[SPECIAL INTERVIEW] - Yuki Ogata (緒方有希) - All Japan Women's 7th Dan Champion

This is an exclusive interview with Yuki Ogata Sensei (緒方有希)—the Champion of the first-ever All Japan Women's 7th Dan Tournament and Head Coach of Kikuchi Girls' High School Kendo Club in Kumamoto, Japan.

Ogata Sensei shares deep insights into her journey, mindset, and philosophy as both an elite competitor and a renowned coach. Topics covered include:

• How she started Kendo and her goal to become Japan's number one
• Her coaching philosophy and what makes her approach special
• How she prepares for major competitions
• The differences in pressure as a competitor versus as a coach
• Her hopes for her students
• Advice for women in Kendo and the future of women's Kendo
• Her incredible comeback from an ACL injury and how she became champion again
• Thoughts on challenging for 8th Dan and breaking barriers for women
• Differences between Kendo in Japan and overseas
• Her victory speech and mindset in competition

This is a must-watch interview with one of the most inspirational figures in modern Kendo.

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