Keio Yokohama Elementary School ──Winter Training in Hiyoshi──
Keio Yokohama Elementary School will enter its 14th year since opening in April 2026, and the Keio Yokohama Elementary School Kendo Club will mark its 11th year. Within the Keio University Physical Education Association Kendo Club, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2028, it is still a very new presence.
Every January, Keio University holds eight days of winter training (Kangeiko) at the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall. In January 2017, shortly after the club's founding, three 4th-grade students from the first graduating class participated in this winter training, where Kendo club members from affiliated schools—ranging from elementary to university students—as well as alumni and instructors gather together. At the time, these students were always the oldest grade within the elementary school, so the existence of "seniors" (upperclassmen) seemed very fresh to them. Through the winter training, they were very happy to meet these new figures and to have the seniors teach them kindly and politely, and at times, with a bit of strictness.
Nine years have passed since then, and we can now see scenes of elementary school students reuniting with those who went on to Keio Shonan Fujisawa Junior and Senior High School to continue Kendo, as well as those starting Kendo for the first time. When schedules align, graduates now visit the Keio Yokohama Elementary School Kendo Club activities, and we are able to hold joint training sessions for the elementary, junior high, and high school Kendo clubs, allowing us to feel the vertical connections unique to Keio University.
Also, in this year's winter training, the elementary school Kendo club members participated with great energy, even if their bodies were small. At the winter training, there are many university students who, even if they are not from the elementary school, support the elementary students enthusiastically as coaches outside of practice. The time spent being trained by those university students, alumni, and master instructors; the time spent reuniting and crossing swords with graduates; the time spent learning the importance of daily practice while observing the training and matches of instructors and seniors... even in the early morning and severe cold, they were able to work hard together with their peers and spend a precious time.
Through interactions that transcend generations, the students of the Keio Yokohama Elementary School Kendo Club are learning the spirit and traditions of Keio University and Kendo.
From an essay by a 5th-grade student of the 9th graduating class (January 2026)
"While it was still pitch black outside and the air felt like the middle of the night, our Kendo club participated in winter training. At winter training, many seniors and alumni gather at the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall to practice. The voices of the seniors, the sound of feet stomping, and the sound of bamboo swords hitting echoed through the hall, and I felt nervous. But I received advice from the seniors with positive words, which made me feel like working even harder. I was also able to receive training from very senior members whom I rarely get to meet. Among them, Honorary Instructor Shuji Fukumoto taught me the Keio University term 'Keio Gijuku Shachu.' His words, 'At Keio, seniors and juniors are all one family,' were very encouraging, and my heart tightened with pride thinking that I am also a member. When practice ended and I went outside, the sky had become a little brighter. The chilly air felt very good. Over this week, I was able to strengthen both my Kendo and my heart."