Kendo Tsuba
This is a passion project that
I started by chance in 2013.
Newly introduced to Kendo, I became extremely obsessed. I used to be able to go to practice for 7 days a week. I became, embarrassingly, infamous in the 2013-14 Kendo scene in Vietnam for trying to visit many dojos at once. Imagine a middle school girl who got too many side-eyes for being particularly passionate about a new pursuit.
Kendo has changed my life in many ways, as I am still creating meaningful connections to not just people around the world, but also with myself.
So, this project is very personal to me, and I wanted to convey it in the form of a story…
tsuba
“A tsuba is a sword guard and part of a sword mounting. It is mounted between the sword’s blade and grip to protect the user’s hands.”
Image Source: BU Kendo Association
Modern tsuba used as part of Kendo are usually manufactured or handmade using plastic or leather.
These are some of the products offered on tozandoshop.com
The first few attempts were immitations
of designs I found on the internet.
I found some vector patterns, got them engraved and cut on some acrylic sheets; then used acrylic paint to fill in the designs and seal it with an additional layer of clear acrylic sheet using silicone caulk.
initial attempts in
2013
This was the only tsuba that was given out to a close friend of mine at the time, Nhan Vo. It was loved and cherished.
It lasted for 8 years.
now
2025
With a better access and understanding of fabrication processes,
I am now attempting to bring forth a new era of Kendo tsuba: artisan tsuba, starting with
The ‘River of Blood’ Tsuba
This time, I wanted to create a tsuba for someone I admire.
From my perspective, his kendo is relentless, aggressive, and, yet, full of grace.
And I hope that I may be able to match his intensity one day.
But, for now, this tsuba encapsulates not just the essence of his kendo, but also my drive and my commitment to kendo itself.
the backstory
Kendo is not just a form Japanese martial art that involves people wearing a set of amor then fight each other using bamboo swords.
“The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword).”
