The 21st consecutive annual Rembuden Kendo Taikai was completed this weekend. Kendo was the winner. Regardless of the results, it was a fantastic opportunity for us in New Zealand to come together and cross swords. Due to COVID-19 everyone was a bit rusty and not quite match fit, nevertheless there was great spirit, intensity and skill demonstrated during the weekend. It was great to see a lot of young talent present, displaying some amazing kendo - but perhaps more importantly showcasing the bonds of friendship across different dojo that will be the core to the future of the New Zealand Kendo Community. Thanks to the competitors, Shinpan, mums and dads, supporters, helpers and Sushi Bi restaurant (for the lunches), you all contributed to making this a memorable event. Special thanks as always to
sensei, newly appointed Chairman of the New Zealand Kendo Federation (NZKF) Board of Directors. A great man and great kenshi who every year has supported Rembuden Kendo Taikai. Looking forward to 2021! The formal results of the shiai are as follows:
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JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP (13 years and under)
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1st Max Lee (Rembuden Kendo)
2nd Emma Tamaki (Maru Kenshikai)
3rd Jack Obayashi Shatford (Maru Kenshikai)
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WOMEN’S KYU CHAMPIONSHIP
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1st Leia Komiyama Baylis (Maru Kenshikai)
2nd Emma Tamaki (Maru Kenshikai)
=3rd Karin Nakazono (Rembuden Kendo)
=3rd Emily Kim (Rembuden Kendo)
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MEN’S KYU CHAMPIONSHIP
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1st Max Lee (Rembuden Kendo)
2nd Lewis Chihiro Stewart (Maru Kenshikai)
=3rd Junya Sawasaki (Maru Kenshikai)
=3rd Jack Obayashi Shatford (Maru Kenshikai)
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MEN’S JUNIOR DAN CHAMPIONSHIP (1st & 2nd Dan)
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1st Anteni Schalken (Yoshinkan)
2nd Max Lee (Rembuden Kendo)
=3rd Lewis Chihiro Stewart (Maru Kenshikai)
=3rd Frank Schatz (Yoshinkan)
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WOMEN’S DAN CHAMPIONSHIP
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1st Haruko Tsuzuki (Rembuden Kendo)
2nd Sui Yamaguchi Ellin (Maru Kenshikai)
=3rd Kumi Black (Rembuden Kendo)
=3rd Emma Tamaki (Maru Kenshikai)
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MEN’S SENIOR DAN CHAMPIONSHIP (3rd Dan and above)
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1st Masaki Nakazono (Rembuden Kendo)
2nd Nick Robertson (Yoshinkan)
=3rd Kento Tanimukai (Auckland Kendo)
=3rd Patrick Sharp (Yoshinkan)
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VETERAN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
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1st Masaki Nakazono (Rembuden Kendo)
2nd Alan Stephenson (Auckland Kendo)
3rd Martin Lee (Rembuden Kendo)
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TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
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1st Rembuden A (Max Lee, Masaki Nakazono, Martin Lee)
2nd Yoshinkan A (Mike Meijlink, Frank Schatz, Nick Robertson)
=3rd Maru Kenshikai A (Emma Tamaki, Leia Komiyama Baylis, Sui Yamaguchi Ellin)
=3rd Maru Kenshikai B (Jack Obayashi Shatford, Junya Sawasaki, Lewis Chihiro Stewart)
October 10, 2020 at 7:32 PM 
