Foundation and Development
Toronto Kendo Club (TKC) is a prestigious dojo that has contributed significantly to the promotion and development of Kendo in Canada. The club celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2011. Founded by Shigeo Kimura Sensei, who moved to Canada from Japan in 1973, he started his own dojo, “Takubukan,” in 1980, which became the foundation of TKC.
Promotion of Kendo and Challenges
Initially, Kimura Sensei struggled with the teaching methods for Kendo. Having been accustomed to the strict training in Japan, he faced the reality that Canadian students would quit quickly. However, he focused on conveying the essence of Kendo—“the formation of character”—and persevered. As a result, the club’s student numbers gradually grew, and today, it operates dojos in Toronto, Mississauga, and Ryerson University, where many Kendo practitioners continue their training.
International Activities and Achievements
Kimura Sensei also represented Canada in the World Kendo Championships (WKC), and in the 1985 and 1988 tournaments, the Canadian Men's Team placed third in the team competition. Later, as the head coach of the Canadian team, he led them to a third-place finish in the 1991 and 1994 events. Additionally, Kimura Sensei worked to foster international kendo exchanges, such as inviting Masashi Chiba Sensei, a police officer from Tokyo and 8th Dan Hanshi, to Canada.
Philosophy of Life through Kendo
Kimura Sensei believes that “Kendo is not just a martial art, but a path of human development” and has emphasized to his students the importance of “learning the principles of the sword and cultivating one’s character.” Under his guidance, many practitioners have learned the spirit of kendo and applied it as a guiding philosophy in their lives.
30th Anniversary Event
The 30th anniversary celebration held in 2011 featured international kendo seminars, demonstrations, and joint practices. Many famous kendokas from the Japan attended, highlighting the influence and contributions of TKC within the Canadian Kendo community.
Future Outlook
TKC has also contributed to the development of the Canadian Kendo Federation and continues to work on fostering the next generation of kendo practitioners. Kimura Sensei's goal remains “to contribute to world peace through kendo,” and he will continue his efforts to establish Japanese traditional culture in Canada.
In this way, Toronto Kendo Club has transcended being just a martial arts club, playing an essential role in cultural exchange and human development.
