Paul Budden wrongly sued court case

My name is Kazuyo Matsuda and I am fundraising for my partner Paul Budden for his court case scheduled in the coming months in 2023.

Paul is a well-known kendo teacher and has been wrongly sued for defamation on social media by a former member of the British Kendo Association (BKA). The claim is not well-founded and has been brought in the wrong court and Paul, with the assistance of solicitors and a barrister, has applied to have the claim struck out.

The court hearing was determined to be heard on 3rd April 2023 at Guildford County Court, for which he would have to pay for legal representation. The Court has now transferred the case to the High Court and we are waiting for the date of the hearing. The Claimant has a history of bringing claims against the BKA who are also being sued in this case.

Unlike the BKA, Paul has to pay his own legal costs and I am appealing to you for help on his behalf. Paul has done much for the sport of Kendo in the UK. He has done a lot for the development of kendo in the UK by taking official roles as Kendo Bucho (2005 to 2008) and Kendo High Grade Committee member (2003 - 2005). He was the Co-Director of the 12th WKC Glasgow, Scotland (2003) and the Co-Director of IKET (International Kendo Enbu Taikai) Edinburgh, Scotland (2004 - 2006). Prior to this he was a GB team member. He is the founder and the head teacher at Kodokan Kendo Club, which has been running over 40 years. He is also the author of a series of books on kendo.

The estimated total for Paul’s legal costs to hire a barrister to attend the hearing at High Court (not including the over £8,000 incurred to date in preparing the application) is £5,000 plus VAT. Any donations are gratefully received. When I receive the funds, they will be passed on to Paul for him to pay his legal team. We will provide you with updates on the progress of the case as they occur.

Thank you for your help in advance.