Obituary: Paul Budden sensei

On 9 March 2026, Paul Budden sensei (Kyoshi 7th Dan), who had been contributing articles on the history of women’s kendo to every issue of our magazine, passed away at his home whilst battling acute myeloid leukaemia, as if following in the footsteps of his teacher, Sumi Masatake sensei (Hanshi 8^th Dan). We were in the midst of planning a project to compile all the articles on women’s kendo written by Budden sensei into a collection.

In 2005, Budden sensei organised the first women’s kendo seminar under the auspices of the British Kendo Association, and since then, he has contributed to the development of women’s kendo within the UK. Furthermore, in Europe, where understanding and support for women’s kendo were limited, many female kenshi have received his encouragement and warm support.

It was only recently that we published in this magazine a tribute article written by Budden sensei himself in memory of his teacher, Sumi Masatake sensei. Kenshi around the world are unable to hide their shock at his sudden passing. Budden sensei provided us with immense cooperation and support not only in writing articles but also in the editing and publication of this magazine. We express our heartfelt gratitude. Rest in Peace, Budden sensei.

The following are articles written by Budden sensei for our magazine. Given the current scarcity of records and historical accounts on women’s kendo, we are confident that these articles will prove of great value to researchers of women’s kendo, both today and in the future, as well as to women kenshi themselves.

· A Brave New World—The Dawn of Women’s Kendo (Vol. 1)

· A New Dawn on Women’s Kendo (Vol. 2)

· An Age of Chivalry—Japanese Ladies in Foggy London Town (Vol. 3)

· Suffrajitsu—A Martial Art for Women (Vol. 4)

· The American Nisei Girls of Nakamura Tokichi’s Hokubei Budokai (Vol. 5)

· A Cultural Journey of Integration—Japan and the Philippines (Vol. 6)

· The Indomitable Ella Hatton—La Jagarina (Vol. 7)