Kendo is the way of the sword. Although the Japanese martial art is not that popular in America, but is a special kind of sport that builds long-lasting relationships and a drive in people.

Ever since March 2014, Coppell High School sophomore Sol Hong has practiced kendo, a modern Japanese martial art.

Hong is apart of the Dallas/Fort Worth Kendo Iaido Kyokai (DFWKIK) which is located in Addison and is the only kendo organization in the Dallas area. It was founded in 1976 by Bill Trevino, who studied kendo in Japan.

Kendo is a Japanese martial art that is performed with a shinai (bamboo sword) where it is just you and the other competitor.

Beginners usually start off by learning the basics of kendo, which includes the footwork, stance, posture and striking. After they get the hang of that, they can move on to practicing in full kendogu (armor).

“It’s another passion of mine that helps me get through difficult times in my life,” Hong said.

Ever since she was a kid, Hong desired to do kendo. She has always had a fascination with sword fighting ever since she was young.

“As I started to do kendo, I realized it was more than looks. There is a deeper meaning than just fighting with a sword,” Hong said. “There is a deep psychological, almost spiritual connection or relationship that forms while doing kendo.”

Fellow members of the DFWKIK have seen her growth, even though she has had two years of experience.

“Even when she’s physically tired, I can tell she is mentally in the moment and calculative when she goes against me,” fellow teammate Jennyrayne Colangan said. “Not only does that show me her strong passion in kendo, but it shows respect, and I am grateful and humbled by that. Her 100 percent makes me push out 110 percent.”

Her passion for the sport is reinforced by the bonds and friendships she has made from joining it.

“As long as you are passionate about kendo and others can feel that passion, you are accepted into the community,” Hong said. “I love kendo for strengthening me physically and mentally but I love it more for the people I do kendo with.”

Although she only started two years ago, Hong has grown with every competition she has been in.

As a kendo player, she received third place in the youth division when she first started. The following day she tested for the Yonkyu (equivalent to a green belt) rank.

Last October, she competed in the Austin Takai and made the University of Texas at Arlington team. The Austin Takai was the Longhorn tournament at the University of Texas at Austin, where she competed against high leveled practitioners.

In late April and earlier this month, Hong, along with the DFWKIK, competed in Denver at the Ito Cup, where she won a medal and later moved up to the Sankyu rank (equivalent to a brown belt).

“Sol has grown so much since she joined and her determination and willingness to learn has helped her become more skilled and a hard competitor to beat,” teammate and member of DFWKIK Debi Blanco said.

Hong practices the sport every Thursday and Sunday, showing the amount of dedication and passion she has for it.

“Even when I see her compete in tournaments, where sometimes her opponents are six feet tall and tower over her, her passion and strong attitude in kendo is infectious and inspiring,” Colangan said.

Her practices include kihon waza (fundamentals/basics) and mawari keiko (rotational practice while applying basics), along with sometimes performing strikes across the floor (how a dance class would perform steps across the floor).

“Kendo is a very tough sport, it requires lots of patience and endurance. No matter how hard she was hit, Sol never backs down, never gave up,” teammate Nguyen Ly said. “She always shows her respect for the opponent by displaying strong spirit and proper etiquette.”

What makes her stand out from the rest of her teammates is that she is one of the only teens in the DFWKIK, competing with college students and older.

“Not many people in the USA outside of California get to practice kendo at a very young age. Sol has a drive and passion for learning and developing her kendo that most people her age just don’t have, in addition to that her natural talent and general positive nature she brings to dojo when she is at practice or at an event with us,” teammate Zach Gonzales said. “It’s very inspiring even to myself someone who has practiced for so long.”

Although it has only been two years of the sport for her, it will definitely stay with her for the rest of her life.

“I’ve already started to look for colleges that are close to places that do kendo. I hope to maintain the bond I have with the people I do kendo with as long as possible,” Hong said. “I plan to continue kendo, no matter what the circumstances of my future may be.”