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.

Practice Schedule

Live Oak Recreation Center
1301 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA, 94704

Tuesday Practice

5:45PM - 7:15PM

Thursday Practice

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 practitioner from another dojo and would like to visit and practice with us, please email us in advance at berkeleykendo@gmail.com or through our contact form.

To learn about our COVID protocol, please read the FAQ on the Starting Kendo page.