Negros Kendo Club Strikes Gold in Vietnam With 4 trophies, 14 medals on Int’l Debut

Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club has made history, proudly representing the Philippines at the Ho Chi Minh City International Kendo Tournament 2025 held on August 9–10, 2025. This was the club’s first-ever appearance on the international stage—and they returned home with an outstanding performance.

Despite having only 1–2 years of kendo training, our seven athletes from Negros Province faced off against skilled players from South Africa, Russia, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines—and brought home: 14 medals, 4 trophies, 6 golds, 1 silver, 5 bronzes, 2 Fighting Spirit awards.

Detailed Results

• 1st Day
🏆 Champions
Jowash Saballero – 2nd Dan Men’s Category
Lyndi Lou Mendoza – 1st Dan Women’s Category
Jackie Magpusao – Children’s Category (Girls)
🥈 Silver Medalist
Juneseth Magpusao – Under 1 Dan Women’s Category
🥉 Bronze Medalist
Robert Thomas Martinez – Under 1 Dan Men’s Category

• 2nd Day
🏆 Champions – Women’s Team
Lyndi Lou Mendoza
Juneseth Magpusao
Jackie Magpusao
🥉 Bronze – 3-man Team
Robert Thomas Martinez
Jowash Saballero
Alec Mendoza
Christopher Marañon
🏅 Fighting Spirit Award
Lyndi Lou Mendoza – Women’s Team
Alec Mendoza – Men’s Team

“This victory is a testament to the discipline, perseverance, and unity of our team,” said Jowash Saballero, Sensei of Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club. “We faced some of the best kendo players in the world, yet our athletes stayed true to the spirit of kendo. This win is for Negros Province and every Negrosanon who dreams of stepping onto the international stage. A reminder that it’s never too late to chase your passion and represent our home with pride.”

The Ho Chi Minh City International Kendo Tournament brought together elite competitors from across Asia, Africa, and beyond, including South Africa 🇿🇦, Russia 🇷🇺, Japan 🇯🇵, China 🇨🇳, Vietnam 🇻🇳, South Korea 🇰🇷, Cambodia 🇰🇭, and the Philippines 🇵🇭.

For Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club, the event was more than a competition, it was a chance to share the art of Ibaraki-style kendo with the global community, continuing the legacy passed down by Takeyasu Onose-Sensei.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the tournament organizers, our supporters, and everyone who believed in us from the very beginning. This victory is for all of you,” Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club said in a statement.

About Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club

Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club is also the reigning overall champion of the 6th Philippine National Kendo Tournament, held on October 26–27 last year in Davao. The team brought home 15 medals, including 6 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze, and 2 Fighting Spirit awards. Building on that national success, the club has now made its mark on the international stage, proving that dedication, proper training, and the spirit of kendo can take Negros to the very top, both in the Philippines and beyond.* (via Jowash Saballero)