Fine Ladies Kendo Worldwide

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 8th Dan).

On February 4, 2026, Sumi Masatake Sensei sadly passed away. He served as the Shihan for the Fukuoka University of Education Kendo Club in Fukuoka Prefecture and the Kyushu Electric Power Kendo Club. He was also the coach of the Japanese women's team at the 11th World Kendo Championships in Santa Clara in 2000, where the Women's Individual Championships began. Five years ago, he expressed great delight at the launch of our magazine.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Masatake Sumi Sensei.  A teacher of the highest calibre and without question the finest instructor I have ever met or could ever hope to meet. His technical precision, depth of insight, and profound humanity have shaped generations of kendoka in the UK and across the world. Sumi Sensei’s legacy lives on in every cut, every breath, and every moment of sincerity we bring to our practice. We honour him not only in memory, but in the way we t