San Mateo Kendo Dojo

サンマテオ剣道道場

Latest News

December 31, 2025

2025 Year in Review

Hello everyone!

2025 is a wrap! This year brought significant changes and achievements. Around the beginning of the year, Ogihara sensei retired as an instructor after more than 40 years of service to our kendo community.

We launched our new website in July and participated in community demonstrations at the San Mateo County Fair and the Millbrae Japanese Cultural Festival.

Catherine Ikeda won the Women's Yudansha Division at the Hashimoto Hai Tournament in September and took 3rd place in the Women's division at the NCKF tournament in October.

We celebrated many promotions this year, including Daniel Ying sensei who achieved 4 dan, and Ota sensei who reached 5 dan.

Thank you for making 2025 a success. Our first practice of 2026 will be Saturday, January 10th, 2026, at Burlingame. We look forward to seeing everyone then!

Akia

Web Admin

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About Kendo

First practice, July 2, 1981 at Bayside Jr. High School

Kendo traces its roots to Japan’s samurai era, evolving from centuries-old swordsmanship traditions into a modern martial art and a sport that emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth. Through rigorous training with a bamboo sword (shinai) and protective armor, practitioners build both physical and mental strength.

Founded in 1981, San Mateo Kendo Dojo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit run by volunteer instructors, offering affordable training as part of the Northern California Kendo Federation (NCKF) and All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF).

Our Program

Beginner Class

Our beginner class introduces students of ages 9 and up to Kendo fundamentals such as striking basics, footwork and terminology. Moving on to advanced classes is determined by our sensei, who evaluates mastery of these essential skills, which can take 3-6 months.

Advanced Class

In our advanced class, students wearing bogu (armor) engage in a comprehensive curriculum that begins with warm-ups, advances through basic and then complex striking techniques, culminates in sparring to refine their skills, and prepare them for rank progression. Promotion exams are held every six months, offering students the opportunity to ascend through the ranks based on their mastery and skill development.