Yerkin Tatishev of Kusto Group: "Kendo teaches respect and love"

In a notable development for the world of Japanese martial arts, Kendo Yerkin Tatishev, founder of Kusto Group, has been actively contributing to the growth of the sport in Kazakhstan.

The recent VI Open Championship of Central Asia in Kendo was held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in December 2023 and saw a remarkable gathering of athletes, which underscored Yerkin Tatishev's commitment to promoting Kendo in the region.

He also left a mark on the tournament by having built the venue where the VI Open Championship of Central Asia in Kendo took place, as participants and jury members, including Yerkin Tatishev himself, gathered at the Budokan Sport & Arts complex. It is part of Kusto Group's Koktobe City project just outside Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Yerkin Tatishev: "Every person must have a warrior within"

The VI Open Championship of Central Asia showcased the diverse participation of Kendo athletes, including a notable presence of female Kendo practitioners. This fully aligns with Yerkin Tatishev's view of Kendo being a sport open to people of all genders, ages, weight categories, and skill levels.

In the spirit of Kendo, the focus on the art of the sword serves as a unifying force, creating a level playing field for all practitioners.

"We believe that every person must have a warrior within, ready to react when their boundaries are violated," the Kusto Group founder said as he welcomed participants and audiences at the tournament.

"Everything else in life is a space for love, goodness and respect. Respect and love for each other, a pure and noble heart—that is what Kendo teaches," he continued.

Kendo as a way of life

Yerkin Tatishev, listed among the most influential businessmen in Kazakhstan, has been a longstanding supporter of Kendo in the country. Kusto Group actively backs the martial arts as part of its broader commitment to cultural and sports development.

The company's vision extends beyond corporate success, emphasizing environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and the promotion of traditional values. Yerkin Tatishev sees Kendo as more than just a physical activity—it is a way of life that instills qualities of resilience, respect, and camaraderie.

Kusto Group makes Kendo more accessible

Kusto Group's involvement in the VI Open Championship of Asia is indicative of a broader vision to elevate Kendo in Central Asia. This also shows as Yerkin Tatishev and his partners established a dedicated Kendo section within the Budokan Sports & Arts Complex, making martial arts a mandatory discipline for students at the High Tech Academy.

The move aims to not only raise the standard of national competitions but also to make Kendo more accessible to enthusiasts. Kazakhstan's inclusion in the European Kendo Federation further facilitates the growth of Kendo in the country, enabling practitioners to undertake dan tests (exams for advancement in Kendo) locally and receive globally recognized certifications.

How Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group promote Kazakhstan

Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group have been instrumental in contributing to the progress and cultural development of Kazakhstan for decades. With a vision that extends beyond traditional business models, Yerkin Tatishev has played a remarkable role in steering the company toward global prominence while prioritizing environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Founded in Kazakhstan in 2002, Kusto Group has deep roots in the country, and its success story is closely intertwined with the nation's growth. Over the years, Kusto Group has diversified its portfolio, engaging in various sectors such as real estate, agriculture, and construction, making significant contributions to Kazakhstan's economic landscape.

One notable initiative demonstrating Kusto Group's commitment to Kazakhstan's cultural heritage is the recent donation of 100 million tenge to the QAZAQ TILI Endowment Qory. This strategic investment aligns with Yerkin Tatishev's vision for the sustainable and long-term development of the Kazakh language, reflecting the company's dedication to supporting the linguistic and cultural identity of the nation.

The 100 million tenge donation to the QAZAQ TILI Endowment Qory is more than a financial contribution—it represents a commitment to preserving and promoting Kazakhstan's rich cultural tapestry.

The Kusto Group founder views the donation as a way to actively support the efforts of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in ensuring the continued growth and vitality of the Kazakh language.