This is an old interview I found. The translations are a bit rough. Is "Kendo World Monthly" a korean magazine?

Meet the Eiga Naoki(11th Worid Kendo Championships)


The 'Kendo World Monthly', the May issue in 2001
meet the Eiga Naoki, titleholder of Japan Kendo Championships !

Interviewer : the president 'Ko Dong Su' of the 'monthly kendo world'

the individual championship holder of the 11th world kendo championships. (the present world champion)
the titleholder of the Japan Kendo Championships in 2000.
the individual championship holder of the japan Championships of prime minister cup in 1998.
the 3rd place in the individual championship of the 9th World Kendo Championships in 1994.
the victor of the team event in the 9th, 10th and 11th World Kendo Championships.

We have met Eiga Naoki, the titleholder of the JKC(Japan Kendo Championships), by chance in the stadium near Hotkaido and could have a interview with him. Eiga was the individual championship of the last WKC(World Kendo Championships) and also took the first place in the JKC last year, that is, he is one of the actual greatest person and current world champion.

1. Could not take the joint training with high school students today ?

I deeply regret that I can't practice with them cause I got hurt in my elbow two weeks ago, however I would like to tell them that 'you can get the chance if only get over the trouble'. Please try to your best in all game. (He said he can recover in a week.) .

2. Any philosophy of your own for kendo ?

I believe my life grows up as I win myself through the training no matter to win or not in a game.

3. Training time a day ?

I had a trouble to take time because I had to devoted to my own job, policeman, but I tried to practice more than 3 times a day in the gym of police office in hotkaido.

4. Philosophy for kendo ?

I think I can live an honest life through kendo. Also I can get over trials and obtain the big one if I train and promote my patience. I think the most important kendo training method is to win yourself and to obtain the learning from other person.

5. The type of Korean kendo ?

There are little differences between Japanese and other players like Korean, American, European and so on. I think one should face to the other in consistent attitude no matter that is Japanese type or Korean type. Korean players have a fine physique and very powerful but I don't think they are special.

6. In the quarter-final of the JKC with Miwazaki in the year before last, you defended his attack in your head and counterattacked in his waist, but judges confirmed his attack in your head, instead ?

I thought I won the game at first but after check out the video tape at home I felt I lost the game. After that, I meditated and reflected on myself as studying the video over again. However, I never think the judge was wrong.

7. Have a friend in Korea ?

Thank to my friend Leeky, I have a lot of relationship with many people. I have a relationship with Mr. Jung Kwan Mook and well know about Mr. Kim Kyung Nam and Park Sang Sub also. Besides, I have many interchanges of personnel of kendo and have planned to visit Korea this summer. I wish I meet many people and get the chance to train together.

8. Any comment to Korean Kendo fans ?

First of all, I'd like to give my thanks to many fans in Korea. I'm so happy I could have many relations with people through kendo. Hopefully kendo men in Korea could train themselves with keeping relationships with each other. Also in the future, I will try my best so that kendo men in Korea who support and love me to remember me the best player.

9. Your family?

Wife : Naomy , daughter : Hitomy , son : Masaki

Interpreting : Ms. Mun Min Ja (a mother of ex-kwangmung high school player, Lee Eun Seob - presently studying in Canada)

Recording / Picture : the president Ko Dong Su - monthly Kendo World