Welcome to Dublin Kendo Kobukai
Learn Authentic Japanese Weapon Arts

New Kendo Beginners Course - register now!

Come learn the Way of the Japanese Sword in  Dublin Kendo, the home of Authentic Japanese Weapon Arts. Here, under the guidance of our qualified instructors you can study the "Way of the Sword". Suitable for young and old, complete beginners and experienced athletes!

Our New Dedicated Kendo Beginners Course Starts Saturday 10th Jan, 2026  Learn more -here!

learn more now

Unleash Your Inner Samurai!
Learn More Here

Learn more about Kendo

What is Kendo? 

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.

Physically Exciting

Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines Martial Arts etiquette such as respect for your teachers and opponent, with regular physical practice. Physical practice or "Keiko" can be demanding, but students are never placed in a situation where they may feel uncomfortable.

What is a Kendo-ka?

Practitioners of Kendo are called Kendo-ka, meaning "One Who Practices Kendo". Most Kendo-ka would follow the concept of Kendo as defined by the International Kendo Federation (of which Dublin Kendo Kobukai is a member).  

How Did Kendo Start?

For the Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship was a way of life. During the 14th Century, many different schools of teaching formed around Japan, each school being different. Teachings were based on practical experience from the battlefield and practice moved from using real swords to using wooden swords, known as Bokken.

The introduction of the bamboo sword, Shinai, around 1711- 1715 was a major breakthrough in the development of Kendo. Shortly after this the Kote (gauntlets), Do (breast plate), Tare (hip/groin protector), and Men (head protector) were invented and gained popular usage in the Dojo (fencing hall). With the advent of the new equipment, the swordsman was no longer hindered by the risk of injury during practice and could concentrate totally on his technique.

How Can I start Training in Kendo? 

Our Kendo Beginners Course is intended for practitioners with no prior experience in kendo aged 16 and above (participants under 18 years of age require authorisation from a parent or guardian to enroll).

All of the instructors in our Beginners Course 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.

Registration is Closed. Contact Us to Join the Waiting List.

I Already Train in Kendo, Can I Train with You?

Yes, of course! We'd love to have you come train with us.

If you are an experienced kendoka, you can join any of our classes immediately. Please selected the "Experienced kendoka" option here and use the "Comments" section to let us know when you're planning to start training.

Regular Membership

If you're already practicing or want to join the club after the beginners course the details are as follows:

Regular Membership: €59.99 per month
Concessionary Membership (students or unwaged): €30 per month
Children (6 to 16-years old): €25 per month

This covers your classes fees for as many classes per week as you wish to attend for the month. That means if you take just 1 class a week, it's only €15 a session. If you take 4 classes a week it works out at just €3.75 a session!

Both the club and federation are non-profit organizations and all fees go towards hall rental and other expenses related to running the club, such as insurance, governing body fees, and events. Of course, please let us know confidentially if you have any problems, we want you to train and this is more important than money.

Training Times and Locations

KENDO - The Way of the Sword

Monday
Intermediate +

20:35 - 22:00 **

St. John Bosco Youth Centre,

Davitt Road,

Drimnagh,

Dublin 12

Wednesday
Adults

20:15 - 22:15**

Nagle Hall,

Marino Institute of Education,

Griffith Avenue,

Marino,

Dublin 9

Friday
Advanced/Bogu

20:00 - 21:45**

St. Joseph's C.B.S. Secondary School,

Fairview,

Dublin 3

Saturday
Kids Kendo (Upper Hall)

12:30 - 13:30 **

The Ballybough Community

Youth & Sports Centre,

49 Ballybough Road,

Ballybough,

Dublin 3

Saturday
Regular (Main Hall)

12:45 - 14:45 **

The Ballybough Community

Youth & Sports Centre,

49 Ballybough Road,

Ballybough,

Dublin 3

Saturday
Beginners (Main Hall)

14:45 - 16:00 **

The Ballybough Community

Youth & Sports Centre,

49 Ballybough Road,

Ballybough,

Dublin 3

** Due to building restrictions, Saturday and Monday classes are unfortunately cancelled on bank holiday weekends.

Check out some our Dojo Kendo 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. 

A Journey in Irish Women's Kendo. (IMAC documentary)

An inspirational mini-documentary from the Irish Martial Arts Commission on Dublin Kendo Kobukai member Sophie on her journey from beginner to International Team Captain.

Check Our Media Section for Articles & Videos 

Like Us on Facebook to Stay Up To Date!

Check Out How You Can Start Training in Our Other Arts!

Copyright © 2020 - 2025 All Material on this website is copyright Dublin Kendo Kobukai, and licenced under the CC-BY Licence.

Privacy Policy