Best Kendo Lessons Sydney Near Me

4worldlovers: Sydney Kendo Club provides an integrated course schedule of learning through exploration, scrutiny, and self-reflection. Our classes combine hands-on experience with knowledge-based teaching. Contact Sydney Kendo Club to learn more.

Sydney Kendo Club gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance provided by Willoughby City Council

Our beginners' courses will teach you the basics of Kendo, including etiquette, footwork, striking techniques and various training methods. We will prepare you to practice in the traditional Kendo uniform and armour and, by the end of the course, you will be ready to merge into the Sydney Kendo Club's regular classes. Use the button below to find out more and to register.

Wednesday and Saturday training at our dojo in Willoughby is for all club members as well as visiting Kendoka from affiliated clubs of the Australian Kendo Renmei (AKR) or the Federation of International Kendo (FIK). If you have experience in Kendo and wish to keiko with us, please contact us using the button below.

We also hold senior grade ji-geiko on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm at:

If you have never practised Kendo, please go to the 'Learn Kendo' section for information about our kendo beginners courses.

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

Please also see the YouTube interview given by Yukiko Takami produced by ANA on our Video channel here.

For the correct transmission and development of kendo, efforts should be made to teach the correct way of handling the shinai in accordance with the principles of the sword.

Kendo is a way where the individual cultivates one's mind (the self) by aiming for shin-ki-ryoku-itchi (unification of mind, spirit and technique) utilsing the shinai. The "shinai-sword" should be not only directed at one's opponent but also at the self. Thus, the primary aim of instruction is to encourage the unification of mind, body and shinai through training in this discipline.

When instructing, emphasis should be placed on etiquette to encourage respect for partners, and nurture people with a dignified and humane character.

Even in competitive matches, importance is placed on upholding etiquette in kendo. The primary emphasis should thus be placed on instruction in the spirit and forms of reiho (etiquette) so that the practitioner can develop a modest attitude to life, and realize the ideal of koken-chiai (the desire to achieve mutual understanding and betterment of humanity through kendo).

While providing instruction, students should be encouraged to apply the full measure of care to issues of safety and health, and to devote themselves to development of their character throughout their lives.

Kendo is a "way of life" that successive generations can learn together. The prime objective of instructing kendo is to encourage the practitioner to discover and define their way in life through training in the techniques of kendo. Thus, the practitioner will be able to develop a rich outlook on life and be able to put the culture of kendo into use, thereby benefitting from its value in their daily lives through increased social vigour.

4worldlovers:
We have concluded our recruitment session for semester 1. We had many new faces joined us after coming to our stall, practised at our trial lesson, and signed up for our club afterwards! Unfortunately, we reached our capacity limit, so we are unable to accept any more new members for this semester! That would mean you would have to wait until next semester to join.

4worldlovers: Martial Arts with Aikido in Sydney: Martial arts in Alexandria, central Sydney

Welcome to our martial arts dojo (place of the way). We are dedicated to the study of authentic martial arts. We offer arts derived from the Samurai traditions of Japan that are informed by modern combatives and the sciences. We and our students find them a helpful tool for living in today’s world too.

Unlike many martial arts, those practised in our dojo require no advantage in strength or speed, and can be practised successfully by women, men and children of all ages and abilities. In addition to the new skills you will gain, you will also develop flexibility, coordination, concentration, improved health and fitness, effective communication skills and self-esteem. The physical aspects of our arts such as Aikido are graceful and dynamic yet are only the outward manifestation of what is, most importantly, a real and direct way to improve our quality of life.


We are based at Chapel Lane, Alexandria in central Sydney. We are close to Redfern Station (5 minute walk), less than a kilometre (10 minute walk) from Sydney University, or a short bus ride from Sydney CBD.

Aikido: Our core art, aikido, is a modified feudal form that offers the principles of peace and non-resistance as a highly effective art for subduing an attacker without harm. It is for this reason that it is popular with policing the world over. This is where most of our students start and we offer a two lesson tryout to get you started.

