San Diego Kendo Bu

Last night at dojo practice … “where are all the girls at???”

After practice some of us joined in on the group with FOMO

Now for the huge announcement and recognition of San Diego Kendo Bu ‘s kenshi, MS. KANON SAITO!!! A huge congratulations to Kanon (Kanon Saito ・齋藤花音 ) for winning the WOMENS AUSKF NATIONAL INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

This incredible achievement reflects the countless hours of training, the sacrifices made, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Kanon’s success is a testament to what is possible when talent is matched with humility, perseverance, and an unshakable work ethic.

No one reaches the top alone. Everyone at SDKB contributed to her success, and especially to her mom and family, whose love, encouragement, and endless support have been the foundation of this journey. Their belief in her has helped make moments like this possible.

At SDKB, it has been our privilege to fully support Kanon’s training and development along the way. Every strike, every point, and every victory was earned through her own determination and commitment. We are proud to stand behind her as she continues to pursue excellence and represent the true spirit of kendo.

Kanon, your journey reminds us all that greatness is built through consistency, resilience, and the willingness to challenge yourself every single day. Congratulations on this well-deserved championship. This is not the finish line.. . . . You have a much bigger goal in 10 months! Many of us from SDKB will be there in person to cheer you on!!!! We love you and all of us are inspired by your humility and determination!

We are incredibly proud of you. Congratulations, Champion! 💙🥇

sckfkendo


📸: Kendo Photography , California Budogu

Kikunaga Sensei had the honor and privilege to be the coach of the SCKF Mudansha team for the 2026 AUSKF National Championships.

These “Samurai Cowboys” showed up and showed out! Their immense amount of training from SCKF Team trainings, Gasshuku in texas, beach workouts, and always had the mentals right by staying laser focused to this past weekend, ….. culminated and resulted in incredible results.

Individuals:
FIRST PLACE: Daisuke Hanaoka (COSTA MESA KENDO DOJO)
THIRD PLACE: Ryan Tokumoto (San Diego Kendo Bu)
THIRD PLACE: Dr. Mori Fukunaga-Taylor (San Diego Kendo Bu)

Team:
FIRST PLACE AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!
- Daisuke Hanaoka (Costa Mesa Dojo)
- Ryan Tokumoto (San Diego Kendo Bu)
- Dr. Mori Fukunaga Taylor (San Diego Kendo Bu)
- Len EinDar (San Diego Kendo Bu)
- Ryan Kouadri (Plano Kendo Dojo )
- Breland Gibson (Plano Kendo Dojo)

Thank you to all for supporting the whole team, words of encouragement, and mutual practice. For them, the whole TEAM made each other better. Iron sharpens iron!!!. Thank you to the rest of the coaching staff of SCKF Kendo , the parents & friends.

Teamwork makes the dream work!

10 more days until Nationals! San Diego Kendo Bu has several members representing SCKF Kendo and all of us are wishing them well in this huge tournament!

10 months of focused training & sweat has us in the home stretch.

Much gratitude and thanks to all of our supporters and parents of the dojo. We will represent the dojo and SCKF with pride and all of our efforts.

SDKB members representing Souther California Kendo Federation:
— Len EinDar - Mudansha Division
— Ryan Tokumoto - Mudansha Division
— Dr. Mori Fukunaga-Taylor - Mudansha Division
— Chelina Wong - Women’s Division
— Kanon Saito - Women’s Division
— Susan Zau Sensei - Senior Women’s Division
— Henry Kikunaga Sensei - Mudansha Team Coach

Good luck to all and bring back the hardware!

Len Eindar
ryan
Mori Taylor
Chelina Wong
Kanon Saito ・齋藤花音
Susan Zau
Henry Kikunaga

SCKF Kendo

We had the honor and pleasure to host the JMSDF (Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force) once again and many of Japanese Navy joined us for goodwill keiko to enjoy kendo together.

We also were lucky to have some guest kenshi and sensei join us from SCKF, SCKO, and WKF.
Guest Senseis included
- Ariga Sensei (8-Dan & SCKO President - Butokuden) along with many of the Butokuden members as they cancelled their usual Wednesday practice to come to San Diego and practice with us! Now that’s sacrifice and dedication to a special event!
- Kodama Sensei (7-Dan - Norwalk)
- Tew Sensei (6-Dan and SCKF President - ISKD)
- Reed Sensei (6-Dan - Tustin)


As for the Japanese navy, we were honored with the presence and chance to keiko with their crew as well as the CO (Commanding Officer) and Captain of the JS KASHIMA - Miura Sensei (6-Dan)

We are grateful to be able to continue to host the JMSDF every year as this long standing tradition stays strong with the Japanese Navy and San Diego Kendo Bu

After practice we also had a joint party with Migoto Judo since they hosted a joint practice as well! So nice to be able to make new friendships!

📸: Guadalupe Mark Wayne Pumphrey



SCKF Kendo Butokuden Dojo

The JMSDF (Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force) is in town again! Several of our dojo members had the opportunity to go onto the JS KASHIMA for an invite only welcome reception!

Tomorrow night is goodwill joint keiko with the Japanese Navy and the Captain of the JS KASHIMA is a Renshi 6-Dan kendo sensei and will be honored by his presence as well as keiko with him!

We expect many other from out of town to join us for this opportunity to keiko with our special guests!

Kendo demo at the San Diego Buddhist Temple!