The Kendo Experience
Our day began with a peaceful breakfast at the beautiful Park Hyatt Hotel in Kyoto, overlooking the city as we prepared for a day of exploration. After breakfast, Pedro and I headed back to the Butokuden, where we had visited the day before, this time to observe Kendo training.
As we arrived, we watched two classes in progress—one was a private session, and the other was a group of senior trainees. At first, we marveled at their impressive footwork and energy, assuming they were seasoned practitioners in their middle years. It wasn’t until the students removed their helmets that we realized something surprising—they were all over 80 years old! Despite their ages, their movements were swift and powerful, a true testament to the energy and vitality that martial arts bring. We later learned that these remarkable individuals had only been training for less than two years. It was incredible to see how much Kendo had transformed their lives.
Pedro and I introduced ourselves to the teacher, who was immediately intrigued to learn about the Valente Brothers and their work in Miami teaching jujutsu, Japanese culture, and philosophy. After showing him some photos, the teacher’s respect for Pedro was evident, and he graciously invited us to join the class. Throughout our time in both Tokyo and Kyoto, Pedro has been treated like a celebrity. Everyone we meet, once they learn about Pedro and his brothers’ work, immediately begins bowing to him. The respect for the Valente Brothers’ contribution to martial arts is something I’ve never seen on this level.
Even without the proper uniforms, Pedro and I eagerly accepted the invitation and participated in the session, practicing strikes with wooden swords aimed at the head, wrist, and torso. Moving through the various angles and techniques was a thrilling experience, and the energy in the room was contagious. It was one of those spontaneous moments that turned out to be one of the highlights of the day.
After class, we spent some time chatting with the students. Pedro shared more about the work he and his brothers do in Miami, and it was clear that the connection between the traditions of Japan and the modern teachings at Valente Brothers runs deep. The students were deeply respectful, and again, Pedro’s presence drew admiration and bows from everyone. It was a rewarding and enriching experience to be able to participate in this tradition firsthand.
In the afternoon, we shifted gears and did some sightseeing around Kyoto, starting with a visit to the historic Nijō Castle. Built in 1603, Nijō Castle holds great significance in Japanese history, both as the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed as the political leader of Japan and where the last Shogun eventually handed over power to the Meiji Emperor in 1867. Walking through the 33 rooms of the castle, we were struck by the grandeur and the rich history preserved within its walls. The artwork, particularly the breathtaking paintings on the walls and ceilings, left a lasting impression on both of us.
Next, we visited Nanzen-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple, and its sub-temple Konchi-in, which was built over 500 years ago. One of the highlights was seeing some of the first muskets brought to Japan from Portugal in the 16th century. It was fascinating to witness this piece of history firsthand, a reflection of the cultural exchanges that shaped Japan during that era. We also took some time to explore the temple’s five meditation gardens, each more serene and beautiful than the last. The tranquility of the temple grounds gave us a moment to reflect on the rich spiritual and historical heritage of Kyoto.
Looking back on the day, it’s hard to choose a favorite moment. From practicing Kendo with a group of inspiring individuals to exploring centuries-old temples and castles, the day reminded me of the timeless lessons we continue to learn through martial arts and history. And witnessing the respect and admiration Pedro receives everywhere we go just reinforces how much of an impact he and his brothers have made in the world of martial arts. It’s days like this that deepen my appreciation for the traditions that have shaped both Japan and the teachings they carry forward at Valente Brothers.