Traditional weapons: We offer instruction in the weapons of the samurai: sword and staff. These arts teach confidence, projection, body alignment and understanding of distance. Many consider weapons training a moving meditation.

Atemi-jutsu (the art of striking): Delving deep into the roots of aikido using modern combatives and the study of kōryu (ancient) arts we offer atemi-jutsu. This is a striking art far removed from point-sparring and board-breaking. It’s a devastating form popular with the military for effectively resolving a situation in which your life is at risk.

4worldlovers:
Since 1978, Shinbukan has empowered students through a Japanese martial arts learning environment (the Dojo). The Dojo is an ego-free, collective learning environment where one is tested to overcome their greatest obstacle; disciplining the self.

There is no doubt kids are active and selectively curious. Our kids karate classes facilitates their journey for focus, foundational strength/mobility, self defence and subsequent confidence.

4worldlovers:
While some are focused on strikes, kicks, punches or grappling, Aikido is unique.

Aikido is centred around harmonising with your opponents’ movement and redirecting their energy through timing, balance and positioning.

You don’t need to be the biggest, strongest or fastest to enjoy Aikido.

Perfect for beginners, this Japanese art incorporates fluid movements and techniques to control or project an attacker.

Through absorbing the attacker’s power and redirecting their energy, Aikido sees attack as a gift that can be confidently dealt with in a peaceful and calm way.

Learned in our safe and supportive dojo, and held within long after you step off the mat, Aikido is the ideal martial art for women, men and children from all walks of life.

More than learning to safely resolve conflict, Aikido classes help you to find a harmonious way, not just as a practise, but throughout all of life’s challenges.

“To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace”


Sensei Ken Mclean is the founder of Shin Sen Dojo and has trained in martial arts for over 50 years.

With over four decades focusing on Aikido, Ki Energy Cultivation and Aiki Healing Arts including Macrobiotics and Ki Shiatsu, he is a world renowned practitioner and teacher.

While his standing as a well respected and sought after Aikido Sensei in Sydney may reflect his passion, his journey to this point has been central in creating the Shin Sen Dojo.

The son of a former Australian professional boxing champion, Ken began to form the basis of his future teachings while watching his father’s movement – to absorb an opponent’s’ strength and energy while riding the motion of one’s attack.

Ken began training in Judo and Aiki Jujitsu at the age of 12, and not long after, yoga.

Whether you want to enjoy life armed with increased confidence and self-esteem, or your child wants to learn how to defuse conflict in the schoolyard, Aikido is the ideal foundation.

The physical, spiritual and mental impact of regular training is great for your body. From flexibility to strength and overall fitness, Aikido is a fun and friendly workout as much as it is a life lesson.

Aikido techniques are challenging. The focus and commitment required to master these skills develops advanced learning skills that may be applied throughout your daily life.

Aikido teaches breathing techniques that may extend beyond the mat. You can expect to feel lighter and more at peace in moments of stress as a result of your practice.

The process of training in Aikido from beginner to accomplished Aikidoka is a structured and guided one. This helps to focus your personal and professional goals off the mat too.

A visit to an Aikido class will certainly help you find new friends, both on and off the mat. More than this you can expect to find an inner strength that walks with you long after the class is over.

Though everyone who trains at the Shin Sen Dojo comes from a diverse background, we’re all connected by a sense of community and a passion for Aikido.

With over 40 years as a teacher, Sensei Ken brings together old friends and new in a dojo that will quickly feel like home.

Are you looking for a way to learn self defense, make new friends and develop skills that will stay with you throughout your life?

Aikido for beginner classes focus on the basics of movement, stance, rolls and techniques.

Perfect for all ages looking for an introduction to Aikido, each class is taught by world renowned Aikido practitioner and teacher, Sensei Ken Mclean, and provides a hands on and guided entrance into martial arts.

4worldlovers: We have over 84 adults and kids classes per week through Sydney.

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