Highett athlete Harry Reid a super swordsman in the martial art world

HIGHETT’S Harry Reid is a cut above when it comes to kendo.

Harry Reid is a Kendo exponent and Bayside Leader Sports Star. Picture: Chris Eastman

HIGHETT’S Harry Reid is a cut above when it comes to kendo.

It might not be the biggest sport in Australia, but it sure is gigantic in Japan.

And the 21-year-old is one day hoping to make it to the top of the tactical martial art.

Kendo which means ‘the way of the sword’, is an ages-old Japanese martial art involving armour and fighting with bamboo swords.

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Reid only took up the sport six years ago, but his familiarity goes deep, as his mother is Japanese.

He has progressed rapidly, competing for the last few years at varying levels at the Australian championships.

He was under-18 runner up in his division in 2012, and for the last three years has competed against the best adults, who have much more experience.

He has also been a Victorian team member, with the Vics coming second to New South Wales last time round.

“I feel I’m closing the gap to the best in this country; last time at the national event I played the Australian champion and only just lost,” Reid said.

“I have a strong sporting background in tennis, swimming and judo, which helps me athletically.

“And I like to analyse opponents; that is my main strength, I think I am quite a technical person.”

He trains weekly and embarks upon cultural missions to Japan every winter, mixing with the world’s elite at an academy.

“I am up for selection in September for the Australian team for the 2018 World Championships to be held in Korea,” he said.

“I would love to be part of that, it would be great.”

The Australian kendo team, maintained through volunteerism, needs support to be able to send competitors to Korea next year. For more information, click here.

Harry Reid is eligible to be a Leader Local Sports Star.

Medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, click here.