Kenyukan Dojo Stevenage

Japanese Martial (Sword) Arts

Refinement in Mind Body and Techniques

Through Kenjutsu Kendo Iaido Jodo

We believe that confidence, discipline in movements and mental inner peace are the core of an outstanding Martial Artist. We are dedicated to providing exceptional training experience through our teachings and instructors. Reach out and join our dojo today!

About Kenyukan Stevenage Japanese Martial Arts School

The Best Version of Yourself and the Way to Inner Peace

Since 1976, we have been the leading Japanese Sword and Staff (Martial) Arts School proudly offering the Hertfordshire authentic teaching in Japanese swordsmanship. We strive to take martial arts back to its roots as both a physical and spiritual art form that represents a harmonious way of life. In a world of seemingly unending pressures, we represent an oasis of calm and balance.

Martial arts give you the tool to stay present and focused while standing in the eye of the storm. It is this self-awareness that allows you to make the best decisions in stressful situations, and to control your mind and body when needed. We promote inner advancement above outward appearance.

At the moment there are two Kenyukan Dojos in the UK. Kenyukan Stevenage (est 1976), and Kenyukan Suffolk (est 1998). During the 40 years of Dojo history we have had many friends. Our intention is to bring everyone together to this big family and keeping people updated with the developments and achievements of all Kenyukan members.

We are led by our Founding member: Paul Gledhill sensei
Dojo leader in charge of all the Dojo administrative affairs (Shihan-dai) Edward Umeyama

We are affiliated and supported by Kenyukan Suffolk Dojo.

We are a local dojo that teaches authentic Japanese Martial Arts following over 450 years of traditions. We teach Japanese sword arts, (Kenjutsu, Kendo Kata...etc), Iaido (Art of Japanese Sword Drawing), Jodo (Art of Japanese Staff), and Tanjo (Japanese Short Staff Techniques). We run Training Sessions every Sunday afternoon. We take Adult Students, young adults (need parental consents) and minors (from age 8 and above and have to be accompanied by parents at all times) if they wish to attend the training sessions. We also have a beginner's course as well as our usual practice. Private Tuitions are also available please discuss with Dojo leaders directly.

European Kendo Federation
EJC 2022 Stevenage

Latest News

Kenyukan Dojos iaido National Championship Success

British Kendo Association National iaido Championship Success 2026
(Didcot)

BRILLIANT RESULT AT THE 2026 UK IAIDO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Incredible news from Didcot this weekend! Kenyukan Dojo (Stevenage) and our affiliated Suffolk sister dojo made it at the British Kendo Association (BKA) Iaido National Championships, securing a Strong finish or award in EVERY single individual competition category entered!

Dual-Discipline Powerhouses

The momentum from the Jodo National Championships earlier this year carried over in a massive way! Three of our standout competitors proved their elite multi-disciplinary mastery of both the staff (Jodo) and the sword (Iaido):

• Colin Umeyama captured Shodan Gold, securing a rare and phenomenal double individual National Champion title for 2026!

• Silvie Lee backed up her recent Jodo national title by claiming the Mudan Silver!

• Alex Ward showed flawless consistency across both weapons to lock in the Nidan Bronze!

Senior leaders Ed Umeyama Sensei and David Parker Sensei also mirrored their earlier 2026 Jodo successes by taking home Godan Bronze and Rokudan Silver medals respectively!

Roll of Honour: Individual Results

Martin Clark Sensei (Suffolk) – Rokudan (6th Dan) Fighting Spirit Award
David Parker Sensei (Suffolk) – Rokudan (6th Dan) Silver Medal
Ed Umeyama Sensei (Stevenage) – Godan (5th Dan) Bronze Medal
Mihail Popa (Suffolk) – Sandan (3rd Dan) Bronze Medal & Fighting Spirit Award
Louis Clark (Suffolk) – Nidan (2nd Dan) Bronze Medal & Fighting Spirit Award
Alex Ward (Stevenage) – Nidan (2nd Dan) Bronze Medal
Colin Umeyama (Stevenage) – Shodan (1st Dan) Gold Medal
Silvie Lee (Stevenage) – Mudan (Kyu Grade) Silver Medal
Wayne Starkey (Stevenage) – Mudan (Kyu Grade) Bronze Medal
Maciej Lemanowicz (Suffolk) – Mudan (Kyu Grade) Bronze Medal

A massive thank you to all the BKA organizers, officers, and referees who dedicated their time to making this incredible weekend happen. Proud is an understatement. Brilliant effort from everyone!

