The Pinnacle of Kendo in Japan
On November 3, 2025, the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo once again hosted Japan’s most prestigious Kendo event — the 73rd All Japan Kendo Championship and the 64th All Japan Women’s Kendo Championship. Both tournaments took place on the same day, bringing together the nation’s finest Kendoka in a celebration of intensity, discipline, and technical mastery.
Tradition, Discipline, and Technical Precision
With 64 competitors in each division and five-minute knockout matches, the championships demand perfect timing and absolute focus. Every mistake carries a cost; every strike must arise from composure and technical purity. Those who reach the finals embody the essence of Japanese Kendo — combining the explosive speed of Men, the strategic precision of Kote, and the spiritual calmness of Zanshin.
Nippon Budokan – The Symbol of Japanese Martial Arts
Located in Tokyo’s Kitanomaru Park, the Nippon Budokan stands as the ultimate symbol of Japanese martial arts. It is the beating heart of Budo — a place that bridges past and present, commanding respect from practitioners worldwide. Since its inauguration in 1964, it has witnessed many of the most iconic moments in Kendo history, crowning Japan’s champions each year on the nation’s Culture Day.
Technical and Tactical Trends Analysis
Evolution of Competitive Strategy
In recent years, Japanese Kendo has reached a fascinating balance between traditional technique and modern tactical adaptation. The 2024 matches revealed a clear shift toward combinational feints, rapid rhythm changes, and psychological control through offensive seme and measured distance.
Tactical Approaches
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Men-dominated matches: Most finals are decided through Men strikes, emphasizing the power of the first step and explosive entry.
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Kote variations: Increased use of reverse Kote in defensive exchanges, particularly against left-handed opponents.
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Revival of Tsuki: The Tsuki thrust is reappearing, mainly among veteran Kendoka with exceptional timing and control.
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Zanshin and Maai: Distance management (Maai) and post-strike awareness (Zanshin) continue to determine outcomes at the elite level.
Women’s Kendo – Technical Purity and Spiritual Stability
In the 64th All Japan Women’s Kendo Championship, emphasis remains on technical clarity and mental stability. Female Kendoka are demonstrating increasing speed and precision while maintaining the grace and dignity that define traditional Kendo. The finals often highlight an inner form of strength — quiet yet deeply commanding.
A Tournament of Global Significance
The All Japan Kendo Championship is not only a national event but a global benchmark for excellence in modern Kendo. Teachers, instructors, and practitioners from around the world follow it closely, studying its evolving strategies, techniques, and psychological dynamics.
For 2025, anticipation is higher than ever. International media, livestream platforms, and social networks are already preparing for coverage and expert analysis — reaffirming the global reach of Japanese Kendo and the timeless appeal of Bushido.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
The Matches
