Southampton Kendo Club

Here's some photos from our shiai (competition) practice last night.
The evening started with taiso (warm-up), the shiai took up most of the session and included training on shinpan (referee) duties, nearly 19 fights, and a james Brobeck v Tom Emerson final. After the shiai we had some jigeiko (free practice) and a cool-down.
Congrats to Tom Emerson, the winner of the day!

Fancy trying kendo? We’re now taking bookings for the latest beginners course, starting on Monday 8th June, you can find all the information and booking details here..

https://southamptonkendo.co.uk/joinus.html

Congratulations to two of our members, James and Steve, for passing their gradings last weekend (Nidan and Ikkyu).

Merry Christmas from everyone at Southampton kendo club. We hope you have a wonderful time.

Looking for something good to get this Christmas, well look no further than Kendo. Which will offer you an experience of a lifetime. It will not only give you skills and knowledge in the martial art of kendo it will also give you a community.

If you are interested in joining up for the next beginner course, please click the link which will take you to our website,

https://southamptonkendo.co.uk/joinus.html

Our next beginners course will be on:

Monday 12th January 2026
19:30-21:30
Redbridge community school
SO16 9RJ

Kendo is a fantastic way to build discipline, fitness, and lifelong friendships.

Just one week to go!

Our next beginner's course starts on the 6th October. Start your journey in the way of the sword with an 8 week course that teaches all the basics and ends with free-sparring practice in armour!

For more info and to book, see our website:
https://southamptonkendo.co.uk/joinus.html

Congratulations to our new grades! You demonstrated your best Kendo in front of a panel, proved your abilities and gained a milestone in your life-long journey.
Otsukaresama!

In Kendo, Fudoshin or “immovable mind” is a state of mind which is not moved or distracted by anything. Fudoshin helps protect us from the four sicknesses of kendo; anger, doubt, fear and surprise.

We do not want to lose our temper or become angry when something bad happens. We need to believe in ourselves to commit to our actions, and not be afraid when going up against a stronger opponent.

This might sound simple, but it's hard to achieve in reality. There is no shortcut. Achieving Fudoshin requires extensive, dedicated practice, and is a lifelong goal of training Kendo.

Mushin no shin means mind of no mind; it's a state where distracting thoughts, fear, or hesitation do not interfere. The body and spirit act without the clutter of conscious deliberation.

Munen Muso is the mental condition of selflessness, free from worldly thoughts. A mirror-like mental condition which reflects all phenomena. The mind functions best when it is purely concentrated and undistracted, and the spirit is replete.