Starting

You can join online, and look up the pricing here.

Find an Art

Firstly, are you looking for Kendo, Iaido or jodo? Not sure? You can read a full explanation about what each art is by clicking the links below, but, in brief:

  • Kendo meaning “Way of the Sword“, is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or Kenjutsu. Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements
  • Iaido is the art of drawing a Japanese sword from its scabbard to obtain advantage over an opponent. The sword is drawn to defend one’s self, to control or to kill an enemy in the most efficient way.
  • Jodo meaning “the way of the jo“, is a Japanese martial art using short staffs called jo. The art is similar to bujutsu, and is strongly focused upon defense against the Japanese sword. The jo is a short staff, usually about 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) long.

Find a Club

Right, now you’re in the picture about the three arts, have a look for a club near you. Contact details for clubs can be found on the BKA’s dojo (club) listings:

If you have any questions, or you cannot contact a club, please ask on the forum and someone will help you. Alternatively, see our contact page here.

Once you have joined a local club, you will need to join the British Kendo Association (BKA). We provide insurance cover and other benefits, such as events and national seminars, competitions and gradings.
You might also like to use the graphic maps below to help you locate a club…

The most up-to-date map of UK dojo

You can also check the information in the directory of affiliated dojo too, which remains the best source of up to date information (provided the dojo has updated its details). Please remember that all organisation, in the BKA and at a club level, is done by volunteers (who generally have day jobs), so it may take a little time to get a response.