The 5th edition of the Japanese Ambassador Kendo Championship took place at the Aviation Social Center in Accra, bringing together 51 athletes from various clubs. The event featured five age categories, ranging from children as young as 4 years old to seniors above 18.
Participating clubs included Airport Square 1 Kendo Club, Great Sword Sage Kendo Club, First Blade Kendo Dojo and Datus International School Kendo Club, Tema. The competition showcased the skills and techniques of Ghana’s emerging kendo talent.
According to Mr. Sesinam Dzakpasu, President of the Ghana Kendo Association, “This year’s championship demonstrated improvement from previous years, although there’s still room for growth in terms of technique, officiating, and rule application.”
To address these areas, the Ghana Kendo Association has planned a series of seminars and courses, including a referees seminar, instructors course, and coaches course. These initiatives aim to enhance the overall quality of kendo in Ghana and ensure a successful 6th edition of the Japanese Ambassador Championship.
The 5th Japanese Ambassador Kendo Championship concluded with an exciting awards ceremony, honoring the top performers in each age category. Here are the winners:
Girls (14-18 years)
- Haliatu Alima (1st)
- Jessica Dzakpasu (2nd)
- Marigold Mac-Arthur (3rd)
Boys (Seniors, 17 years above)
- Joseph Boadi (1st)
- Ezekiel Odoom (2nd)
- Sam Holgat and Sena Mortwo (joint 3rd)
Boys (10-16 years)
- Marvin Garvin (Gold)
- Borngreat Barnor (Silver)
- Ahmed Boakye and Nene Odjidja (joint Bronze)
Boys (6-10 years)
- David Attipoe Adjaho (Gold)
- Mohammed Asamani (Silver)
- Sedem Obrempong and Edem Henry (joint Bronze)
Girls (6-8 years)
- Blessing Mantebea Alirnyo (Gold)
- Halima Boakye (Silver)
- Dzidzor Sybil and Samira Samundi (joint Bronze)
Boys (4-6 years)
- James King Arthur (Gold)
- Micah Mortwo (Silver)
- Jeremiah Mortwo (Bronze)
The next competition will be the National Inter-Club Championships, which is slated for July 2025.
