A Half-Century of Honor and Tradition

Aki Hotta launches an attack against Rui Elliott during the boys’ high school division final.

More than 300 athletes gathered at West Torrance High School on Jan.25, as Torrance Kendo Dojo celebrated its 50th anniversary with an international tournament.

In addition to teams from Southern California and across the U.S., ten countries were represented, including teams from Canada, Mexico, across Europe and the All-Japan kendo champions.

“This occasion is a milestone, so we wanted to do something really special,” said Torrance Dojo Head Instructor Chris Yang about the one-time event. “We have had so much success in our history – our members are consistently ranked top in the United States, and at the last Nationals, all five winners were from Torrance.”

The tournament was in a winner-advance format, with three-player teams competing in elementary school, middle school, high school and adult divisions.

Torrance Kendo Dojo was founded in 1975 by George Nakano, who guided the group until his election to the Torrance City Council in the 1980s. Tim Yuge became the head instructor and was succeeded 10 years ago by Yang.

Through the decades, Torrance Kendo Dojo has cultivated a community built on the principle of kenyu or “friendship through kendo,” a pursuit in which one will naturally develop deep camaraderie, trust, and loyalty through rigorous training and diligent study.

“I think the parents especially appreciate what kendo can do for kids,” Yang said. “Discipline, self-confidence, perseverance – kendo teaches all of these things.”