Temporary notice: No NWKC practices from July 10-31, 2026.

North Seattle Church Gym will be closed for summer camp during this timeframe.

Northwest Kendo

The Way of the Sword, practiced with discipline and heart.

Northwest Kendo is a Seattle-based dojo led by Shinichi Koike, 7th-dan kendo instructor from Japan and former U.S. Kendo Team coach.

We train with intensity, courtesy, and purpose, using the shinai and bokken as tools for physical and mental growth.

Visit the dojoDocuments and resources

About the dojo

Led by Koike Sensei, built around steady improvement.

Our club is a diverse mixture of ages, professions, languages, and experience levels. We value training hard, supporting one another, and building a safe, encouraging practice environment.

Practices are run by Koike Sensei with the support of senior students. Training typically includes meditation, warm-ups, kihon, and footwork, followed by free practice for armored students and additional fundamentals for beginners.

Membership

Dues and federation registration

Quarterly dues are $135 for adults and $90 for juniors. Family memberships are also available.

All kendo students must also register annually with the All United States Kendo Federation.

Practice schedule

Regular training at North Seattle Church

  • Monday and Thursday
  • Open to all members from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Observe a practice before joining

Non-members should email info@northwestkendo.com before visiting practice.

Dojo location

North Seattle Church

2150 N 122nd St, Seattle WA 98133

Open directions

First time visit

Come observe first, then step onto the floor with us.

Before joining, we recommend observing at least one practice and talking with us in person so you can understand how we train.

  • Wear comfortable exercise clothes for your first practices.
  • A shinai is available for beginners through the club.
  • Expect three to six months of fundamentals, conditioning, and footwork before armor training.

Sensei determines when students are ready to begin wearing hakama, gi, and eventually bogu.

What to expect

Focused training, welcoming atmosphere

Beginners train fundamentals and conditioning while advanced students continue pressure-tested practice in armor.

We believe disciplined repetition and community support are both essential to growth.

Documents and resources

Member paperwork, study links, and equipment references.

AUSKF Registration

Annual federation registration and membership information for club members.

Open link

PNKF Waiver

Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation waiver for new and returning members.

Open link

Club Fee Payment

Use the club payment link for quarterly dues, family memberships, and other dojo fees.

Open link

Training Archive

Follow Northwest Kendo videos, demonstrations, and club updates on YouTube.

Open link

If you need additional club paperwork or have questions about membership documents, email info@northwestkendo.com.

History and philosophy

A martial tradition shaped by discipline, courtesy, and character.

Origins of kendo

Kendo emerged from earlier sword schools as a safer way to train combative technique using protective equipment and bamboo swords. Over time, the practice evolved from battlefield preparation into a path of self-cultivation.

Bushido and modern practice

The values of bravery, loyalty, courtesy, and self-discipline remain central. Modern kendo is both a sport and a way of life, bringing together people from different backgrounds through the shared pursuit of improvement.

Mitori Keiko

One can only be better by practice, and Mitori Keiko is practice through watching. Careful observation is part of training at every level.

Community

Follow dojo updates

By attending practices, participants allow photos and videos taken during club activities to be used for Northwest Kendo club communications.