Kendo
NWKC Members Practice: Monday & Thursday 6:30-8:30pm
North Seattle Church
NWKC Beginner Only Practice: Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm
Northgate Community Center
July 3-August 28 Session: Register HERE
"It’s not about being better than the other. It’s about being better than you were yesterday."
Koike, Shinichi
NW Kendo is led by Shinichi Koike, a 7th-dan kendo instructor from Japan and former US Kendo Team coach. The essence of our kendo philosophy is diligent training in the use of the shinai (bamboo sword) and bokken (wooden practice sword) as a path to physical and mental growth. We use the challenges of practice to help us grow and improve our skills, as well as support our personal and professional aspirations.
Northwest Kendo Club
We are a diverse mixture of languages and professions of all ages and genders. We value training hard and having fun and we provide a safe and encouraging practice environment for all of our students.
Meeting every Monday and Thursday, our classes are run by Koike Sensei with the support of a cadre of senior students. Training consists of meditation, warm-ups, and basic drills.
Students in armor engage in free-sparring after this while beginners are led through additional drills and footwork.
Dues are $135/quarter for adults and $90/quarter for juniors. Family memberships are also available.
All kendo students must also register with the All United States Kendo Federation and pay an annual fee.
First Time Visit
We are now offering a Beginner Only class on Wednesdays through Northgate Community Center. Beginner Only class is open to the public and available for registration online through Seattle Parks & Rec's website or at the front desk of Northgate Community Center.
Before joining, we recommend observing at least one practice and talking with us in person to help you get an understanding of how we train.
To start, you will only need comfortable exercise gear – a t-shirt and shorts will suffice. Don’t worry about purchasing equipment just yet! A shinai (bamboo sword) is available for purchase through the club for beginners. Expect to spend at least one to two beginner only sessions in plain clothes while you practice kendo fundamentals and conditioning.
Sensei will determine when you are ready to begin wearing a uniform and bogu (armor).
Practices
