2024.6 KENDOJIDAI
Photography: Sasai Takamasa
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In April 2024, Sasaki Yoichiro was appointed Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University. He is expected to play an active role as a researcher, Kendo instructor, and competitor. Having experienced national championships with Toshokan Kendo Dojo, Takanawa High School, and the University of Tsukuba, we explored the world Sasaki aims to reach.
Sasaki Yoichiro
Born in 1995 in Tokyo. After training at Toshokan Kendo Dojo and graduating from Takanawa High School, he entered the University of Tsukuba, where he completed his Master’s program and went on to the Doctoral program. Following his tenure as a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Tsukuba, he became an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University. During his time at the University of Tsukuba, he achieved two victories at the All Japan Student Kendo Championship (Team Division). As a working professional, he has also competed in the All Japan Kendo Championship and contributed to a championship victory at the All Japan Interprefecture Kendo Championship.
Emphasizing the process leading up to the strike
Valuing Maai and fighting for initiative within it
From April 2024, Sasaki Yoichiro took up the position of Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University. Our interview took place on only his second day in the role, yet what left a strong impression was how the Kendo club members were lining up, eager to practice with him.
“The students at Juntendo are cheerful and very proactive. When there’s something they don’t understand, they’ll bombard me with questions even after practice, asking things like, ‘How are you applying pressure there?’ I’m really happy about that. I hope I can pass on even a little of what I’ve experienced so far.”
There are about 60 members in the Juntendo University Kendo Club. In November last year, the team achieved its first-ever victory at the 69th Kanto Student Kendo Rookie Championship.
“The Rookie Championship is for first- and second-year students, so our next goal is to achieve good results in the Kanto and All Japan tournaments, which include up to fourth-year students. I hope to make even a small contribution toward that goal,” says Sasaki.
In practice with the students, he places great importance on the process leading up to executing techniques. He focuses on measuring the Maai (proper distance), seizing the right moment to strike, and also creating opportunities for his opponent to strike.
“Since 2021, while enrolled in the Doctoral Program at the University of Tsukuba Graduate School, I had the opportunity to serve as a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the School of Health and Physical Education. In practice with students, I emphasized not relying solely on speed to strike, but rather valuing the mutual exchange of offensive pressure (Seme) and striking at the right moment. Since joining Juntendo, I’ve been paying special attention to that as well. As I’ve only just arrived, I’m still getting used to the Juntendo Kendo Club, but I hope to adjust quickly.”
Toshokan, Takanawa, and the University of Tsukuba
Leading the Top Generation among Elite Teams
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