On January 9, 2025, Assistant Professor Dr. Martin Dimitrov from the Japanese Studies department of Sofia University, took part in the television show “100% Awake” on the Bulgarian National Television. The occasion was his long experience in the field of martial arts and the “Golden Belt” award, which he received in December 2024 for his overall contribution to the development of kendo in
Bulgaria.
Dr. Dimitrov has been practicing the Japanese martial art of kendo for 20 years. In this period he has participated and achieved accolades in many national and international tournaments. From 2023 he teaches kendo as an elective course for students of Sofia University majoring in Japanese Studies and South, East and Southeast Asian Studies.
In the show, Dr. Dimitrov talked about his stay at the Faculty of Physical Education of Kokushikan University in 2010, about his passion for martial arts and Japanese history, as well as the sports classes with the students of Sofia University.