Kendo & ZNKR Iaido

Who We Are:

As part of the Capital Area Budokai, the Northern Virginia Kendokai practices Kendo as a form of physical, philosophical and psychological training which both strengthens and ennobles its students. Kendo is the Japanese form of fencing. It arises from the sword arts of ancient Japan, and is the modern incarnation of a centuries-long evolution. Kendo is more than just learning to fence with a sword. It is also about discipline and honing a right spirit.

Kendo is practiced around the world under the International Kendo Federation (FIK), and in the United States under the All US Kendo Federation (AUSKF).

The Northern Virginia Kendokaii teaches the art of Kendo as prescribed by the FIK, and we are members of both the AUSKF as well as the Southeastern U.S. Kendo Federation (SEUSKF).

Our head instructor is:
Patrick Stewart, Godan (5th Dan)

Our Assistant Instructors are:
Hiromi Robinson, Godan (5th Dan)
Marcus Hawkins, Godan (5th Dan)
Ash Vouvounas, Yondan (4th Dan)
Austen Samkange, Yondan (4th Dan)

William and Mary Taikai 2011

What is Kendo?

Kendo is an exhilarating and demanding martial art. Kendo gives us the opportunity to learn how to fence in the Japanese style, to discipline our character, to engage in vigorous exercise, and to enjoy friendly competition. A typical kendo class involves warm-ups, suburi (cutting exercise), kihon (basics) practice, waza (technique) practice, and ji-geiko (free sparring) among other activities. Kendo is practiced by young and old, men and women alike. Injuries are uncommon thanks to bogu armor and the rules of kendo, and it is not unusual for kendoka to practice well into old age due to their love of this great martial art. We cordially invite you to join us.

For more Kendo in the Washington area we encourage students to practice with other clubs, which you can usually find on the Links section.

For more information on studying kendo, please contact Patrick Stewart at kendo@capitalareabudokai.org.