, Loreena Bradley, Marianna Leung, Gerard Egerton, Martin Lee
  • 2006 Taiwan: Sachiyo Lee (Womens Captain & Coach), Martin Lee (Manager), Sarah Foster, Jenny Choi, Cyntheia Lim
  • 2009 Brazil: Rob Challies, Walter McCahon, Jungkwon Lee, Martin Lee (Coach)
  • 2012 Italy: Rob Challies (Fighting Spirit award), Walter McCahon (based in Europe)
  • 2015 Japan: Walter McCahon (based in Europe)
  • 2018 Korea: Haruko Tsuzuki (Fighting Spirit award), Walter McCahon (based in Europe)
  • 2024 Italy: Max Lee, Zhen Hong Chai

Fighting Spirit Award Winners

Only five New Zealanders have gained Fighting Spirit Awards at the World Kendo Championships, 4 are Rembuden Kendo Club members:

  • Gerard Egerton (1997, 10th WKC Japan)
  • Sachiyo Lee (2003, 12th WKC Scotland)
  • Rob Challies (2012, 15th WKC Italy)
  • Haruko Tsuzuki (2018, 17th WKC Korea)

Below are some highlights from the performances of Sachiyo, Rob and Haruko:

Youngest to Represent New Zealand

In 2024, Max Lee shortly after turning 16 years of age, became the youngest New Zealander selected to represent New Zealand at the WKC.  Max competed in both the men’s individual and team events at the 19th WKC Italy.  Max was the only New Zealander able to win all his team fights.  He was able to win his team fights decisively with two points, while conceding none, in arguably the most complete performance to date by a New Zealand male team member.

Action from World Kendo Championships

19th WKC 2024: Men's Team Final Japan vs Korea

17th WKC 2018: Men's Individual Final

17th WKC 2018: Men's Team Final

16th WKC 2015 Trailer