Welcome to the Kobe Kendo Kai
We are the oldest kendo dojo in Kobe.
About the “Kobe Kendo Kai”
The Kobe Kendo Kai is a historic kendo club located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture,Japan.Through kendo, we aim to contribute to “community revitalization,” “personal development,” “social contribution,” and “youth development.”
Kendo is one of the few sports where age differences are largely irrelevant; it is a martial art that anyone can start at any time and continue practicing throughout their life. The Kobe Kendo Kai welcomes participants of all ages and genders, from first-grade elementary school students to anyone who enjoys practicing kendo with vigor. Given the nature of Chuo Ward in Kobe, the club serves as a training venue for people from other prefectures who have moved to Kobe for work. Additionally, in line with the trend toward a more globalized society, many people from overseas participate to experience Japanese culture, fostering cross-cultural exchange across national borders.
Independence
The Kobe Kendo Kai was founded in 1952 with Kazuo Nakai, then Mayor of Kobe, serving as its first president. It is the oldest active “kendo club” in Kobe City. With its long history, the club is now composed of a diverse membership of all ages and genders, including university professors, civil servants, company employees, self-employed individuals, and homemakers.
Our coaching staff consists primarily of experienced kendo practitioners and black-belt holders who are members of our club. We operate on a strictly non-profit basis, providing instruction to both our youth division and general members.Practice Schedule
Every Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Every Friday from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Open Practice)
*Please be ready to practice and gather 10 minutes before the start time.
About Membership
[Membership Requirements]
Anyone who is healthy enough to practice kendo is welcome to join. Foreign nationals may also join, but please note that certain precautions apply.
［Experienced］
Please note that experienced Kendo practitioners (both children and adults who hold a Kyu or Dan rank, or are able to participate in practice wearing full Kendo armor) may join our club at any time throughout the year.
*You may be asked to present a form of identification, such as an Alien Registration Card.
［Notice Regarding Beginner Membership］
Thank you for your continued support of Kobe Kendo Club.
We are pleased to welcome many new members who are interested in learning Kendo.
However, due to the increasing number of beginners, differences in skill levels, and limited training space, it has become difficult to provide safe and effective instruction.
To ensure everyone's safety and maintain a high-quality training environment, we have decided to limit beginner membership registration to twice a year.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
［Beginner Membership Registration］
Kobe kendo kai accepts new members with no prior Kendo experience twice a year, during the following registration periods.
First Registration Period
- Application Period: March 1 – March 31 (annually)
- Membership Start Date: April 1
Second Registration Period
- Application Period: September 1 – September 30 (annually)
- Membership Start Date: October 1
Please ensure that you submit your application during one of the designated registration periods.
Applications submitted outside these periods will not be accepted, and membership will not be granted.
［Beginner Membership Registration］
Kobe kendo kai accepts new members with no prior Kendo experience twice a year, during the following registration periods.
First Registration Period
- Application Period: March 1 – March 31 (annually)
- Membership Start Date: April 1
Second Registration Period
- Application Period: September 1 – September 30 (annually)
- Membership Start Date: October 1
Please ensure that you submit your application during one of the designated registration periods.
Applications submitted outside these periods will not be accepted, and membership will not be granted.
［Membership Fees］
6 months: 15,000 yen
Payment is due twice a year, in April and September, for a 6-month period.
There are no initial fees or enrollment fees.
Fees for registration with the Hyogo Prefecture Kendo Federation, as well as fees for promotion and dan grading exams, will be charged separately based on actual costs.
If you want to do some quick practice
Experienced practitioners who come to practice while on business trips or vacation can participate for 500 yen per session. However, we are unable to lend out equipment such as protective gear.
Instructor
Chairman: Shigeru OgawaAdvisory Master: Akihiro Ito (8th Dan Kyoshi)
Advisor: Yasujiro Kimura (7th Dan Kyoshi)
Special Instructor: 1 (7th Dan Kyoshi)
Practice schedule
Be sure to check the practice schedule and location.
Practice Location
Practice sessions will be held at multiple locations. Please check the details each time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
It may take some time for us to respond.
