About Mingshi

Mingshi (Jenny) Wan


Born 1982 in Hong Kong. After graduating from secondary education, she came to the UK to further her studies in Graphic Design. Currently (2004) graduated from her MA and is seeking a job in London.

She started kendo in June 2001 at Nenriki Club, London, after seeing a live demonstration at the Japan Festival in Hyde Park. She also regularly trains at other dojo(s) around London, and attend most competitions and events. Her 1st Dan was taken at the 12th WKC grading, and her 2nd Dan was taking in London (Oct 04).

After watching a Naginata vs Kendo match in a seminar in 2002 , Mingshi became interested in Atarashi-naginata. She occationally makes study trips to Europe (mainly France, Belgium and Netherlands) since there isn't an established dojo in the UK. Currently 6th Kyu under the Netherlands Naginata Renmei.

Inspired by an Iaido demonstration at the 12th WKC, Mingshi started Iaido in Brighton since Nov 2003. Incidentally she trained in Brighton under the same Sensei who did that demonstration at the WKC.

Her other hobbies include photography (although miserably amateurish), travelling, art and social concerns.

Major Updates


21. 02. 05 Massive site redesign (graphics and natvigation). New updates are now on the 2005 section.
05. 01. 05 Top banner updated. I'll move back to Hong Kong permanently in this month. Hence update can only be done when everything else is settled.
03.11.04 Adding 10 more photos at the Autumn Grading photojournal.
22.10.04 Uploaded Lidstones 2004 and Autumn Grading sections, with very rough descriptions - I happened to be busier than usual. Too much kendo lately...
19.10.04 Passing 2nd Dan last weekend after a 15-month waiting period (where I was out of regular practice for 7 months... Ssshh!!) Updated this "About" section.
19.09.04 Taigakai Iaido competition photos uploaded.
24.08.04 Kyushu Gakuin Visit journal uploaded.
29.07.04 Reworked on the navigation of the site.
12.07.04 Domain name www.mingshiwan.co.uk purchased. Enough space to accomodate my own portfolio and ever increasing traffic of this Photojournal. The new layout was for pics from 2004 onwards.
09.07.04 IKET + National Iaido/Jodo Taikai pics uploaded.
29.05.04 Three more old sections uploaded.
24.05.04 Sections from 2001 onwards uploaded.
18.07.03 Launched as a site for the 12th WKC photo collection.

On a good day, this site has around 300 page loads. Thank you for all your support.