Zucheng Gao, a third year astrophysics PhD student at Clare Hall, won a Bronze Medal in the London Cup – one of the most well-established kendo tournaments in Europe. He was joined by Tatiana Nishizono-Miller, an alumna of Emmanuel College and a GB squad member, who won a fighting spirit prize.

“Knowing his opponent’s aggressive style would drain his stamina, Zucheng played patiently, and in overtime he struck a weak spot”

Kendo, the Japanese sword fighting martial art, has gained increasing popularity in Europe. In kendo matches, players wear armour and use swords to try and hit their opponents’ weak points – as one would do in a real Samurai fight. The London Cup is one of the most prestigious kendo championships in Britain. Held annually, it normally attracts the best players from around Europe. But this year, as the World Kendo Championships are taking place in the Summer, many Asian national team members from Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong also took part, making it even more competitive.

For Zucheng, this result has far exceeded his expectations. Although he had already become 4th Dan at the age of 26 – an extremely rare feat for a non-Japanese player – his previous championship experiences had not been as successful. Initially on the waiting list, he only found out he could take part in the individual matches on that morning. Despite not-so-high expectations, he then survived his pool, and in knockouts he encountered a strong player from the Singapore National Squad – a gold medalist in the team matches the day before, plus in previous University Championships. Knowing his opponent’s aggressive style would drain his stamina, Zucheng played patiently, and in overtime he struck a weak spot which led him to the next fight. After winning against another strong Japanese player, Zucheng lost in the semifinals to a GB Squad member, one of the strongest players in Europe.

“I’m thrilled to see the Society become even more lively and successful than it ever was”

For Tatiana, as a GB squad member, the London Cup was also a good opportunity to meet and fight squad members from other countries. After making it out of her pool, she immediately faced an opponent from Malaysia, and won by a ‘men cut’ (strike to the head) in overtime. She then faced a French national team member, and unfortunately got hit on the side of torso in overtime. Although she did not reach the semi-finals, Tatiana’s mind, spirit, and techniques in the fight won her a fighting spirit award – an award for the most spiritually competent fighters in their category.

When asked about her thoughts and hopes for the University Kendo Society, Tatiana said: “I’m very excited about the current direction and growth of the Cambridge Kendo Society. When activities were halted during the pandemic, I thought it would take a long time to rebuild membership, but I’m thrilled to see the Society become even more lively and successful than it ever was in this short space of time. Hopefully, we’ll see Cambridge students achieving further successes in competitions around the UK and beyond!”.

It was a long road for Zucheng, Tatiana, and the Society to achieve these successes. The University Kendo Society was heavily damaged during the pandemic, with fewer than ten members at its lowest. But since 2022, the club has quickly recovered and has kept growing to today’s over 40 members. The Society has already won three consecutive Varsity matches, and two team medals in University Taikai – UK nationwide university championships, but Zucheng and Tatiana’s successes in the London cup mark a new milestone for the society.