From cinema to samurai arts: Pawan Kalyan receives rare Kenjutsu honour, inducted into Takeda Shingen Clan

actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has achieved a rare international distinction in the field of martial arts with his formal entry into Kenjutsu, an ancient Japanese tradition of sword fighting. This honor recognizes his dedication, discipline, and deep involvement over decades in classical martial practices.

Widely known for his work in cinema and public life, Pawan Kalyan has long pursued martial arts alongside his professional commitments. His journey began long before he entered the world of cinema, as he received rigorous training in karate and other forms of fighting during his early years in Chennai. Over time, his interest expanded beyond physical technique to include the philosophy, discipline, and cultural traditions of Japanese martial arts, especially those associated with the samurai.

As part of this recognition, Pawan Kalyan was awarded the Fifth Dan by Japan’s esteemed martial arts body Sogo Budo Kanri Kai, a distinction considered rare for practitioners outside Japan. In another notable achievement, he became the first Telugu to be inducted into the Takeda Shingen clan under Sukei Muramatsu Sensei, an honor rarely given to non-Japanese practitioners.

He was also awarded the title of “Martial Arts Tiger” by the Golden Dragons organization, confirming his status in the global martial arts community. With these accolades, Pawan Kalyan joins a select group of Indian figures to gain international recognition in traditional Japanese martial disciplines.

His understanding of martial arts has repeatedly translated to the screen. Films like Akkada Ammayi, Ikkada Abbayi, Thammudu, Khushi, Annavaram, and OG showcased disciplined and original fighting styles, which helped bring organized martial arts to mainstream Hindi cinema.

As part of his advanced training, Pawan Kalyan studied under renowned Hanshi master Dr. Siddiq Mahmudi, one of the leading pioneers of Japanese martial arts in India. Under his supervision, he received a comprehensive education in kendo, achieving advanced technical mastery along with a deeper philosophical foundation.

On the film front, Pawan Kalyan was last seen in director Sujeeth’s gangster thriller The Call Me OG (2025), which also starred Emraan Hashmi, Prakash Raj, Priyanka Arul Mohan and Arjun Das. He will next be seen in Ustaad Bhagat Singh.