Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Kendo Club

Our Purpose

The purpose of the RPI Kendo Club is to introduce newcomers to kendo and to provide them, as well as more experienced practitioners, a place to practice and learn.

Instruction

We are currently cooperating with Meitokukan dojo to provide instruction for the classes. The current head of Meitokukan is Kathryn Frost.

Membership

New members are always welcome! Come try our class anytime. We cater to the RPI community and the local community as well. It is recommended to wear comfortable work-out clothing; those more serious to the art are strongly recommended to get the appropriate attire.

What is Kendo?

Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing derived from the ancient art of samurai swordsmanship. We primarily practice with a bamboo sword called a shinai, and armor called bogu. We also practice forms (kata) with a wooden sword called a bokken.

As said by the All Japan Kendo Federation…

The Concept of Kendo is:

"To discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana (sword)."

The Purpose of Practicing Kendo is:

"To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo,
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able:
To love his/her country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples."