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YōSHINKAN KENDO

To nurture spirit, soul and mind through the principles of the sword

Wellington, NZ

Information about the NZ Nationals 2026 Is available Below

NZ Nationals 2026 Info Pack

Welcome to Yōshinkan Kendo, a vibrant club that has been passionately practicing Kendo in Wellington for 25 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

25 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.

  • Four people practicing kendo with shinai in a gymnasium.

    Learn to wield the bamboo sword to attack and defend effectively

  • Kendo practitioners in black armor, wearing helmets with face grills, practicing martial arts in a dojo setting. Two individuals are sparring with bamboo swords while others observe. The group stands on a wooden floor, surrounded by blue curtains.

    Attend seminars to learn from Sensei around NZ, Australia and Japan

  • Hands holding medals with text "The Melbourne Kendo Cup 2 Open Teams Champions Tora Dojo" against a dark blue and red flag background.

    Compete with your team mates in tournaments at home and abroad

  • Outdoor kendo demonstration with two performers in traditional attire, in front of a crowd at The Dowse Art Museum.

    Share your passion for Japanese Culture with the local community

  • A group practicing kendo in a gym, wearing protective gear and holding bamboo swords. Flags of New Zealand and Japan are visible in the background.

    Commit to cultivating yourself through regular training

  • Kendo practitioners in action indoors

    Exercise

    Physically, Kendo enhances fitness, agility, coordination, and speed. Through regular training, you learn to attack with commitment, strength and control.

  • Group practicing Kendo with shinai in a gymnasium

    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.

  • Group martial arts practice in gymnasium, featuring instructor and participants with wooden swords, wearing traditional uniforms, standing in circle.

    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

Te Whaea, Dance Studio 1
11 Hutchinson Rd
Newtown, Wellington
6:30 - 8:30pm

Wednesday

Training

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 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.

    Our next beginners course will be later in the year. Get in touch via the form below, and we’ll add you to the waiting list.

  • Our Beginners Course is a four week introduction to Kendo.

    • Every Monday and Wednesday, 6:30pm - 7:30pm (Seniors will continue until 8:15, and you're welcome to watch)

    • 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 8 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.

  • Our next beginners course will be later in the year. Get in touch via the form below, and we’ll add you to the waiting list.

  • 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: $40 + $20 per additional member per month

    • Family Unwaged: $30 + $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 $800 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.