Kendo, meaning "the way of the sword"; is an armed Japanese martial art that is derived from ancient samurai swordsmanship (kenjutsu). Kendo uses bamboo practice swords called shinai and protective armor called bogu in vigorous training to build physical skills, sharpen mental focus, and develop discipline in one’s own character. 

We are a student-run and student-focused club. However, our members are a diverse mixture of university students, alumni, university staff, and community members, and we welcome any current or would-be kendo practitioner to join our club or simply visit us for a practice.

We are a tight-knit group of friends, and are always looking for enthusiastic new members to join us (contact kendo@iastate.edu for inquiry).

Kendo Club meets at Forker Building; Room 198, Wednesday from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm and Friday from 6 pm - 8 pm. Beginners are recommended to attend the first hour of the practice during the first few months. Sunday practice is scheduled at Beyer Hall 3430 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Sunday practice is only opened to senior members (with bogu). University calendared breaks are subject to location and time changes. 

 

26 Summer practice has been scheduled at Beyer 3430 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm on Wednesday and Friday. 2:00pm to 4:30pm on Sunday. Our first practice is planned to be on Sunday, May 17, and the last practice of the summer is on Friday, August 21st.

 

Club fee is $35 per semester (usually collected during the second month of each semester). First-time attendees are required to wear a gym outfit and shorts. A bamboo sword (shinai) will be provided during the first few weeks. But we would highly recommend the attendees purchase their own shinai and (later, after they decide to advance further) kendo practicing uniform (total around $150). 

 

 

The Kendo Club practices under the guidelines of the All United States Kendo Federation and is a member of the Midwest Kendo Federation. We practice to improve our knowledge in Kendo, cultivate discipline in our lives, and create lasting friendships through training and competition.

News & Announcements

February 7, 2026

Upcoming Events for Summer Semester

 

- 2026 Summer practice is scheduled to start on Sunday, May 17. And the last practice of the summer is on Friday, August 21st. Weekly practices are scheduled for Wed, Fri and Sun at Beyer 3430. Students without enrollment in summer class may need to pay on a per-entrance basis. 

-MWKF summer camp in July (Date TBD)

-AUSFK summer camp in August (Date TBD)