KENDO

剣道

New Student Enrollment

As part of the Capital Area Budokai, the Northern Virginia Kendokai practices Kendo as a form of physical, philosophical and psychological training which both strengthens and ennobles its students. Kendo is the Japanese form of fencing. It arises from the sword arts of ancient Japan, and is the modern incarnation of a centuries-long evolution. Kendo is more than just learning to fence with a sword. It is also about discipline and honing a right spirit.

Kendo is practiced around the world under the International Kendo Federation (FIK), and in the United States under the All US Kendo Federation (AUSKF).

The Northern Virginia Kendokai teaches the art of Kendo as prescribed by the FIK, and we are members of both the AUSKF as well as the Southeastern U.S. Kendo Federation (SEUSKF).

Our head instructor is:
Patrick Stewart, Godan (5th Dan)

Our Assistant Instructors are:
Hiromi Robinson, Godan (5th Dan)
Marcus Hawkins, Godan (5th Dan)
Ash Vouvounas, Godan (5th Dan)
Austen Samkange, Yondan (4th Dan)

New Student Enrollment

THE NEXT BEGINNERS CLASS OCTOBER 4TH!

  • In 2026, Capital Area Budokai Kendo (Northern Virginia Kendokai) will accept new students every 3-4 months.

  • The next class starts Sunday, October 4th.

  • Class is held at the Durant Center at 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314 in the main multi-purpose room on Sundays from 11:15 am-12:15 pm (plan for 12:30) and Tuesday evening from 7:00-8:00 pm.

  • New students will study a curriculum that includes:

    • Basic posture,

    • Basic cutting/striking technique,

    • Kiai (the signature kendo scream),

    • Footwork,

    • Tradition & etiquette,

    • Kirikaeshi (a classic kendo drill).

  • At the end of each session, new students are encouraged to stay and watch the advanced class that continues until 1:15PM on Sundays and 8:30 on Tuesdays.

  • There is a flat $80 ($40 for minors) up-front fee for the single-month introductory course. Payment is by PayPal (preferred) via this website or by check.

  • After that, our standard membership schedule applies ($80/Adults & $40/Minors). We recommend that you commit to yourself a minimum of 2 months after the beginners session in order to get a better chance to experience the regular class.

  • Before the start of the class, you should obtain a shinai (bamboo sword). We recommend BoguShop or www.e-bogu.com. Standard sizes are 39 for men and 38 for women. You need a fully assembled shinai with plastic handguard. You only need a basic practice model which is the lowest priced one. e-bogu calls it the Rengi. If there is a shipping delay, we can arrange a loaner for a few sessions.

  • Here are some links to specific product pages.

  • For this course, you should wear loose athletic clothing with pants or shorts that do not go below the ankle.

  • Upon successful completion of this introductory course students are allowed to, and should wear the basic uniform (keikogi and hakama) as they continue in the regular class. Wearing bogu/armor comes a few months later.

  • Students with prior kendo experience may join the club without enrolling in the beginner's course, subject to instructor approval. Please email us for details or stop by to speak with us.

  • Pre-registration is highly recommended, but walk-in registration is acceptable if space is available - just show up at the first class with your forms and fee. To preregister pay by PayPal and email the forms (from this website) to kendo@capitalareabudokai.org

  • We are an all-volunteer non-profit organization our instructors are learning for life and will be training alongside you. We want to share kendo with as many people as we can so we can build the kendo community.

  • We do not offer private lessons.

For more information on studying kendo, please contact Patrick Stewart at kendo@capitalareabudokai.org.

  • No!

    It’s really that simple of an answer.

    People start kendo at all ages. Of course, you won’t be as fast or as strong and you won’t learn as quickly as the younger students, but you can do this at any age.

  • We love visitors. If you in town or planning a trip for a few days, just send us a message to let us know. Please tell us your current rank and where you practice (country/state, dojo name and the national or U.S regional federation you belong to). We will get back with you to confirm our schedule. If we don’t respond quickly to your email, please send us a direct message on Facebook Messenger. Some mail gets directed to spam.

    If you are a regular member of another local area dojo, just let us know you are coming and come one by. Please be sure your own sensei has allowed you to visit.
    If you visit several times in a month, please consider a small donation so we can include that in our rec center payment.

  • Absolutely, we would love to have you, but we prefer that you only do this as a Shodan or above or if unranked, then after having done regular training in bogu for at least 3 years.
    Just let us know the situation and be sure that your own sensei approves.
    There are a few extra rules that will apply so that all the area dojos keep strong friendships.

Subscribe

Subscribe