The next open enrollment period for beginners will be in January 2025. Please email info@sfkendo.org to express interest and be notified when an exact date has been set.

Open enrollment for new students takes place roughly every six months.

Prospective students will need to sign the registration and liability release forms, pay dues, wear comfortable clothing, and have a shinai. Shinai are available for purchase at the Monday practice. Prices vary, but generally cost between $20 and $30. Shinai may also be purchased online; see the Bogu Resources section of the Resources page.

Please note, new members must be at least 13 years old. We reserve the right to refuse acceptance of members.

For more information, please send an email to info@sfkendo.org.

For dojos in Northern California, go to the Northern California Kendo Federation home page at www.nckf.org and find a dojo near you. For information on dojos outside of Northern California visit the All US Kendo Federation home page at www.auskf.info and find closest dojo in your area.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions


  • Are there any age restrictions? New members must be at least 13 years old.
  • Do I need any special clothing or gear for first practices? For your first practices no special clothing or gear is required. We recommend you wear comfortable workout clothes like a t-shirt and shorts. Also, please remove jewelry and accessories as they should not be worn during practice.
  • What style of kendo do you practice? We practice according to the rules and regulations of the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) and the Federation of International Kendo (FIK).
  • Are experienced kenshi allowed to visit and practice? Our doors are always open for experienced kenshi to come visit and practice. Just drop us a line introducing yourself and the dates you plan to visit at info@sfkendo.org so we know to expect you.
  • Why are beginners only allowed to start in January and July? We have a structured 6-month curriculum to properly introduce new kenshi to kendo and to give them solid fundamentals for their kendo journey. To that end, introducing beginners halfway into this curriculum is not productive for those people or the existing students.
  • What is your COVID policy? Please visit the COVID page for the latest safety policies.

SAN FRANCISCO KENDO DOJO | THIS IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION