ベトナム剣道の開拓者

2022年10月号では、ベトナムの剣士を紹介しています。ベトナムはまだ世界大会に出場したことはないのですが東南アジアでは強国です。長年東南アジアではタイが強いのですが、前回のアセアン大会でそのタイを破り団体優勝も果たしているのです。
今回紹介するVinh Nguyenさん（ヴィン・グエンさん）はそのベトナム剣道の開拓者ともいえる方です。

・What do you do in your daily work?

I am a designer and owner of a furniture company. My daily work is managing furniture workshops and designing new products.

・How old were you when you started kendo and why did you start?

I started kendo when I was 24 years old. I have had a passion for swords since I was a little boy, especially Japanese swords. So, when I got the chance to know about kendo, I immediately joined.

・What do you find attractive about kendo?

There are many interesting things about kendo, but I feel these two are most attractive to me. First, practicing kendo brings a lot of friends around the world, it’s like a “passport” to the kendo-world where kendo-ka are easy to talk about their common interests. Second, I do feel it can help balance life through the most difficult times.

・Is there anyone in your family who plays kendo?

Yes, my two sons practice with me.

・How many times a week and where do you practice?

I practice 3 times a week at Hanoi Kendo Club and Thang Long Kendo Club, both in Hanoi.

・Have you ever practiced kendo abroad for an extended period of time?

I’ve been on some kendo trips for less than 10 days.

・What did you feel after participating in international championships?

Very excited and get more inspiration to practice from other strong players.

・What are you proud of in kendo?

I am proud of the lasting friendships I have from kendo, with friends and sensei who have cared and taught me since the very beginning.

・Do you have hobbies other than kendo?

Trail running and adventure travel.

・What are your future goals in kendo?

Improve my kendo and be ready for the coming 5th grade exam

・Do you have any kenshi whom you look up to as your goal (target) and why?

Actually, I don’t have a specific “idol”. There are many great kenshi and each has its own style, I prefer to look up the good points from them that suit me. 

記事は10月号に掲載