Re Interview

Yohei
Takeshita 竹下 洋平

2023.3.24

Striving for Self-Actualization and Further Growth through Kendo

Many competitions were cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Yohei Takeshita used the time he couldn’t practice to put effort into researching techniques. Although he feels he has passed his peak as an athlete, he trains hard striving for further growth. “I want to produce results for kendo in Oita and contribute to developing new kendo athletes,” he says.

― How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?

I had never gone that long without wearing armor before. Facing opponents is an essential part of kendo. I couldn’t practice, so I trained in different ways to ensure I wouldn’t lose stamina and muscle. I used the time I couldn’t compete in matches to analyze kendo moves by researching them on social media and other sites. I built muscle memory by watching videos of kendo competitions and mimicking the movements of top athletes. This resulted in further growth.

― Did reexamining different things lead to any changes?

My style of kendo was impulsive, but thanks to emphasizing things like moving my body flexibly to use my opponent’s strength against them, I was able to eliminate unneeded movements, and in turn got injured less. My frame of mind changed too. Now I want to raise the level of kendo in Oita with my fellow athletes. I reflected on the time when I took doing kendo for granted, and started to think that improving my own kendo skills would lead to raising the level of kendo in Oita and that I need to play a leading role in such an effort.

― What are your thoughts about a kendo athlete’s peak?

Everyone is different, but I think the peak is around 30, which means I’m passed my peak now. Since social media has become widespread, now anyone can see the techniques of top athletes. This has resulted in raising the overall level and increasing the number of young, strong athletes. So now you not only need technique, but also physical ability. That’s why I’ll quit when it comes time to switch from athlete to coach. Even if I chose the path of coach, I wouldn’t want to teach if I couldn’t move according to how I visualize.

― How do you want to end your athletic career?

I don’t think there is such a thing as a happy ending to your career. An athlete doesn’t work hard to have a happy ending, but strives day in and day out to keep improving, even if it’s just a little. If I can say “I put in my all” in the end, I’ll be satisfied. Right now I want to spare no effort to become the best athlete in Oita. And if I have the chance, I want to share the techniques and mental strength I have gained with other athletes and contribute to boosting the competitiveness of Oita, even if it’s just a little.