Pawan Kalyan Earns International Honour with Induction into Japanese Swordsmanship Tradition

Renowned South Indian actor, politician, and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Pawan Kalyan has received a rare international honour with his formal induction into Kenjutsu, the ancient Japanese art of swordsmanship. The recognition underscores over three decades of disciplined training, research, and unwavering commitment to classical martial arts traditions.

Pawan Kalyan’s journey in martial arts began long before his rise in cinema and public life. During his formative years in Chennai, he underwent rigorous training in karate and allied disciplines, laying a strong technical and philosophical foundation. Over time, his interest evolved into an in-depth study of traditional Japanese Samurai martial systems, which he pursued with remarkable seriousness and scholarly dedication.

His mastery of martial arts has also found expression on the silver screen. Through films such as Akkada Ammayi Ikkada Abbayi, Thammudu, Khushi, Annavaram, and the upcoming OG, he brought authentic martial disciplines into mainstream Indian cinema, helping introduce global audiences to the depth and philosophy of these traditions.

In recognition of his sustained dedication, Pawan Kalyan has received multiple international accolades. He was awarded the prestigious Fifth Dan (5th Dan) by Sogo Budo Kanri Kai, one of the most respected governing bodies of traditional Japanese martial arts. He also became the first Telugu-speaking individual to be inducted into the Takeda Shingen Clan under the lineage of Soke Muramatsu, an honour rarely extended to practitioners outside Japan.

Further adding to his accolades, Pawan Kalyan was felicitated by the Golden Dragons organisation with the distinguished title “Tiger of Martial Arts”.

As part of his advanced training, he studied under noted Budo authority Hanshi Prof. Dr. Siddiq Mahmoodi, one of India’s foremost exponents of Japanese martial arts. Under his mentorship, Pawan Kalyan underwent comprehensive instruction in Kendo, achieving a high level of technical proficiency and philosophical depth.

This milestone places Pawan Kalyan among a select group of Indian public figures who have successfully bridged cinema, classical martial arts, and martial philosophy on an international stage. For practitioners and admirers alike, his Kenjutsu induction stands not merely as a ceremonial recognition, but as a testament to a lifelong journey defined by discipline, humility, and continuous learning—core values at the heart of traditional Budo and his personal ethos.