Kendo is the Japanese way of the sword, practised in armour with bamboo swords. Carthage Kendo Club welcomes complete beginners — no martial arts background required. Most newcomers start with three months of footwork and basic strikes (kihon) before introducing armour.

Send an email or message to the dojo to arrange a trial session. You don't need any equipment for your first visits — the dojo lends a shinai (bamboo sword). When you're ready, our equipment guide covers what to buy, how to care for it, and where to source it through our partner Nippon Budo.