The Northwest Kendo Club practices every Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.
Class is managed by Shinichi Koike, a 7th-dan kendo instructor, or sensei, from Japan who has been teaching kendo for over 35 years.
In addition to managing his own business, Koike Sensei was a coach for the US Kendo team in 2000 and in 2003, taking the team to the World Kendo Championships at Glasgow, Scotland. He is currently on the board of the US Kendo Federation.
Practice is held at the Magnolia Community Center:
Classes consist of:
Footwork
Sparring Drills (two-person)
Free-Sparring
Kata (pre-arranged movements with a wooden sword based on actual sword techniques)
Meditation (a non-religious exercise designed to focus awareness)
NW Kendo actively competes in local, national, and international tournaments. Classes also prepare club members for these events through the use of mock competitions, individualized instruction, and team training events. For a list of tournaments and other events, please visit the Calendar page.
Why should you practice kendo?
1. Kendo is an exciting sport where size, gender, or age, do not make a difference in your success. The only requirement is a commitment to practice and to enjoy yourself.
2. Cardio-vascular exercise has been shown to not only promote health, but longevity and mental acuity as well. Kendo improves overall health in a challenging way that ensures one never loses interest. Every class is a different experience!
3. Kendo is special. It is a martial art that promotes respect and friendship while still holding to its roots in Japan's tradition of swordsmanship.
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