Mind
Develop composure, awareness and the confidence to act with purpose.
稽古 Invercargill · Southland · New Zealand
Build spirit.
Sharpen character.
Discover kendo—the Japanese way of the sword—in a welcoming club built on discipline, respect and steady progress.
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剣の道 More than a martial art
A practice for life.
Kendo combines dynamic sword work with etiquette, focus and self-control. At IKC, traditional training meets a down-to-earth Southland community.
See how beginners get started →Body
Build coordination, fitness and resilient movement at your own pace.
Sword
Learn precise technique through kihon, partner drills and sparring.
私たちの歩み Our roots
A southern dojo, founded with purpose.
Tatsuya Fukuda founded Invercargill Kendo Club on 7 February 2002, establishing a home for traditional Japanese kendo in Southland.
2002 IKC founded2005 Otago Kendo Club founded
From the beginning, IKC has valued every dimension of traditional Japanese kendo: skill, philosophy and culture. The club respects each practitioner and supports their individual journey. Tatsuya extended that southern legacy when he founded Otago Kendo Club in Dunedin on 7 March 2005.
Our roots remain our direction: through sincere practice, kendo can strengthen character and build self-confidence. We honour that purpose in every bow, every repetition and every person welcomed onto the dojo floor.
剣道とは What is kendo?
The way of the sword.
Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art rooted in the sword traditions of the samurai. Its name means “the way of the sword”.
Practitioners use a bamboo sword called a shinai and protective armour called bōgu to train safely and with full commitment. Practice brings together precise technique, dynamic movement, awareness and respect. It is physically demanding, mentally challenging and open to people at every stage of life.
Kendo is both martial discipline and competitive sport, but its purpose reaches beyond winning. Through etiquette, repeated practice and honest engagement with an opponent, kendoka work to develop courage, composure, self-confidence and strength of character.
剣 Ken Sword道 Dō Way or path稽古 Keiko Practice
Train with us
Make it part of your week.
All sessions are at the old gym at Southland Girls' High School. Enter through the west-side gate, closest to Rugby Park.
TuesdayAll levels
6:30pm—7:30pmThursdayAll levels
6:30pm—7:30pmSaturdayAll levels
10:00am—11:30amSibling discount: $10 off the second child.
Family option: With one adult member, children train for $10 each per month.
Beginner equipment hire is included while you learn.
初心者 New to kendo?
Your first step is simple.
No experience, uniform or equipment needed. Come along, meet the club and see a session for yourself.
Say hello
Send a quick enquiry so we know to expect you and can answer any questions.
Visit the dojo
Wear comfortable exercise clothes. We will introduce you to the space and the group.
Learn the basics
Start with posture, footwork and safe handling of a shinai, guided by club instructors.
BEGINNER READY
Everything you need to begin.
Loan equipment is available while you learn, and training is adapted to your level.
- No experience needed
- All ages and backgrounds welcome
- Supportive, structured coaching
From the dojo
Club news & updates.
Good to know
Questions before you start?
Here are the things most new members want to know.
Ask us anything →No. Training can be adapted to your current level, and fitness develops naturally as you practise.
Comfortable exercise clothes and a water bottle are enough for your first visit. The club can provide beginner equipment.
Absolutely. Beginners learn posture, etiquette, movement and basic strikes in a safe, structured progression.
Yes. Contact us first and we will arrange a suitable session for you to observe or try.
Your journey starts here