Scholarship Testimonials

2024 Matsumoto Scholarship Recipient: Katie Maynard

Katie says:

“The 2024 MWKF Summer Camp was an amazing experience! The camp was held at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI. It was easy to find with plenty of parking available. The gym was large and the floors were perfect for footwork (not sticky or slick). 

    With so many people in attendance (and so many much higher-ranked!), I was worried the camp would be difficult to keep up with as I was brand-new in bogu. Thankfully the MWKF had already planned for this situation and split everyone into three groups. The lower ranks spent Saturday going over the basics - from proper posture while standing and holding kamae to basic strikes. It was a great refresher and helped correct any bad habits that may have started to pop up since starting to practice in bogu. During breaks in practice, all kendoka were conversational and it was nice to make new friends and get advice from people all over the Midwest. 

    Sunday was a slightly shorter practice day spent going over BKKK and jigeiko with instructors, followed by testing. Since many people in the lower ranks would need to demonstrate BKKK that afternoon, it was a good chance to fine-tune the technique. I did not test, but had the opportunity to watch the 3-kyu and 2-kyu testing. It ran fairly smoothly, with many kendoka testing at the same time. One point of confusion (in my opinion) is that in a previous email it was stated all who were testing would only need to demonstrate one side of BKKK (kakarite or motodachi), but the instructors has everyone show both sides. Everyone did well, however, so I don't think it was a point of contention.

     Overall, the camp was a well-rounded review of waza with an opportunity to meet / learn from other kendoka from our region. The sensei that instructed us were kind, patient, and very effective in their teaching styles. The camp was structured well with a lot of forethought to kendoka of all different ranks.

    I went home with a new understanding of kendo, and a list of techniques to work on (both at home and in regular practice). I can't wait until next year!

2024 Izui Scholarship Recipient: Bradley Anderson

Bradley says:

“Receiving the MWKF Founder's Scholarship enabled me to participate in the 2024 camp where without it I might not have been able to go, and what an experience it was! The opportunity to train with three 8-dan sensei was an amazing experience, and I was greatly appreciative of the hosting group and the other instructors who made this experience unique and valuable for not only me, but other members of my dojo as well. Kendo is a lifetime learning, and the support of the MWKF through their available scholarships enables that opportunity for both children and adults. Thank you to the MWKF for this opportunity.”