Welcome

Welcome to the official website of the Yale Kendo Club! We are a student-run club sport organization at Yale University. Practice and membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in learning about the martial art of kendo. Please see the side menu for our practice times and locations. Drop by any time to observe a class, or if you have any questions about joining us.

Basic Introduction:

Kendo is a vigorous, full-contact martial art utilizing shinai (bamboo swords) and bougu (protective armor). As such, the instructors of the Yale Kendo Club ensure a safe training environment by adhering to a strict practice regimen. New students will learn basic movement, footwork, grip, and swing in order to train without injuring oneself or others. After the first semester of training, students will be introduced to practicing in full bougu, which involves striking, sparring, and shiai (matches).

Below is a five minute English-language introduction to kendo by NHK, the largest public broadcasting studio in Japan:

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Reproduced below is the official concept of kendo, as published by the International Kendo Federation:

The Concept of Kendo

The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword).

The Purpose of Practicing Kendo

The purpose of practicing kendo is:

To mold the mind and body,

To cultivate a vigorous spirit,

And through correct and rigid training,

To strive for improvement in the art of kendo,

To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,

To associate with others with sincerity,

And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.

This will make one be able:

To love his/her country and society,

To contribute to the development of culture

And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.

(The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.)

Yale Kendo Club

News

Yale Kendo Demonstration April 2nd!