Welcome to Dublin Kendo Kobukai
Learn Authentic Japanese Weapon Arts

Unleash Your Inner Samurai!

You learn about our new 2026 beginners courses in all three arts: Iaido, Jodo & Kendo below.

KENDO - The Way of the Sword

Kendo means "Way of the Sword". It is a traditional Japanese martial art of sword-fighting which was developed as a safe way for Samurai to practice their swordsmanship.

All of the instructors in our Adult Kendo Classes have achieved at least the ranking of 5th Dan in kendo, have multiple years of kendo coaching experience, and have represented Ireland in multiple international competitions abroad.

At the end of our 8-week Kendo Beginners Course, you will be expected to:

  • Understand and demonstrate fundamental kendo values and attitudes
  • Know how to properly hold and swing a Japanese sword
  • Show good posture and proper kendo footwork
  • Execute basic attacking techniques in kendo
  • Be ready to progress to our regular kendo classes
  • And even speak a little bit of Japanese!

Registration for our next course, starting Jan 10th, 2026 is OPEN - click here!

Registration for the Iaido Beginners Course is Closed

IAIDO - The Art of the Samurai Sword

Iaido is the art of Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship. How to draw, cut and sheathe the Japanese Samurai Sword in a fluid combination. It is a highly detailed, specialized art that also involves the study of military strategic thought and samurai philosophy. In virtually all schools of Iai, the kata/waza are composed of four essential elements.

Our next 8-Week IAIDO Beginners Course Starts Monday October 20th. Classes take place each Monday: 19:10 - 20:25 at the St. John Bosco Youth Centre, Davitt Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.

In this course you'll learn how to draw and cut in a single fluid motion, how to deliver a finishing blow, how to clean and sheathe the sword, block, parry, thrust and strike, samurai tactics, strategy and life philosophy and so much more.

Your instructor is Emmanuel Clarke, 3rd Dan in Iaido, a multiple time European Iaido Championship Competitor and member of Team Ireland. In addition, Clarke is also a former European Championship Gold and Silver medalist in Korean Swordsmanship.

Join the early notification list today to be notified in advance when we open registration for our next course - click here!

Registration for the Jodo Beginners Course is closed

JODO - The Way of the Stick

Jodo is the art of using the jo, a 4-foot stick to fight and defeat an opponent armed with a (wooden) sword. Jodo is one of, if not the, most practical samurai martial arts ever developed. The stick is a simple weapon. Every household has a broomstick. And yet, the stick has numerous advatnages of other traditional weapons.

The Jo can thrust like a spear, sweep like a halbred, strike and "cut" like a sword. And do so equally from the left and right, as both ends of the jo can be used, unlike the sword, where the design of the weapon only allows cutting from the blade. As both ends of the jo can be used without impediment, the jo can be used in continuous and flowing fashion, preventing counter attack and doubling it’s offensive capacity.

We're going to teach you the same techniques, the same moves, the same samurai strategies taught to the Japanese Police, and developed from a 400-year-old authentic Samurai Stick Fighting method.

Our final course for 2025 starts Thursday 16th October from 19:30 -21:30 at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co. Dublin

Join the early notification list today to be notified in advance when we open registration for our next course - click here!

Check out some our Dojo Videos!

The following are some recent clips from our seminars and public demonstrations. 

Irish Kendo: 20 Years in the Making

Taking a behind the scenes look at the recent Kendo Seminar, part of the 20 year anniversary celebrations. You'll see some great Kendo, great instruction, and even greater friendships. 

Dublin Kendo at Shurikon 2020

A short fun video showing the members of Dublin Kendo Demonstrating Iaido, Jodo and Kendo. And some general fun behind the scenes moments as we enjoyed the 'con.  

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