Springville Kendo

about kendo

About the club

Founded at Springville High School in 2023, this new club is open to all current students and alumni of the school. We teach the fundamentals of traditional Japanese Kendo as outlined by the All Japan and All United States Kendo Federations.

Our ultimate goal is to teach kendo to adults in the greater Springville/Southtowns area as a non-profit organization, registered with the AUSKF as an official kendo dojo.

About Kendo

Kendo is the traditional martial art of Japanese fencing. During a match, the opponents use slatted bamboo staves called shinai (which represent a sword) to try and hit a designated target on the opponent's armor and score a point.

Kendo, however, is much more than a sport. The process of learning kendo involves dedication, rigorous practices, and adhering to the all traditions and etiquette which surround this martial art. All of this develops character and promotes self-improvement that resinates into other aspects of our lives.

To obtain a rank in kendo, students must perform sparring and kata before a panel of federation judges as well as submit a written essay. Passing rates for higher levels are traditionally low, adding validity to the ranks and a sense of reverence for those who can acheive them.

For all levels, kendo is an ongoing challenge. We are all constantly striving to improve our understanding, performance, and spirit.

About Practice

A typical practice includes warm-up exercises followed by instruction and various drills. When advanced members are present, the class also includes supervised sparring.

About the Instructor

Starting in 2008, I studied kendo over 12 years with the Buffalo Kendo Club and acheived my 4-Dan ranking. I am currently practicing at a private dojo and working towards my 5-Dan promotion. I perviously volunteered my time to teach a one year kendo program for children at the Allentown Salvation Army, and I am currently an assistant instructor at the University at Buffalo Kendo Club. In August I practice primarily with the Chiba City Kendo Federation and occasionally with Masago Kenkyukai, both in Chiba, Japan. I continue to compete in tournaments and particpate in various other kendo events in North America and Japan.

Recent Kendo pictures from Japan

Chiba City Kendo Federation