2024.5　KENDOJIDAI Photography: Nishiguchi KunihikoComposition: Tsuchiya TomohiroTranslation: Pepijn Boomgaard Uchimura Ryoichi has been runner-up in the All Japan Invitational 7th Dan Tournament three times, and this year he placed 3rd for the second time. He is also active as coach of the Metropolitan Police Department Tokuren and the Japanese national team. His achievements are legendary. We asked him about his current view of Kendo and to reflect on the recent 7th Dan Tournament. Uchimura Ryoichi (Kyoshi 7th Dan) Reflecting on the 7th Dan TournamentFinding Points of Improvement First, let’s look back at the 7th Dan Tournament held in February. Last year and the year before that, I lost in the final, so I had strong hopes of winning this year. However, I was unable to do that. This year, Takenouchi Yuya is the captain of the Metropolitan Police Department Kendo Tokuren team. I am the coach of that Tokuren team and also of the Japanese national men’s team, so I would like to thank chief instructor Hirao Yasushi and coach Harada Satoru for creating the perfect environment for me to prepare for the 7th Dan Tournament. In the first match of the group stage, I fought Kamei, who I faced in … Continue reading The Routine and Technique of a Veteran 7th Dan (Uchimura Ryoichi)