Dojo · Monastir Kendo Club
道場
Kendo in Monastir
Monastir Kendo Club is where Tunisian kendo began. The country’s first dojo opened here in 2010 under François Briouze sensei, carrying the way of the sword to the Sahel coast 150 km south of Tunis. It closed in 2016 — and for nearly a decade the Monastir Governorate held only the memory of those first keiko.
In 2026 the club reopened, reignited by the arrival of JICA volunteer Maeda sensei and co-founded with Raji Ben El Ghali sensei. Affiliated once more to the Tunisian Kendo League, Monastir Kendo Club anchors a renewed kendo scene in the Sahel — training a new generation and, with neighbouring Ouardanine, preparing competitors for the 2026 Tunisian Championship. Complete beginners are welcome.
Schedule
To Be Announced
Sensei
Raji Ben El Ghali & Maeda (JICA Volunteer)
Where
Monastir, Monastir Governorate, Tunisia
Monastir, Tunisia
Beginners
入門
How to start kendo in Monastir
Kendo is the Japanese way of the sword, practised in armour with bamboo swords. Monastir 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.