Muneto Takanami is a highly accomplished Kendo instructor and competitor, renowned for blending traditional Japanese Kendo with modern training methodologies. With a foundation rooted in Japan’s most respected Kendo institutions, Takanami has developed a unique approach that emphasises strategic thinking, ma-ai (distance control), and explosive power.
He began Kendo under the influence of his father, a former All Japan Championship competitor, and quickly established himself as a promising talent. As a young athlete, he won the Kyushu and West Japan Championships and secured third place in the National Championships. His competitive career continued at the prestigious National Institute of Fitness and Sports in Kanoya (NIFS), where he trained under elite instructors. He went on to compete in the All Japan Student Open Kendo Championship and trained with the Kumamoto Prefectural Police Kendo Team.
Takanami’s expertise extends well beyond competition. He is a specialist in the “Three-Step Training” (3段練習) method developed by Hanshi 9th Dan Yasunori Taniguchi and used by top-tier teams such as the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Tokuren. He incorporates video analysis and reaction time assessments to refine athlete performance and support development.
Internationally, Takanami has played a key role in advancing Kendo. He has coached and adapted training for the Great Britain national team, collaborated on research with UK universities, and worked with a Professor at the University of Hertfordshire to enhance athlete development through scientific performance analysis. He is also involved in organising global training exchanges and securing sponsorships to promote Kendo worldwide.