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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!

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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

British Kendo Association National Grading Double Success Summer 2024

We are happy to announce that Chris and Mohammed have recently passed his Ikkyu (1st Kyu) following the examination which took place in Cambridge on 25 Agust 2024.  They both have displayed an exceptional grading embu in front of a penal of 5 senior referees at the Examination.  Many Congratulations to both for the wonderful achievements.

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Invited to perform Embu demonstration at the 2024 Stevenage Datchworth Fete on 08 June 2024

Our village Dojo Kenyukan was invited to perform Embu demonstration at the 2024 Stevenage Datchworth Fete on 08 June.


We are all privileged that Kenyukan dojo was invited to perform embu in front of over 600 attendees at the 2024 Stevenage Datchworth Fete on 08 June.  Our Dojo members Colin, Chris, Muhammed, Naila and Martin represented the dojo at the fete and displayed wonderful swordsmanship skills to promote the art of the Japanese swordsamanship in front of the Hertfordshire public. We are honoured and delighted that the dojo is represented well. 

2024 May Japanese Children's Day

(Tango 端午) training session

Invited to perform Embu demonstration at the 2024 International City Kendo Tournament in Takao City

Our village Dojo star / Current 2023-24 National champion Colin was invited to perform Embu demonstration at the 2024 International City Kendo Tournament in Takao City.


It is an extremely rare privilege that our dojo was invited to perform an embu in front of over 400 competitive athlete kendoka and the senior referee penal from all Japan kendo federation at the 2024 international kendo city tournament in Taiwan Takao on 24th April 2024.  Colin representing GB as well as Kenyukan dojo has hold his nerves and put up a brave display.  We are honoured by the invitation and delighted that the dojo is represented well. 

For the new coverage please click this link. 

For the pre event evening iaido embu please click here

British Kendo Association (National) Spring iaido & Jodo Grading Double Success 2024

A superb well done to Colin Umeyama of Kenyukan Dojo for passing both of his 1st Kyu Examinations in iaido and Jodo on 10 March 2024.  It is always known to be extremely challenging to attempt for the national level grading.  Colin has registered to do both exam on the same day and passed with flying colours.   With the new position and grade we wish Colin all the best and continue with his efforts in training.   

Please follow the links below for 

Colin's 1st Kyu iaido Exam video 

Colin's 1st Kyu Jodo Exam video

Kenyukan Dojo Spring iaido Grading Success 2024

We have had a successful grading event on Sunday 3rd March 2024.

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.

Silvie Lee 2nd Kyu
Chris Hill 2nd Kyu
Muhammad Chaudhury 2nd Kyu
Sam Davies 4th Kyu
Wayne Starkey 5th Kyu
Naila Chaudhury 5th Kyu

Kenyukan Dojo Autumn iaido Grading Success 2023

We have had a successful grading event on Sunday 15th October.


Many congratulations to Chris and Mohammed who have been formally examined and passed their Iaido 3rd Kyu Grading.  Also at the same grading Sam Davis has also acquired his 5th Kyu in iaido.  In addition, we also congratulate Colin Umeyama who have now passed his iaido 2nd Kyu on 11/06/2023 and his jodo 2nd kyu on 15/10/2023. 

British Kendo Association National iaido Championship Success 2023
(West Midlands)

Kenyukan fought hard over the weekend and have returned home with

Mudan category Gold

Godan category Silver,

Godan category Fighting Spirit

Rokudan category Bronze

And .....

Runners up finalist in the 2023 BKA Iaido National Championship Teams Competition.

Many congratulations to the new


British Mudan National Champion Colin Umeyama

Godan Silver medalist David Parker sensei

Godan Fighting Spirit Ed Umeyama sensei

Rokudan Bronze medalist Martin Clark Sensei

And the Silver medalist team

Senpo Colin Umeyama

Chuken Chris Pendfold

Taisho Dave Parker

Also we would like to thank our teachers and all BKA participants who made this magical event happen.

2023 Mudan UK Champion Colin Umeyama
Team Kenyukan 2023
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2023 UK national Mudan Final
2023 BKA UK National 6th Dan Medalists
2023 BKA Teams Competition Medallists
2023 BKA UK National Mu-Dan Medallists
2023 BKA UK National 5th Dan Medallists

British Kendo Association National Grading Success West Midlands 2023

We are happy to announce that Guy Preston has recently passed his Ikkyu (1st Kyu) following the examination which took place in the Westmidlands on 21 May 2023.  Guy has performed an exceptional grading embu in front of a penal of 5 senior referees at the British Kendo Association West Midland National Grading / Examination.  Many Congratulations to Guy for his wonderful achievements.  

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Any small sum would be most gratefully received.

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Contact Us

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Address:

Datchworth Village Hall
52 Datchworth Green
Datchworth
KNEBWORTH
SG3 6TL

Email:

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