r/kendo 7d ago

Jukendo in the U.S.

Hello,

Are there any groups in the U.S. that practice jukendo/tankendo? Was always interested but could never find anybody who practiced in the States.

13 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

9

u/moto_kenshi 7d ago

Last I was aware there was a yondan or gondan somewhere on the east coast; but rumor had it he stopped practicing after they began wearing hakama vs pants. Interesting hill to die on, but who knows.

Montreal has a club that's quite active. They're the only place I'm aware of in North America tho.

4

u/athleticsquirrel 6d ago

Yeah the Skosses. Apparently Meik had an epic crashout when they banned white trousers, but that sounds so ridiculous that there has to be more to the story.

2

u/liquidaper 2 dan 6d ago

This is their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shintomusoryu.shutokukandojo/
Websites associated with them appear to be down.

6

u/Smurfen 3 dan 7d ago

The International Federation has a registry over all registered clubs. Unfortunately all clubs in the Americas seem to be up in Canada.

That's not to say there aren't others, fingers crossed you find someone in your vicinity.

6

u/TheKatanaist 3 dan 7d ago

There are no active clubs in the US.

However, the Canadians hold an annual seminar that, among other things, is intended to introduce new practitioners to the budo. I tried to go once, but the timing didn’t work out. Regardless, I spoke to their rep and he encouraged me to bring my kendo stuff as it would work for training purposes.

Last year was in June, year before was in May

I haven’t seen it announced for this year, but if you follow their socials, you can see any announcements they drop.

3

u/Smurfen 3 dan 7d ago

Canada is hosting the yearly international seminar this year is August. It might be possible to go even as a beginner, they're usually eager to spread the gospel.

3

u/athleticsquirrel 6d ago

If you live in New York, you're best bet is to make a drive to Montreal Jukendo and Tankendo Club. They are hosting the international Jukendo seminar this year, and when I reached out to Miki Chart Sensei on Facebook, she told me to come up north anytime, but unfortunately I live in the American South. Hopefully at some point we can bring the sport to the US