Strathcona Kendo Club
What Is Kendo?
Kendo (剣道), translated as "way of the sword", is a modern Japanese martial art descended from kenjutsu. Practitioners use bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor (bōgu) to engage in sparring matches similar to fencing. It is widely practiced around the world and growing fast in Alberta.
Practices
Location
McKernan Community League
11341 78 Avenue NW, Edmonton, ABClasses
Mondays and Wednesdays
6:15pm - 7:15pm: Beginners (ages 8 and older)
7:15pm - 8:45pm: Bogu
8:45pm - 9:15pm: Open Keiko / Kata
Please arrive 10 minutes before your class start time.Fees
Registration: $50 one-time
Classes: $70 per month
All classes are open to spectators. If you are wondering if kendo is for you, please come and watch any class on our calendar.
Head Instructor
Stephen Hladky (5 Dan)
Practicing kendo for over 15 years
Alberta Kendo tournament special advisor
2017 All Japan Kendo Federation Foreign Leaders Seminar participant
Strathcona Kendo Club is affiliated with the following kendo organizations:
Alberta Kendo
Canadian Kendo Federation
International Kendo
Federation
Before you go...
Let's stay in touch!
If you have any questions or concerns, please send us a message using the contact form below:
Thank you!
We look forward to your support as we grow kendo in the Edmonton region.
Benefits of Practicing Kendo
Exercise
If you are looking to get in better shape, Kendo is a great way to improve your metabolism.
Self-Improvement
Kendo practice helps one develop a strong mindset for tackling the challenges of everyday life.
Socializing
The club is a tight-knit community and is welcoming to new members. Come join to meet new friends!
Stephen Hladky (5 Dan)
Personal Experience
I began practicing kendo with the Edmonton Kendo Club in 2007 while studying at the University of Alberta. A good friend of mine had been practicing with the club and strongly encouraged me to join. I attended a class in late August of that year to see what it was all about and to give me some time to think about it before possibly starting in September. However, I never really needed that; within the first five minutes of practice I knew this is something I had to do.
My first three years of kendo introduced me to etiquette, footwork, basic sword techniques, and the strong social community of kendo practitioners. I found this time to be very nurturing to me as a person and it inspired me to make this art a true part of my life. I travel as often as I can to practice in other regions. I regularly attend seminars across Western Canada and I participate in major kendo tournaments including the Steveston Kendo Taikai in Vancouver and the JCCC Senior Open in Toronto.In 2017, I was chosen as one of two Canadians to attend the 44th Foreign Kendo Leaders' Summer Seminar in Kitamoto, Saitama, Japan. This week-long training camp admits only fifty people each year from around the world to study under some of the highest ranked kendo masters. It was here that I trained with some of my role models, passed my yondan (4th Dan) grading, and forged friendships with my roommates that will last a lifetime. This event has been the highlight of my kendo career thus far and I continue to try and share this experience with my students as best I can.
Strathcona Kendo Club
In 2022 I passed my godan (5th Dan) grading, permitting me to open the Strathcona Kendo Club in May 2023 as the third dojo in the Edmonton region. This club exists to serve the local community and all members who wish to pursue the challenge of this unique and fulfilling martial art.
Competition Results
2024
Alberta Kendo Provincial Championship - 2rd Place (Open Division)
Alberta Kendo Provincial Championship - 3rd Place (Senior Team Division)2023
Canadian National Kendo Championship - 3rd Place (Men's Provincial Team Division - Alberta)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (Open Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (Team Division)2022
Alberta Kendo Provincial Championship - 3rd Place (Senior Team Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (Open Division)2019
Alberta Kendo Provincial Championship - 1st Place (Men's Team Division)
Alberta Kendo Provincial Championship - 2nd Place (Men's 2 Dan and Up Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (Team Division)2018
Alberta Kendo Provincial Championship - 1st Place (Team Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (Team Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 3rd Place (Open Division)2017
Canadian National Kendo Championship - 3rd Place (Men's Provincial Team Division - Alberta)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 1st Place (Team Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 3rd Place (3 Dan Division)2016
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 3rd Place (3 Dan Division)2015
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (3 Dan Division)2014
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (Team Division)
Saskatoon Kendo Club Taikai - 2nd Place (3 Dan Division)
Calendar
Registration
STEP 1: SIGNUP FOR THE TRIALAll trial spots have been filled for September 2024. The club will be accepting new members again in January 2025. Please use the contact form on the main page if you want to be added to the waiting list.
STEP 2: COME TO THE TRIAL PRACTICESPlease check the calendar to see when trial classes are held. You are welcome to participate in (or observe) the practices, meet the instructors, and ask any questions you may have.
STEP 3: REGISTER WITH THE CLUBAt the end of the trial period, you will be sent an email with instructions to register with the club, pay your registration fee, and access our online resources. Class fees are prorated for the trial month.
What To Expect
SCHEDULEThe first four months (semester) of training is spent learning kendo basics: etiquette, footwork, and fundamental sword techniques. Towards the end of the semester, you will be permitted to challenge in-club exam for a kendo rank. Upon passing your grading, you will be permitted to wear bogu armour and, at the discretion of the instructors, join the Bogu class.
EQUIPMENT
For your first class, you will not need any kendo equipment. Instead, please come prepared by wearing gym clothes (no shoes necessary) and a filled water bottle.After the first two weeks of practice, we purchase shinai (bamboo swords) as a group order. After the second month, we measure you for the purchase of kendo-gi and hakama (kendo uniform). Approximate costs for these items are listed below:- Shinai with Bag (~$60)
- Gi & Hakama (~$140)It is also prudent to start saving for the bogu armour. A beginner set can cost anywhere between $500-$1000 depending on the quality and style. It is possible to get second-hand sets but the availability changes frequently. More information on purchasing equipment will be given out during the course of the semester.