Life
[My Busan Story] True power comes from calmness
"My Busan Story" is a special series by Busan's English-language newspaper, inviting foreign residents to share their unique perspectives on life in the city. From unforgettable experiences and travel episodes to small everyday joys, these stories highlight the diverse voices that make Busan feel like home. This month, we introduce the story of Rosliakov Fedor from Russia.
Rosliakov Fedor in the kendo armor, "bogu."
When I first started practicing kendo at Pusan National University and then in Eunsanjae Dojo, I was drawn to it by both curiosity and a sense of admiration for the discipline and philosophy behind traditional martial arts. As an international student in Korea, joining the Kendo club was also my way of immersing myself deeper into East Asian culture and building connections with local students.
However, the path was not easy. Many of the basic techniques were difficult for me to master. Despite being physically strong, I found myself struggling with movements that required precision, rhythm, and above all, relaxation. My seniors noticed that I was often too tense and relied heavily on physical force rather than smooth and efficient technique. They gently pointed out that in kendo, true power comes from calmness, not from brute strength.
It took me a while to understand the true meaning of these words, but this insight changed my perspective. I realized that this tendency to overexert myself wasn't limited to Kendo - it was a reflection of how I approached challenges in life. I often tried too hard, pushing forward without enough composure, which only drained my energy.
To address this, I began not only refining my basics in the dojo but also practicing yoga and meditation outside of training. I learned to breathe, to observe and to let go. One of the most unforgettable moments was when I was allowed to wear the "bogu," or armor, for the first time and had my first real match. Although I lost 1:2, I won the first round, and the experience brought me immense joy and a sense of growth.
Kendo continues to be a meaningful part of my life - not just as a sport, but as a path of personal development and quiet strength.