19th WKC | July 4-7, 2024 | Milan, Italy
Countdown to the World Kendo Championships
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2024 Team Canada
A New Chapter of Excellence
The Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) is thrilled to announce the members of Team Canada for the upcoming 19th World Kendo Championships. This year, our athletes are set to embody the spirit of perseverance, skill, and dedication on an international platform, showcasing the very essence of Canadian Kendo on the world stage.
Join us in extending a heartfelt congratulations to these exceptional amateur athletes, who have demonstrated unparalleled commitment and excellence in their journey. Each member of Team Canada has earned their place through rigorous training and unwavering passion for Kendo, reflecting the high standards and values we cherish in the Canadian Kendo community. To follow the journey of the team through the eyes of the team members, follow TeamCanadaKendo on Instgram.
Women's Team
Captain: Betty Park (Renbu Dojo, BC)
Assistant Captain: Kianna Darbyshire (Vancouver Kendo Club, BC)
Natasha Fracassi (Shidokan Kendo Club, QC)
Shannon Hiyori Kwok (Renbu Dojo, BC)
Yuka Lee (Renbu Dojo, BC)
Yura Schlegel (Renbu Dojo, BC)
Tiffany Huang (UBC Kendo Club, BC)
Juah Paik (Renbu Dojo, BC)
Men's Team
Captain: Kunhee Kim (North York Kendo Club, ON)
Assistant Captain: Rogerio Asato (Vancouver Kendo Club, BC)
Hyoung Joon Kim (Renshin Kendo Club, ON)
Eiji Kita (Renbu Dojo, BC)
Shingo Nicholls (Youshinkan Dojo, BC)
Kenta Muramatsu (Renfrew Dojo, BC)
Shion Miyashita (Sturgeon Kendo Club, AB)
2024 Team Canada Management
General Manager: David Westhead
Head Coach: Dean Ara
Assistant Coach (Men's): Shigemitsu Kamata
Assistant Coach (Women's): Juneko Kurahashi
Associate Coach (Ontario): Ryo Yasumura
Associate Coach (Prairies): Kyle Lee
Associate Coach (Quebec and East): Kenji Toida
Special Assistant Coach: Daiki Kiwada
Event information: 19th WKC in Milan Italy
Support the Kendo National Team Program
We invite the entire Canadian Kendo community and supporters from around the world to rally behind Team Canada. Your support plays a crucial role in their journey, providing the athletes with the motivation and strength to excel on the international stage. Follow their progress, cheer for their victories, and be part of their journey as they represent Canada with honor and pride.
The Canadian Kendo Federation is a federally registered not-for-profit sports organization (Federal BN: 133424457RR0001). All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt and all funds will go directly to the current team.
A Journey of Ambition and Dedication
Support the Men's and Women's Kendo Team Canada as they prepare for the 19th World Kendo Championships in Milan, Italy on July 4-7, 2024.
The Team has started its Fundraising Drive for $42,000. Please help the team reach their goal! All donors receive a tax deductible receipt and all funds go towards training and travel for this team. Thank you to all who have already committed their support.
The Canadian Kendo Federation is a federally registered not-for-profit sports organization (Federal BN: 133424457RR0001). All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt and all funds will go directly to the current team.
Kendo Team Canada
The Canadian Kendo Federation manages and sponsors the development of amateur athletes across Canada under the Team Canada program. Team Canada consists of a Men’s Team and Women’s Team, who train towards the World Kendo Championships (WKC) hosted every three years.
The 2024 Kendo Team Canada selection process is underway. The team will compete at the 19th WKC to be held July 4-7, 2024 in Millan, Italy. Final team members will be announced in Winter 2024, following the final selection process.
Event information: 19th WKC in Milan Italy
Photo courtesy of Kendo Photography
Team Canada Support
Kendo is practiced throughout the world, with 56 countries participating in the most recent 17th WKC in 2018. Canada enjoys a very high profile within the global Kendo community with an impressive record of two 2nd place finishes and nine 3rd place finishes at the WKC— most recently the Women’s Team placing third in 2018. Only teams from Japan, Korea, Brasil, Canada, and USA have placed in the top 2 over the 40-year history of the Championships.
Despite these international successes, Kendo in Canada remains strictly an amateur sport. The CKF Board of Directors, referees, instructors, and coaches even at the highest levels devote their time and resources on a volunteer basis. Athletes work regular full-time jobs or are students trying to complete degrees while competing internationally. Much of the funding provided by the CKF goes towards training, while expenses to attend the Championships is self-funded.
The CKF welcomes corporate and individual sponsorship through financial support, facility use, equipment, team wear, travel, and training expenses. Please contact [email protected] to learn how you can help, or make an on-line donation here.
The Canadian Kendo Federation is a federally registered not-for-profit sports organization (Federal BN: 133424457RR0001). All donors will receive a tax deductible receipt and all funds will go directly to the current team.
Team Canada Prospects and Development Program
The selection process for the 2024 Team Canada Program is completed. All inquires should be directed to Team Manager, David Westhead.
Planning for Team Canada and prospects selection for Team Canada begins two years before the next WKC. Prospects for Team Canada must hold a Canadian Passport and be a CKF member in good standing. A call for prospects is distributed by the CKF to all active members upon selection of Team Canada Management.
Any new prospects should speak to a CKF Director or current Team Canada Management to learn more about the Team Canada Program.
Team Canada History
The first World Kendo Championships (WKC) were hosted in Japan in 1970 and is held every three years in locations around the world. Canada had the honour of hosting the 8th WKC in Toronto in 1991. Canadian teams have had great success throughout the 40 years of the championships, with 2nd and 3rd place finishes over the years.
Year | Championships | Hosting Country | Category | Medal Finish |
---|---|---|---|---|
1973 | 2nd WKC | San Francisco, USA | Canada Men’s Team | 2nd Place |
1976 | 3rd WKC | Milton Keynes, Great Britain | Canada Men’s Team | 2nd Place |
1985 | 6th WKC | Paris, France | Canada Men’s Team | 3rd Place |
1988 | 7th WKC | Seoul, South Korea | Canada Men’s Team | 3rd Place |
1991 | 8th WKC | Toronto, Ontario | Canada Men’s Team | 3rd Place |
1994 | 9th WKC | Paris, France | Canada Men’s Team | 3rd Place |
1997 | 10th WKC* | Kyoto, Japan | Wendy Nakano, Women’s Individual | 3rd Place |
2000 | 11th WKC | Santa Clara, USA | Canada Men’s Team | 3rd Place |
2000 | 11th WKC | Santa Clara, USA | Canada Women’s Team | 3rd Place |
2003 | 12th WKC | Glasgow, Great Britain | Canada Women’s Team | 3rd Place |
2006 | 13th WKC | Taipei, Taiwan | Canada Women’s Team | 3rd Place |
2018 | 17th WKC | Incheon, Korea | Canada Women’s Team | 3rd Place |
2024 | 19th WKC | Milan, Italy |
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