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Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

British Kendo Association iaido 2026 West Midlands Grading Success

We are happy to announce that we now have a new Shodan in iaido. Following on from his brilliant attempt in grading examinations on 17 May 2026. Sam Davis has passed the examinations with a strong embu performance and a well written exam at the 2026 BKA West Midlands iaido Seminar. Many Congratulations to Sam.

Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

Kenyukan dojo 2026 Summer Grading Success

We have had a successful grading event on Sunday 3rd May 2026.

Many congratulations to the list below who have graded and our dojo mudan Kenshi did well in their embu and especially in overcoming their own anxieties to perform under pressure in front of a grading panel. We are very proud of all of them and Look forward to seeing you all in the dojo where we look directly into our own imperfections and refine and train toward a better self.

Martin Rudert 3rd Kyu
Naila Chaudhury 3rd Kyu

Jackie Griffiths 4th Kyu
Anthony Hendzel 4th Kyu

Kenyukan Mother Son bring Jodo National Championship Trophy to Herts 2026

British Kendo Association National Jodo Championship Success 2026
(Daventry)

We are delighted to bring back the news that Kenyukan Dojo had a decent run in this year's British Kendo Association National Jodo Championship on 28th March 2026. Kenyukan has made it's with the following result this year at the UK Jodo National Competition. Many congratulations for the success

Mudan National Champion
Silvie Lee
Shodan (1st Dan) National Champion
Colin Umeyama
Nidan (2nd Dan) Bronze Medal
Alex Ward
Godan (5th) Bronze Medal

Edward Umeyama

Asahi Teams competition
Silver Medal (Runners Up)
Senpo Silvie Lee
Chukan Colin Umeyama
Taisho Alex Ward

For local paper News Release please click here

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Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

British Kendo Association iaido 2026 Spring Seminar Grading Success

We are happy to announce that we now have a new Ikkyu in iaido. Following on from Silvie Lee's recent Jodo grading success, she has also obtained the rank of Ikkyu in iaido on 15rd March 2026. She passed the examination with a strong embu performance in from of a a panel of referee at the BKA Spring Seminar.

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Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

Kenyukan dojo 2026 Spring Grading Success

We have had a successful grading event on Sunday 15 February 2026.

Many congratulations to the list below who have graded and our dojo mudan Kenshi did well in their embu and especially in overcoming their own anxieties to perform under pressure. We are very proud of all of them and Look forward to seeing you all in the dojo where we look directly into our own imperfections and refine and train toward a better self.

Martin Rudert 4th Kyu

Jackie Griffiths 5th Kyu
Anthony Hendzel 5th Kyu

Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

British Kendo Association Jodo 2026 Kangeiko Grading Success

We are happy to announce that we now have a new Ikkyu in Jodo. Following on from Silvie Lee's courageous and exemplary competition display in the 25th anniversary Eishinkan Jodo Taikai, Silvie has decided to step forward to take on the challenge of national grading on 3rd January 2026. She passed the examination with a strong embu performance in from of a tough referee judging penal.

Many Congratulations Silvie.

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Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

British Kendo Association iaido Summer Seminar
Grading Success 2025 (Cambridge)

We are happy to announce that we have now two new Shodan and two new ikkyu in Iaido at Kenyukan Stevenage dojo after passing their examinations at the BKA national grading on the 17th August 2025.

Shodan: Colin Umeyama; Muhammed Chaudhury
Ikkyu: Sam Davis; Wayne Starkey

Many congratulations to all. They have demonstrated wonderful display of performance at their grading following 3 days of Intensive seminar sessions. Job well done. Also a special thanks to Silvie and Chris Hill for supporting our candidates, taking photo graphs and filming. Finally special thank you to all the Senseis for the hard work in getting candidates ready for the grading. Superb weekend and wonderful results.

Please see links below for the Videos of our grading performance:
>> Ikkyu Grading 2025 Summer << (Sam & Wayne)
>> Shodan Grading 2025 Summer Group 1 << (Colin)

>> Shodan Grading 2025 Summer Group 2 << (Muhammad)

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Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success

British Kendo Association Jodo Summer Seminar Grading Success 2025
(Cambridge)

following the recent regulation change announced by the European Kendo Federation to lower the age limit for the eligibility to take shodan exams lowered to 13, Colin Umeyama (13) has been awarded Shodan after passing his written exam as well as his embu in front of a national committee of referees at the British Kendo Association Summer Seminar on 3rd August 2025. To date Colin is the youngest Shodan in Europe and possibly the world.

Congratulations to

Colin Umeyama