Kunshan, China – March 29
Group photo of participants
In March 2026, DKU hosted its 2nd Kendo Invitational, attracting participants from universities including Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and local dojos Yushan Club and Zhixing Dojo.
Athletes’ competition photo
The event showcased intense matches and sportsmanship in both rookie and open categories, with participants embracing the kendo spirit of “meeting through the sword.” The tournament strengthened friendships and elevated skills, ending as a celebration of passion and connection through kendo.
Athletes’ pre-competition ceremony
Game Review
Group photo of award-winning athletes
Student Group Winners
Women’s Individual
- Champion: Huang Yuxiu (Zhejiang Wenjianyan Club)
- Runner-up: Chen Jiarui (Duke Kunshan University Kendo Club)
- Second Runner-up: Zhang Siyu (Zhejiang Wenjianyan Club)
Men’s Individual
- Champion: Wang Hanyang (Duke Kunshan University Kendo Club)
- Runner-up: Guo Qi (Ningbo University Kendo Club)
- Second Runner-up: Tong Wentao (Kunshan Duke University Kendo Club)
Mixed Team
- Champion: Duke Kunshan Team 1 (Wang Hanyang, Zhang Yuqian, Yan Honglin)
- Runner-up: Ningbo Team (Kim Geonyeop, Guo Qi, Zhou Long)
- Second Runner-up (tied): Duke Kunshan Team 2 (Wang Zaozao, Chen Yancheng, Tong Wentao), SJTU Team (Lu Ziyun, Liang Jianfeng, Tan Sirui)
Group photo of the student group winners
Open Group Winners
Women’s Individual
- Champion: Lin Shiqi (Shanghai Jiao Tong University Kendo Club)
- Runner-up: Zhang Rui (Zhixing Dojo)
- Second Runner-up (tied): Li Haihong (Zhixing Dojo), Huang Yuxiu (Zhejiang Wenjianyan Club)
Men’s Individual
- Champion: Huang Haichao (Zhejiang Wenjianyan Club)
- Runner-up: Zong Min (Zhixing Dojo)
- Second Runner-up (tied): Zhang Zihan (Zhixing Dojo), Chen Shaohua (Zhixing Dojo)
Mixed Team
Second Runner-up (tied): Win-More Team (Cheng Xiang, Zhang Rui, Li Haihong), Supermodel Team (Ke Ya, Zhang Shengping, Tang Jiayi, Zhang Zihan, Pei Haijun)
Champion: Ningbo Team (Kim Geonyeop, Yang Kaisen, Zhang Jingyu, Guo Qi, Zhou Long)
Runner-up: Yuanqi Team (Zhao Mengya, Li Dan, Cui Ran, Zong Min, Zhou Runqian)
Game Summary
This year’s tournament marked a milestone for its record-breaking participation and increased diversity in participating organizations. It proved to be an exceptional platform for swordsmanship and friendship, creating lasting connections among university kendo clubs and local kendo dojos.
Photo of athletes on the field
The handsome figures of the players on the field
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