by: April Enerio
*Photo image by Photo Dimensions

It has been 11 years since I first set foot in a Kendo dojo in Quezon City. IGA Kendo Club, then headed by Igarashi Koji-sensei, was under the administration of his dojo manager, Kristopher “Kutch” Inting. 

He’s tall, with a low voice telling you how you did that day in Keiko. He’s serious in the dojo but dishes out dad puns outside of it. Most were terrible, but I guess that’s the funny part of it. 

And that’s just one side of Kutch, who has marked his place in Philippine Kendo history, becoming the first homegrown Filipino to achieve the rank of 5-Dan (Godan).

“I’m really the ‘two takes to pass’ guy,” he shared, reflecting on his achievement. “It took me two tries to pass Sandan, Yondan, and now Godan. And more often than not, it’s the second attempt that feels like a long shot.”

He’s being modest. The Godan rank is a monumental milestone in kendo, reflecting not just skill but years of disciplined practice and a deep understanding of the martial art. For Inting, the journey to this point has been anything but straightforward.

For Sandan, his focus was divided between preparing for his exam and navigating the complexities of organizing the Philippine Team for the 10th Asian Kendo Tournament. For Yondan, he struggled with the pressure of testing in Hong Kong, where pass rates are notoriously low. As for Godan, circumstances once again tested his resolve.

“In the week leading up to the shinsa, I had to deal with a family emergency. I had to be in the hospital with a relative, which meant no practice. Honestly, I almost didn’t go to Davao,” he shared.

But with his family’s support, particularly his wife, Loida Estanilla-Inting (4-Dan)—who also serves as a sensei and co-manager in the dojo and the Federation alongside him—Inting pushed through. “At a certain point, I just told myself to do the best kendo I’m capable of on the day. No regrets.”

Inting’s determination paid off. His performance during the shinsa drew high praise, most notably from Yamanishi Sensei, a respected judge who had previously criticized his earlier attempt. 

“Yamanishi Sensei was there for my first attempt in Milan, and he didn’t mince words back then,” Inting recalled. “When he told me this time that my tachiai was ‘perfect,’ it felt like true validation of how much I’ve grown.”

This growth was witnessed not only by the judging panel but also by the Philippine kendo community—a fact that makes the achievement all the more special for Inting. “To pass in front of my peers, students, and friends here in the Philippines was incredibly meaningful,” he said.

With great achievement comes greater responsibility. Inting was quickly reminded of this when he was assigned as shushin (chief referee) for the Men’s Team Finals at the 6th Philippine National Kendo Tournament—a role he hadn’t expected. The task was made even more challenging by a high-level jodan versus jodan match, yet Inting rose to the occasion.

Inting’s Kendo journey began in July 2002, and over the years, he has become a cornerstone of the local Kendo community. As the president of the United Kendo Federation of the Philippines and longtime dojo manager of IGA-KEN in Quezon City, he has inspired countless kendoka.

“As part of my responsibilities, I hope to help others grow with me,” he shared. “This rank isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about becoming a better student, teacher, and leader in Philippine kendo.”

For Inting, this milestone is not the end but the beginning of something greater. “The road to rokudan starts today,” he declared, setting his sights on the next rank. But for now, he remains focused on the mission and vision of the Federation and giving back to the kendo community that has supported him throughout his journey.

“To everyone who helped me along the way—my students, peers, and the sensei who shaped me—I am deeply grateful. If I can inspire others to believe in their potential and help them grow, then this rank truly means something,” he said.