About Darwin Kendo Club

In 2013, Nigel O'Brien and Bernard Yehuda, originally from Murdoch University Kendo Club in Western Australia, commenced work in Darwin and began training at the local squash centre privately. They were later joined by Toshio Nishimoto from Sydney, New South Wales. With a core group, a formal Kendo body was established, and Northern Territory Kendo Association was recognised as an affiliate body by the national organisation Australian Kendo Renmei.

In April 2015, NT members participated in the 40th Australian Kendo Championships in Melbourne, Victoria - marking the first time in Australian history where all 8 states and territories were represented.

In July 2018, the Seven Swords Training Programme was introduced, focusing on a long-term strategy of developing both beginners and seniors in order to recruit a team of seven men and seven women to represent Northern Territory and compete at the next Australian Kendo Championships in Easter 2019 held in Perth, WA.

Nine months of hard training paid off when we stormed the championships - 14 members attended to represent NT, consisting of 10 fresh Beginners and 4 Senior competitors - securing third place in the Men's Kyu Teams and Women's Kyu Teams.

To explore our journey, please start with our documented story, The Road to AKC - Part 1.

We believe that the key to success is in friendship and teamwork. The motto for Darwin Kendo Club is 不求友無以成 : "there is no success without friends".

With a core group of passionate players, Darwin Kendo Club is eager to continue building the Kendo community in NT, and work towards a strong national and international presence!

Instructors

Bernard Yehuda, Kendo 4th Dan

  • Started Kendo in 2008 at Murdoch University Kendo Club in Perth, WA
  • Australia Kendo Renmei National Kendo Board Member and Secretary 2018-2021
  • Australian National Squad Member for the 18th World Kendo Championships 2021 in Paris, France
  • Australian National Squad Member for the 17th World Kendo Championships 2018 in Incheon, South Korea
  • Australian National Team Member for the 16th World Kendo Championships 2015 in Tokyo, Japan
  • Represented Australia at the International Kendo Federation Foreign Leaders' Summer Seminar 2017
  • Australian Kendo Championships: 1st Place in 2010 Men's Kyu Individuals and 2009 Kyu Teams
  • Australian University Games: 1st Place in 2010 Men's Dan Individuals and 2009 Kyu Individuals
  • Murdoch University 2009 Sportsperson of the Year (Maroon Award), 2010 Full Blue Award, 2010 Team of the Year Award, 2011 Club Service Award
  • WA Kendo Renmei President (2015-2017), State Kendo Team Assistant Coach/Manager
  • Murdoch University Kendo Club Instructor, UniGames Team Coach
  • Always hungry

Nigel O'Brien, Kendo 4th Dan

  • Started Kendo in 2009 at Murdoch University Kendo Club in Perth, WA
  • Australian National Squad Member for the 17th World Kendo Championships 2018 in Incheon, South Korea
  • Australian National Squad Member for the 16th World Kendo Championships 2015 in Tokyo, Japan
  • Australian Kendo Championships: 1st Place in 2009 Kyu Teams
  • Murdoch University Kendo Club Instructor and Senior Member
  • Not known for good jokes (in fact, not known for any jokes)

Audrey (Yeen May) Looi, Kendo 4th Dan

  • Started Kendo in 2008 in Malaysia
  • Malaysian National Team Member for the 17th World Kendo Championships 2018 in Incheon, South Korea
  • Malaysian National Team Member for the 16th World Kendo Championships 2015 in Tokyo, Japan
  • Malaysian National Team Member for the 15th World Kendo Championships 2012 in Novara, Italy
  • Represented Malaysia at the International Kendo Federation Foreign Leaders' Summer Seminar 2017
  • Likes steamboat / hot pot

Contact

Bernard / Nigel / Audrey • Contact@DarwinKendo.com

Facebook: Darwin Kendo Club Group • Darwin Kendo Club Page