“It is excellent to see more women from all walks of life studying these arts as they experience their true value. She added: “Both men and women are increasingly being attracted to the ‘true martial arts’ of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo, which have traditionally been male-dominated because of their militaristic and even nationalistic context. I am looking forward to encouraging even more women to take up martial arts and to being part of an excellent team who will guide the organisation to even bigger and better things, not least world and European championship success.” Through her new role, Fay will be looking to attract and provide even greater support to both men and women members and to enhance the BKA’s brand management through an improved website and the launch of a new BKA international magazine.įay said: “I am delighted to be heading the BKA at a time when its membership has never been stronger or more diverse. She has a Seventh Dan black belt in Iaido, making her one of the highest-ranked females in the art outside Japan, and is the author of the best-selling book The Ultimate Guide to Martial Arts.įay was elected to her two-year term in office at the annual general of the BKA, where women make up almost 20 per cent of its 1,800 members. The three arts, developed over the centuries on the battlefield, are devoted to mastering the skills of fencing with bamboo staves, swordsmanship, and pitting sword against staff.įay runs Masamune Dojo, her own dojo (or training centre) at the University of Birmingham in Edgbaston and in Yardley. The BKA was formed in 1964 as the governing body for Kendo, Iaido and Jodo in the UK.
A world-leading martial artist from Yardley has become the first female president of the British Kendo Association (BKA).įay Goodman has fought against the traditionally male-dominated BKA to encourage more women to take up the sport.
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