Congratulations to Catherine Ikeda who won in the Women’s Yudansha division at the Hashimoto Hai Kendo Tournament in Palo Alto, CA on September 28, 2025!

The Hashimoto Hai Kendo Tournament is an annual event hosted by Palo Alto Kendo Dojo. It’s a “serious but not so serious” tournament held in honor of Dr. Walter Hashimoto, a beloved instructor and friend of the kendo community.

While Catherine was battling her way through the serious division, her sister Carolyne joined in on the fun with a special match against three younger girls. Let’s just say… the next generation proved too much to handle—but Carolyne’s good spirit and laughter reminded everyone what makes this tournament so enjoyable!