剣道体験/Kendo Trial Session for Japanese-English Translators

It's not unusual to have foreigners come to Kyumeikan for Kendo 'taiken' (体験) but on Nov 14 Kyumeikan recenty hosted a group of 13 Japanese translators who wanted to experience Kendo to be able to explain it better and introduce Japan's foremost martial art to their foreign clients.

Evidently, age is no barrier to enjoying Kendo! To the right are Kyumeikan's regular members.

It was interesting to see foreigners (Alex from Austria, front centre, and Domingo from Dominican Republic, upper right hand corner) teaching the locals how to wear Kendo bogu (protective gear). Kyumeikan has a good mix of locals and foreigners training together under Kubo sensei, as well as international dojos in Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Ekaterinburg and China (Wenzhou, Yantai) and Hong Kong.

The group got a taste of basic kendo moves...

...and lots of limited edition Kyumeikan omiyage (souveniers) to bring home. To the left of the lady carrying a stack of Kyumeikan towels is Kubo Sensei.

Tokyo Kendo Kyumeikan 2009.11.07

Sensei in Yekaterinburg

To Enrich and Be Enriched by Way of the Sword

Kendo, the ancient Japanese martial art of fencing with long bamboo swords, is attracting increased attention from foreigners even as its popularity wanes among the Japanese.

The spread of kendo abroad has been driven in part by 65-year-old Akira Kubo, the sensei who directs Kyumeikan Kendo Dojo, whose martial arts academies extend from Tokyo to China and Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Israel, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Lithuania.

Mr. Kubo, who holds a 7th dan ranking in kendo -- just below the top-ranking 8th dan -- has traveled to more than 50 countries to teach and promote kendo since 1970 when he took over the leadership of Kyumeikan, the dojo started by his father. "The Wall Street Juornal"...

Dear Readers,

It has been a very long time since I`ve been able to update this blog, but I am happy to provide you with some news about Kubo senseis activities along with a few new pictures.

Kubo sensei has been to China to teach Kendo and was also able to attend the wedding of one of Kyumeikan Dojos members. Please enjoy

Travel to Taiwan

In December last year there was one very important date in Kancho Sensei`s schedule. The travel to Taiwan to practice with Liu Sensei. Liu Sensei is the president of the Taiwanese Kendo Federation and a very good friend of Kancho Sensei. Together with some Kyumeikan Dojo members and Kendoka from Chichibu, Kancho Sensei went to Taiwan and enjoyed excellent Kendo and the hospitality of Taiwan and its people.

Christmas in Lithuania

Today I would like to present you a very nice picture of a Christmas party in our Lithuania Kyumeikan Dojo. Under the care of Ricardas Zilaitis, a huge number of children practices the Japanese Art of Kendo.


We wish them all the best for the future and hope for many more children to join.

Dear Readers,

It has been a very long time since I last updated this blog and I sincerely apologize for it. The last month was a very busy one and I will try through the next few posts to inform you about what has been going on.




I would like to start with a very happy memory. After the Kendo examination last month we had a big party with more than 70 people attending. There was even a band that entertained us with fantastic music. Please enjoy the beautiful pictures.

Kyumeikan Dojo