THE Japanese Embassy in Port Moresby has presented equipment for a new combat sport in Papua New Guinea.

Kendo known as Japanese Fencing was introduced to PNG last year by Kendo expert Yuki Nishimaki Sensei and has been tried by Karate students in the last two years.

It was trialed at the East Gate Karate Academy with support from Karate Instructor Julius Piku Sensei and continues to growth.

Kendo meaning “Way of the Sword” is a combat sport that evolved from Kenjutsu (Art of the Sword). Kenjutsu was practiced by Japanese warriors known as the “Samurai.”

On Thursday, Japanese Ambassador to PNG His Excellency Hisanobu Mochizuki presented the Kendo equipment including 20 uniforms with armor, masks and 40 bamboo swords (Shinai) to be used for training and mini bouts among the students.

Ambassador Mochizuki said PNG and Japan share common interests in history and culture among other things, and he is pleased to see a Japanese sport like Kendo and also Karate being embraced in PNG.

He said, as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50 years of independence, Japan also marks its 50 years of diplomatic relationship with the country. It was also special that a new sport and martial art is introduced on the eve of PNG’s silver jubilee.

Julius Sensei thanked Ambassador Mochizuki and the people of Japan for the support and said that celebrating and acknowledging traditional culture is a good way of connecting the people of the two nations.

He said Kendo is a new sport but like Karate, it also has traditional martial arts roots and in time more people will embrace its philosophies and ideals in both competition and community development.

Julius Sensei also thanked Nishimaki Sensei for sharing his Kendo skills and encouraged all interested martial artists and sports enthusiasts to try it out.

He was accompanied by senior student of East Gate Karate club, Andrew Molen, who has also shown interest in taking up Kendo. Mr. Molen is an avid follower of martial arts and sports and was excited to witness the small but significant ceremony.

Those who wish to learn more about the Kendo program in PNG can contact Sensei Julius, follow the East Gate Karate Academy page on Facebook or visit their gym at Savannah Heights in Port Moresby.