Kendo means the path of the sword. It has a detailed order that has been followed to this day by the customs that were cherished by the Japanese samurai. It is defined as a non-physical and psychological martial art because those who practice it learn respect, endurance, and self-defeat. Among the types of swords fighting, kendo clothing and accessories express strength and inspire confidence to overcome obstacles. Fighters don’t attack their opponents with swords, but concentrate, tolerate their actions, and try to take advantage of the situation safely. During the fight, they read their thoughts from their mind and win with a few blows at the decisive moment. Since it is a sport with no age limit, recently all ages have been interested in it and have achieved success. One of them is N.Otgonsugar, an equipment engineers

 of State First Central Hospital (SFCH), and an athlete of the “Chikara kendo” club, second degree. Last January, he competed in the singles kendo category at the “UNC-2023” 15 Sports Federation Championship, defeating the best in his division and winning the championship over coach T.Chinzorig. In 2014, he started his career by winning a silver medal in the Youth National Championship (YNC), and two years later, he took fourth place in the adult YNC and received the “Warrior Athlete” award. I spoke with him who represented his country in the Cheongju World Martial Art Masterships held in Korea in the same year, and in 2017, he went to Beijing to represent his country in the CKOU International Competition.

-There is a saying that surpasses the champion and becomes the champion. It is rare for an athlete to beat his teacher and win. For him, you are a strong competitor.

-It is not easy to defeat T.Chinzorig because the teacher’s attack is fast and strong. He concentrates very well and wins points by keeping his opponents in his range. Therefore, tactics were developed to wait without attacking and to fight calmly. I fought with him for the championship exactly as planned. After scoring points in the last fight, “Should I defend or attack? If you fight defensively for too long, you will lose points. You should calm down. Now fight your way. You have nothing to lose, be brave.” I said to myself. I’ve never beaten him before. It was my first time winning a gold medal in the senior category. Kendo is a psychological sport. Techniques that work today may not work tomorrow. The more you contradict yourself, the more interesting it is.

-You must tell a strange story about your introduction to martial arts.

- When I went to School No.50 one day, I peeked through the door and saw kendo athletes training. Their confidence, energy, emotion, and fighting with each other were interesting and made me want to practice. In 2013, I began my career as an athlete by taking classes at the “Khasbuu Kendo” club under the guidance of teacher N.Nyamdag, who holds IV degrees. Three years later, I joined the “Chikara Kendo” club, and continues to this day. Unlike martial arts, kendo does not have age restrictions. Those who are interested have the advantage of being able to practice at any age.

-The medals won in the competition have a great influence on the athletes’ progress.

-Kendo sport has its own rules. In my case, I have an international II degree. Earning a degree does not depend on medals, it is determined by hard work. For example, athletes who have obtained the I degree will have the right to take the promotion exam after two years, and those with the III degree after three years. The exam is based on a test, which is based on the skillful use of techniques during kata performance and fighting. Achieving a high-level degree can change one’s outlook as one learns the philosophy of kendo.

-Ever since you started doing sports, you’ve been busy with training and competitions, haven’t you?

-Yes. Before, I used to spend the whole day staring at the computer screen, but that changed from the first day I started kendo. In addition to wrestling, I also practice judo and jiu-jitsu. Judo and kendo are respectable sports. If an athlete younger than you is a senior in the arena, you will be treated with respect. After getting off the stage, he communicates with his older athletes in order of age. This is the best honor in sports.

-I have no doubt that your family was surprised at first and then proud when they saw your change.

-At first, they were surprised to see me change step by step. Even the close and surrounding people noticed and said, “Your personality has changed from before, you have been brought up properly.” My family is now my best cheerleader. Before the competition, they said, “You did not forget something, right? Best of luck at your race.” After the competition, they would contact me and ask, “What athletes did you meet and how much did you fight?” If I lose, they will comfort me and give me emotional support by saying, “The competition will not end with one, and do well in the next one.” After a few years of kendo training, friends said, “You’re getting old. Will we succeed now? It’s not an Olympic event.” People feel happiness from what they like. The more my friends said that I didn’t want to get away from my favorite sport. When I am tired, frustrated, or depressed when I train, negative thoughts are left behind, and I become more confident and energetic.

-Do you feel tired working hard in a healthcare facility?

