2025.5 KENDOJIDAI
Interview by: Teraoka Tomoyuki
Photography by: Sasai Takamas
*Unauthorized reproduction or use of any images in this article is strictly prohibited.
Uchimura Ryoichi, Kyoshi 7th dan
He currently serves as a Kendo instructor for the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, training police officers in Kendo. Following his coaching role at the 19th World Kendo Championships, he is also set to serve as the coach of the Japanese men’s national team for the upcoming 20th World Championships in 2027.
A Long-Awaited Victory in the 7th Dan Championship
Surrounded by the applause and warm congratulations of his rivals, Uchimura Ryoichi smiled with visible relief. His expression reflected just how much this moment meant to him.
Winning the 12th All Japan Invitational 7th Dan Championship marked his first individual national title since the 61st All Japan Kendo Championship in 2013.
“It really was a long journey. The 7th Dan Championship was a title I absolutely wanted to win. Before each tournament, I always ask the instructors at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to train with me.
This time, Chief Instructor Hirao Yasushi Sensei gave me a piece of advice: ‘You’re too emotionally invested—your shoulders are tense. In important moments, you need to relax your upper body.’
I kept reminding myself of those words throughout the matches. I believe that mindset led me to victory.”
Uchimura first entered the 7th Dan Championship seven years ago. At the time, he was 33 years old and had just claimed his third All Japan Championship title. From there, he continued on his path of constant challenge, with the 7th Dan event becoming part of that journey.
What does this tournament mean to him?
“As a 7th Dan Kenshi, once I retired from the All Japan Championship, there were almost no more opportunities to compete for the title of Japan’s best in individual matches,” Uchimura explained. “Naturally, the next major goal becomes the 8th Dan examination.
But thanks to the existence of the 7th Dan Championship, I’ve had the chance to continue sharpening my skills and to aim once more for the top, even as part of my training journey. For me, it’s a truly valuable tournament where I can test the results of my Shugyo (training).”
His first appearance, at the 5th edition of the tournament, ended in a surprising result. At that time, Uchimura and fellow corporate competitor Hashimoto Keiichi were the youngest participants. Still actively competing in the All Japan Championship, Uchimura was widely regarded as the top contender for the title.
However, things did not go as expected. He recorded three draws in the preliminary league and was eliminated from the title race. Meanwhile, Hashimoto went on to claim the championship in impressive fashion.
“This was my seventh appearance,” Uchimura reflected, “and looking back, the only time I failed to make it out of the preliminary league was that first tournament. That day reminded me not only of how high the level is in the 7th Dan Championship, but also of how challenging league matches can be.
It’s ironic—when I was the youngest, I couldn’t produce results, but now, as the oldest competitor, when many thought winning was out of reach, I finally captured the title. Kendo truly is a difficult and humbling art.”
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