Kendo (剣道) is a modern Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords and protective armor. The word itself translates to "the way of the sword," with "ken" (剣) meaning "sword" and "do" (道) meaning "the way." Kendo was developed from traditional techniques of Japanese swordsmanship known as Kenjutsu.
The martial art involves a combination of strikes and thrusts, aimed at specific target areas on the opponent's body. The target areas are the head, wrists, and torso, each of which are protected by armor.
Kendo Club at UCSD
The Kendo Club at UCSD was founded in 1998 and remains active to this day. Our club seeks to promote awareness and appreciation of the Japanese martial art, kendo. Our members have gone on to compete at the national and international level.
The Kendo Recreation Class is offered through the UCSD Recreation Department. It's a great way for beginners to learn kendo from experienced practitioners in a welcoming environment!
Practice is held every Saturday from 12PM to 2PM in the Rec Gym. We welcome everyone regardless of skill level! For more information on joining the club, visit our Join page.
Staff: Jeremy Cho, Dez Holly, Alexander Xie-McCarthy
Club History
The UCSD Kendo Recreation Class started as an idea between John Yamamoto-sensei - former head instructor of San Diego Kendo Bu - and UCSD student Henry Kikunaga-sensei. In 1998, they founded the UCSD Kendo Recreation Class as a way to introduce kendo to the university population.
Under the instruction of Yamamoto-sensei, the club grew and flourished. Many kenshi who started or practiced kendo at UCSD under Yamamoto-Sensei are currently senseis at other dojos, including our current head instructor Matt Schultzel-sensei. Some have even gone on to represent the US National Kendo Team (Team USA) during World Kendo Championships - the largest international kendo competition in the world!
Yamamoto-sensei was succeeded by Matt Schultzel-sensei as head instructor of the recreation class in 2016. UCSD Kendo is currently one of the most popular recreation classes on campus, and continues to strive for the standard of excellence set by Yamamoto-sensei to this day.
Matt Schultzel Sensei
- Head Coach -
Participated on the UCSD Kendo Team from 2002-2006
UCSD Kendo Team Coach: 2016-present
Practiced Kendo at New York Kenshinkai (Umemura and Carroll Senseis), Houston
Kendo Kyokai (Houston and Adachi Senseis), Oakland/Berkeley (Miyata and Matsueda
Senseis), and throughout Japan
Henry Kikunaga Sensei
- Assistant Coach -
Student founder of UCSD Kendo Recreational Class
UCSD Kendo Team Coach 2010-2014
Head Instructor of SDKB since 2014
Multiple championship titles including AUSKF Championships, Steveston Dojo
Tournament, North/South Tournament both at youth and adult level
Practiced kendo at San Jose Kendo Dojo (Tanaka Sensei – 7 Dan Hanshi) and in
Chicago
Susan Zau Sensei
- Assistant Coach -
Spent three years in Japan, achieving 3-Dan level in Tokyo under Tamura Toru
Sensei (8-
Dan) and Itoh Tomoharu Sensei (8-Dan)
Member of Canadian National Kendo Team, competing at 10 th WKC Championships
Has practiced kendo in Germany and Singapore as well
