YōSHINKAN KENDO
To nurture spirit, soul and mind through the principles of the sword
Wellington, NZ
Welcome to Yōshinkan Kendo, a vibrant club that has been passionately practicing Kendo in Wellington for over 20 years. Together, we seek to cultivate ourselves and build community through dedicated training, rigorous exercise and shared commitment to the principles of respect, discipline, and camaraderie. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced Kendoka, we invite you to follow in the footsteps of the Samurai, and join us on the Way of the Sword.
About
24 years on the Way of the Sword
Yōshinkan Kendo Club was founded on May the 4th, 2001 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand by Sue Lytollis Sensei and Liz Dutton Sensei.
Originally called the Hutt Kendo Club, it was renamed Yōshinkan by Ozawa Hiroshi Sensei, Hachidan and author of the Definitive Guide to Kendo. The meaning of Yōshinkan is to ‘Nurture Spirit, Soul and Mind’.
Since then, the club has moved to Wellington and trains in various locations around the city 3 times a week. Our team is composed of over 30 members with various levels of Kendo experience, many of whom have competed in tournaments nationally and internationally. Our door is always open to anyone who shares our passion for Japanese culture and hunger for growth and friendship.
Why we love kendo
AND YOU WILL TOO!
What is Kendo?
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art that brings together the physical and mental aspects of traditional swordsmanship. Using a bamboo sword (shinai) and protective armor, we engage in sparring matches where precision, technique, and honour are key. Rooted in the samurai tradition, Kendo emphasizes discipline, etiquette, and personal growth, making it a unique blend of athleticism, tradition, and philosophy.
-
Exercise
Physically, Kendo enhances fitness, agility, coordination, and speed. Through regular training, you learn to attack with commitment, strength and control.
-
Personal Development
Kendo cultivates focus, discipline, and the ability to control emotions under pressure. On a deeper level, Kendo fosters personal growth, self-confidence, and the development of a strong character.
-
Community
Our club welcomes all who share a love for Kendo and demonstrate a commitment to training. We celebrate our shared interest and friendship both inside and outside the dojo.
Training
Join us AND START YOUR JOURNEY
Weekly Schedule
Monday
Training -
Open to all.
Thistle Hall
293 Cuba Street
Wellington
6:30 - 8:30pm
Wednesday
Training -
Beginners Encouraged.
Mt Cook School Hall
160 Tory Street
Wellington
6:30 - 8:30pm
Saturday
Asa Geiko -
Those in bogu welcome.
Vogelmorn Hall
13 Vennell Street
Brooklyn, Wellington
8:30am - 9:30am
Information FOR BEginners
-
We welcome beginners who want to try Kendo to join us any time of year at our Wednesday practice. We also organise two beginners courses each year, which are great times to join and train with others who will be learning Kendo for the first time.
Contact us ahead of time via the form below or by emailing hello@yoshinkankendo.nz.
-
Our Beginners Course is a six week introduction to Kendo. We run two courses a year with the changing of the seasons.
Every Wednesday, 6:30pm - 8pm (Seniors will continue until 8:15, and you're welcome to watch)
Mt Cook School Hall, Tory Street, Wellington City
The course is open to anyone 12 years and over
Don't worry if you cannot make every session - we all learn at our own pace and we will repeat concepts and fundamentals
The price of the course is $40 for 6 lessons.
Our beginners course will introduce you to the fundamentals of Kendo, including how to hold and swing the bamboo sword, how to stand and move, and how to make correct cuts to your opponent.
Please fill out your details below. Drop us an email at hello@yoshinkankendo.nz if you have any questions.
-
Our summer beginners course is currently in progress. Don't let this put you off. Get in touch.
-
You don't need any equipment, everything will be supplied. Please wear comfy shorts or ¾ pants (not down to the ground please) and t shirt.
An instructor or senior student will introduce themselves and help you find your feet.
Let us know if you have a medical condition (we can work around most things so don’t let it put you off).
-
Full time members of our club pay a regular subscription in order to contribute to the cost of hiring venues and maintaining club equipment.
Monthly Subscriptions
Waged: $40 per month
Unwaged: $30 per month
Family waged: $30 + $20 per additional member per month
Family Unwaged: $20 + $10 per additional member per month
Armour Rental
You can rent armour from the club for an additional $10 per month.
-
You won't need any equipment during your introduction to Kendo, all necessary equipment will be provided by the club. Once you're ready to join the club as a member, you'll want to consider buying some of your own equipment.
Shinai & Bokuto - Within a month or two you may want to buy a shinai bamboo sword (about $70) and a bokuto wooden sword (about $70) and carry case ($15- $50).
Keikogi & Hakama - You can buy keikogi (jacket) and hakama (trousers) and wear these at any time. Senior members will show you how to wear, fold, and care for them. (Costs are about $150-300 per item new; second hand may be available).
Bogu - When you are ready, we will talk to you about whether you want to buy bogu (armour) from about $500 or whether you want to hire them from the club until you feel you can afford to buy armour.
Contact us
Join us and start your journey on the Way of the Sword. Fill in this form, or email us at hello@yoshinkankendo.nz.