Welcome to Northumbria Kendo Club!
Congratulations to Paul Carruthers for achieving 3rd Dan (SANDAN) and Mick Taylor for achieving 4th Dan (YONDAN). A fantastic result for both and for North East Kendo.
The Northumbria University Kendo club is one of main dojos in Newcastle. If you are interested in starting Kendo please see the Practice information page to find us and what days we practice on or check out our Facebook page for more information.
What is Kendo?
"Kendo is the art of Japanese sword fighting that was practiced by the Samurai. The art of
combat was a very important part of their lives, so they trained their sword skills every day.
Kendo literally translated “Ken” sword and “Do” the way, together it means, “The Way of the
Sword”. In the past the Samurai practiced using real swords or wooden ones in prearranged
forms called Kata. Consequently injuries were high. These difficulties were overcome by the
wearing of protective pads on the head and forearms. These pads were gradually altered and
modified over many years to the armour that is worn today by people that practice Kendo.
The wooden sword used for practice also went through many changes. The sword used
today is called a Shinai and is made of four pieces of bamboo carefully shaped which
substitutes the real sword and allows true and accurate strikes to be made. Although the
sword and armour of the Samurai have changed, the spirit and fighting techniques have
remained virtually the same. While the Samurai's life depended upon his skill and speed
with the sword, the present day's form of Kendo is a sport and International & National
competitions are held where speed and skills with the Shinai are required. As with the
Samurai, true and accurate strikes have to be made to those parts of the opponent's body
which would quickly incapacitate them."
Joining the Club
Northumbria Kendo club welcomes beginners and experienced people (and not just students) at any time of the academic year, we encourage people to join early as possible, as its more fun to learn the basics with others. We start running try-out classes from the beginning of term, we will also be attending the freshers sports fair so you can have a look at what kendo is all about. For your first classes please bring a track-suit or loose fitting light-weight clothing
Membership
Membership to Northumbria Kendo club is open to anyone over the age of 18 and can be either a student or member of the community. The joining fee covers for one year of kendo practice, please enquire at Sport Central for me information on Pricing
