We teach respect, honor, discipline, and sincerity through the practice of Kendo (the art of Japanese fencing) and Iaido (a sword art that focusing on developing our mental awareness and the ability to react quickly).
The founding members of our dojo began practicing together in January 2000. Baltimore-Annapolis Kendo was founded in 2006 when we moved to a historic church [circa 1924] at the Severna Park Community Center. We host an annual kendo tournament and are always happy to see our many kendo friends and to make new ones.
Baltimore-Annapolis Kendo is incorporated as a non-profit, non-stock entity. Our instructors are 100% volunteer and are not paid. This allows us to learn kendo at a low cost. We seek to hand down what we have learned to the next generation of kendo and iaido enthusiasts. Kendo and iaido are life-long learning activities. We learn about ourselves and achieve personal growth through the study of these Samurai arts.
Practice is open to the public for persons 9 years and older (for kendo) or 16 years and older (for iaido).
Beginners and New Students:
It is proper etiquette to introduce yourself to the lead instructor when entering the practice hall. For iaido, please arrive at the start time or before and wait if no one has opened the doors yet. For kendo, please arrive at least 15 minutes before class begins.
You may borrow a shinai and/or bokken for the initial class. Loose-fitting athletic clothing is recommended. Call us if you have any questions. You may also want to view our FAQ: Getting Started at Baltimore-Annapolis Kendo (for information on both stopping by and participating) as well as our FAQ: Getting Started with Kendo and FAQ: Getting Started with Iaido.
Membership:
The membership fee is $15 per night due prior to start of practice or a monthly fee of $70 for eight to nine classes per month (see our schedule) due prior to the 10th of each month. The fee covers participation in Beginner Kendo, Advanced Kendo, Iaido, or any combination thereof.
Instructors:
- Donald Seto, Ph.D, 4 Dan Kendo, Head Instructor
- Bob Eitel, 3 Dan Kendo, 3 Dan Iaido
- Phil Van Den Berghe, 2 Dan Kendo, 2 Dan Iaido
- Chris Phelps, 2 Dan Kendo, 1Kyu Iaido
- Pete Burkart, 2 Dan Kendo
- Ronnii Taylor, 1 Dan Kendo, 1 Dan Iaido
Our Group:
If you are interested in seeing us before you come, here are some photos of us at various events and just gathered together. If you are interested in seeing kendo before you come, here are some images from our 2007 and 2008 Tournaments (choose a sub-album from the left column).