- I graduated from “Etugen” University with a degree in medical equipment engineering. The years of student time passed by in the blink of an eye when I was busy running on the path of training, competition, and home. Healthcare institutions have many clients. To that extent, I work with duties and responsibilities. I like my job. Every day is busy, but it doesn’t feel difficult. Me, I am moving forward with big goals in both work and sports. It is effective to relieve workload, stress, and fatigue while playing sports. Our company understands the teacher and me and encourages us to “Come to be a champion” by releasing us from work when there is a competition. Last January, my co-workers congratulated us by watching the live telecast of the joint National Championship held at the Steppe Arena. I dreamed of becoming a national champion for 10 years. I am happy that I have fulfilled my wish for many years. This year, I will participate in international competitions in Asian countries. The main goal is to successfully participate in the World Cup.

-Please share how you felt when you participated in an international competition with the best athletes in the world for the first time?

-When I was a university student, I walked across the border for the first time, participated in the International Martial Arts Championship held in Korea, and then competed in the one held in Beijing. I saw a lot of things while competing abroad. Success in Kendo does not depend on age, height, height, or weight. Athletes get points by hitting four points: head, wrist, stomach, and neck. Europeans are tall and tall. It’s hard to score against them. For example, even if I fight with Asians, they have mastered the technique of stabbing and punching the wrist and stomach. I have gained experience there. In the second tournament in Beijing, I defeated my opponents and fought for the division title. It is very interesting if you understand kendo. In martial arts, it’s more about how many years you’ve practiced and what you’ve learned than winning a lot of competitions and winning medals. “How many dans do you have?” Dan represents the athlete’s dedication and hard work in this sport.

-It seems that you are close friends with A.Nyamjav among your club’s athletes. How you interacted with him during training seemed like it?

-We have been good friends for many years. He is the most energetic, warrior, and passionate among the athletes of his club. One of the toughest opponents to beat. We have met each other quite a few times, so we know each other’s fighting style. My friend has more speed and burst than me. A lot of thought has been planned to adapt to his methods and develop tactics. The sport of kendo requires a lot of speed and concentration. If you fight too much, you will easily lose to your opponent. In the past, I used to fight according to the actions and psychological state of the athlete. In previous matches, I fought him and did not win, but this time I won by suppressing my emotions.

-After 10 years of practicing martial arts, have you compared yourself with your past?

-Every sport has its characteristics and advantages. In the past, I have learned many things to discover myself and develop my skills from this sport. I can judge what is right and wrong from what people say, and accept criticism and praise. I learned to adapt to the environment and conditions and decide how to express my psychological state. Kendo is aimed at making people humane, with the right attitude and ethics.

-How much do you study your competitors? I have heard that research has a significant impact on success.

-A month before the start of the tournament, I go to the clubs, observe how the athletes are training, study their fighting characteristics and character, and develop tactics. For me, I try to see the advantages of my competitors. In particular, I will be interested in what techniques they have thoroughly mastered. While fighting, attack or wait and observe how skilled and experienced they are. Some are forced to frustrate their opponents and earn points as soon as they make a mistake. A fiery athlete produces speed and explosiveness. I play calmly with such a fighter and take it slow.

-There is no athlete anywhere who does not face obstacles. Who sharpened you and pushed you forward when you sit down in discouragement?

-I have a case of discouragement. The first time I participated in the National Championship, I was very confident that I would win. I trained hard for three months to succeed. I thought I got a point in the first fight, but I was very disappointed. I was going to fight for the bronze medal, but I left my clothes behind without going to the stage and said, “I won’t train in this sport again.” However, because I like it, I came to the club the next day and said, “Teacher, let me train, give me my clothes.” After some time, I went to Orkhon Province to train with athletes in the summer. On the last day there, when a competition was organized, I lost and thought, “Kendo is not a sport I can succeed in, let’s stop.” When I lost confidence in myself, teacher N.Nyamdag said, “Winning or losing in kendo is not important. Perseverance and winning alone will define you more than winning a medal.” Athletes will ask you how much time you spend in this sport, how much sweat and hard work you put in.” I am still in touch with my teacher. When meeting in front of the United National Championship, he said, “You try to do more or less in a fight. Be neat and fight calmly,” he advised and presented a new sword.