What is Kendo?
Kendo is the modern martial art of Japanese swordsmanship. Kendo offers lifelong opportunities to strengthen and deepen character through the study of “the way of the sword.”
Every person has their own unique reasons for wanting to practice kendo. Whether your primary interest is competition, physical exercise, mental or spiritual training, Japanese culture, attaining a specific rank, making friends, or participating in a family activity, you can meet your goals at our dojo.
Our twice-weekly practices involve warm-ups, footwork, and practicing techniques (waza). Members with sufficient experience practice while wearing protective armor (bogu) and engage in matches with other dojo members. We also spend time each week practicing kendo kata using wooden swords (bokuto). Kata are choreographed sets of movements and strikes that help us focus on posture, footwork, breathing, and basic kendo techniques.
To learn about joining Berkeley Kendo Dojo, please visit our Starting Kendo page.
What is Iaido?
Iaido originates from Japanese sword techniques that emerged between the 14th and 16th centuries. Its primary objective is to master the art of drawing the sword swiftly to overcome an aggressor in an instant.
As a "Way" or discipline, iaido not only trains the physical skills but also nurtures a spiritual understanding of the interconnectedness between life and death, as well as the harmony between movement and stillness.
The connection to kendo (Tuesday & Thursday, same practice location) is very close, and provides practitioners with a comprehensive and complementary training experience.
Practice Schedule
Live Oak Recreation Center
1301 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA, 94704
Kendo
Tuesday & Thursday 5:45PM - 7:15PM
Iaido
Wednesday 5:45PM - 7:15PM
We do not practice on holidays observed by the City of Berkeley.
To learn about our COVID protocol, please read the FAQ on the Starting Kendo page.
Visiting From Another Dojo?
If you are a kendo or iaido practitioner from another dojo and would like to visit and practice with us, please email us in advance at [email protected] or through our contact form.
To learn about our COVID protocol, please read the FAQ on the Starting Kendo page.
