Like other martial arts forms, Kendo also teaches its practitioners discipline and mental strength. It helps Kendokas build a strong character for both their practice of the sport and outside of it. The resilience learned from the martial art has guided University of Melbourne graduate Dr. Yaya Bon Jeong (née Bonggotgetsakul) to great success in both academics and her sport. The journey that started in her days as an international student at the University has now led her to finding a place in the Australian team for the 2024 World Kendo Championship to be held in Italy.
The selection in the Australian team comes for Yaya on the back of some excellent performances at the national and state level. Last month, Yaya finished as the champion in the Women's Dan Individual division at the Victorian Kendo Championship. Earlier in the year, she secured the third position in the Women's Dan Individual division and the second place in the Women's Dan Team division at the 2023 Australian Kendo Championship held in Melbourne.
Yaya first got involved in Kendo in 2013, when she joined the beginner course at the Melbourne University Kendo Club (MUKEN). The Japanese martial art appealed to her so much that she continued to train with the Club even after graduating.
As much as she was committed to improving at Kendo, Yaya was equally focused on excelling in academics. After completing her Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce course that she joined in 2005, Yaya was granted a scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in Chemistry. She also obtained a number of other recognitions throughout her academic career, including Dean's Honour List placements in 2006 and 2009, first place in oral public speaking at the R&D Topics Conference at La Trobe University, and the 2011 Eugen Singer Award from the Melbourne School of Engineering. She graduated with her PhD in 2014. Since then, she has worked in research and started her own business, all while continuing to practice Kendo.
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art form that involves the use of bamboo swords. It has been practised at the University of Melbourne since 1989, when MUKEN was established. Yaya credits her commitment as well as the support of the Club and its instructors for her success in the discipline. She is excited for the 19th World Kendo Championship, which will be held in the Italian city of Milan from 4-7 July 2024. Apart from being a participant in the women’s competition, Yaya will also serve as the Assistant Manager of the Australian team. She will also be joined by other MUKEN members – Richard T'en (men's team), Julie Tran (women's team), Nicole Saccardo (National team Physiotherapist) and Daniel Jeong (Assistant coach).
The Melbourne University Kendo Club welcomes both beginners and experienced Kendo practitioners to join the Club. The Beginners' Course is organised each year and the next one is scheduled for March 2024.