San Diego Kendo Bu
San Diego Kendo Bu (SDKB) is the oldest and largest kendo dojo in San Diego, and one of the largest in southern California. Founded in 1972 by former Team USA member Yamanishi Sensei, with the focus on teaching kendo, or Japanese fencing, SDKB proudly brings a critical facet of budo training to the San Diego community. Since its inception, SDKB has grown into a dojo spanning 3 generations of sensei, with over 80 members, branch affiliates in Yuma, AZ and Tokyo, JPN, and a collaboration with the UC San Diego via the UCSD Recreations Class, UCSD Kendo Club, and UCSD Collegiate Kendo Team. San Diego Kendo Bu is also the only dojo in the San Diego region to have affiliation with the Japanese Self Defense Force (jietai) to have current and former members of Team USA and Team Canada, Team NCKF, and Team SCKF as part of the dojo, as well as to have frequent national and international visitors.
At San Diego Kendo Bu, we welcome anyone interested in learning about kendo and Japanese culture. Our style is a warm, family-like atmosphere, where we value diversity of background, age, and ability. Our dojo is a great place to develop discipline and self-confidence, as well as to be a part of a welcoming community interested in both the athletic and cultural aspects of kendo. We have members from 8 to over 80 years old, and advanced and beginner classes available. San Diego Kendo Bu is part of the Southern California Kendo Federation and All US Kendo Federation. Lead by Head Instructor, Dr. Henry Kikunaga Sensei, SDKB has practices on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and on Saturdays with UCSD Head Instructor, Dr. Matthew Schultzel.
category:
Martial Arts
Instructors:
Dr. Henry Kikunaga
PERFORMANCE TIME
6:30pm – 7:00pm
Kendo
Kendo, meaning “the way of the sword,” is a modern Japanese martial art that evolved from traditional samurai swordsmanship (kenjutsu). Practitioners wear protective armor (bōgu), which includes a helmet (men), breastplate (dō), gloves (kote), and waist protector (tare), and they spar using bamboo swords called shinai. Training emphasizes both physical technique and mental discipline, reflecting the spirit of bushidō, the samurai code of conduct.
A typical kendo practice includes repetitive drills (kata and kihon), footwork training, and full-contact sparring (keiko). Strikes are delivered to specific target areas—head, wrist, torso, and throat—with precision and a spirited shout (kiai), accompanied by correct posture and timing. Success in kendo depends as much on mental focus and presence as on physical ability.
Kendo originated in the 18th and 19th centuries when protective equipment and shinai were introduced, allowing for realistic yet safe sparring. By the early 20th century, it was formalized as a discipline promoting character building, courtesy, and self-improvement rather than combat readiness. Today, kendo is practiced worldwide, with structured ranks (kyū and dan) and competitions organized by national and international federations.
At its heart, kendo is not only a martial practice but also a path of lifelong learning, discipline, and respect, embodying the Japanese principle of keiko—“to think of the old and learn anew.”
