• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
With only about 2 years of kendo training, the Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club exhibited their power and passion during their international debut at the Ho Chi Minh City International Kendo Tournament 2025 as they hauled 4 trophies and 14 medals.
The team proudly entered the arena representing the Philippines in the tournament that was held on August 9 and 10. The Negrosanon athletes, composed of seven members, delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing dominance against their skilled opponents from various countries across the globe.
The team was able to bring home 6 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze medals; 14 trophies; and 2 Fighting Spirit awards; a testament to their dedication and passion for the combat game.
Jowash Saballero, a homegrown Bagonhon and vice president of the Negros Shiseikan Kendo Club, led his team to their historic victory with a powerful performance.
“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,” he said.
Saballero emerged as champion in the Men’s 2-Dan Individual Category and earned a bronze medal in the 3-Man Team Category.
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art focused on swordsmanship, using bamboo swords and protective armor.
The club trains at Shiseikan Dojo, which claims to be the only Japanese-style Kendo dojo in the country, inside the OISCA Japanese Farm located at Barangay Tabunan in Bago City. Their training is guided by Japanese Sensei Takeyasu Onose of the OISCA Ibaraki Group in Japan.
They are also the reigning overall champion of the 6th Philippine National Kendo Tournament and aim to promote kendo in the province and the country.*
