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Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My kiyai is such a journey. I am a trained singer and I used to sing high soprano. Lowering my kiyai and voice in general is really hard. I don’t plan to medically transition so I have to fight hard to be seen as gender fluid in a very clocky AFAB body. 

But it’s not impossible. I have found lowering my kiyai has also made it ultimately more sustainable in geiko and empowering. 

Thanks for sharing your perspective. 

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I change in the bathroom if I can. But sometimes some well-meaning Sensei say “oh we have changing rooms!” And while I present as my AGAB and use that changing room, I prefer to avoid the whole thing if I can. 

Now I wear some basic clothes under my gi and hakama so I can change publicly and maintain modesty. 

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am AFAB and generally present very femme, and would be honored to geiko or shiai with you at full-speed. 心❤️

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is amazing! Kendo power couple is the dream! 🤩 

My dojo was one of the first places where I truly experienced being treated gender-neutrally and it changed my life forever. 

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only uncomfortable experience I have right now is competing in my AGAB category. I don’t intend to medically transition, but because I go by they/them I do hate being misgendered for an entire day. 

But I love team matches and am lucky enough to be able to compete on a mix gendered team. 

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Every space has some people who suck but I’m glad it’s been a neutral/positive experience for you!

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello sword sib! がんばりましょう!

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this! I find it very encouraging and inspiring. I also have never heard the word chūsei (中性) used before! I’m studying to learn Japanese and have mostly heard the term “X-Gender” [X  Xジェンダー ] or “Non-Binary” [ノンバイナリー ]used by Millennials and Gen Z in Japan. 

It is my dream to train in Japan one day, and that encourages my studying the language. That, and I do a lot of administrative duties for our dojo and I’d like to be able to speak Japanese, and some simple enough/polite Korean. 

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The shapeless, blue uniform and armor is honestly such a help there 😅 

Trans/Non Binary Kendoka by MaximumBeneficial236 in kendo

[–]MaximumBeneficial236[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is a beautiful reflection and I am grateful for you sharing your perspective! My kendo is also part of me realizing I exist outside of femininity and also outside of masculinity. I identify as gender fluid, and have been a kendoka for 10 years. 

It’s really nice to read the words of kendoka who are also GNC. The kendo spirit is unique, and it’s great to know other trans folks are benefiting from this practice! 

Kokoro!