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 Recent Grading Success
Kenyukan Dojo Knebworth third at Eishinkan Jodo Taikai
We are happy to bring back the news that we won 3rd place at the 25th anniversary Eishinkan Jodo Taikai in Milton Keynes on 18th October. Out team led by Silvie Lee (Senpou), Colin Umeyama (Chuken / Captain), and Edward Umeyama (Taishou) fought against tough opponents and qualified top of the pools into the knockout rounds. Eventually securing a 2:1 and finished 3rd place in the competition.
In this competition, Colin Umeyama won the vote from the judges and referees and received the "Most Improved Fighter award", Silvie also won the Aozora award for being the best Senpou.
Together with this good news, Wayne Starkey is selected by Team GB and will be competing in this year's European iaido Championship hosted in Prague by EKF (European Kendo Federation). Many congratulations to all for the success.
For news Release Please click here
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)
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
Kenyukan Dojos Recent Grading Success
2025 Summer Kenyukan Dojo Grading
On Sunday 20th July we held our dojo level grading to the level of 2nd Kyu. Both Wayne Starkey and Sam Davis have been promoted to the level of 2nd Kyu in iaido. Both passed the exam with magnificent confidence and skill display.
Many Congratulations to Both.
Kenyukan Dojos iaido National Championship Success
British Kendo Association National iaido Championship Success 2025
(Cambridge)
On Saturday 28th June Kenyukan Dojo teams reached the finals of the British Kendo Association's UK National iaido Championship at the Cambridge University Sports Centre. In a remarkable display of skills and determination, Kenyukan Dojos, based in Datchworth, and Suffolk have competed against other competitive athletes from all parts of Britain and reached the UK National finals clinching both Silver and Bronze in the teams competition.
National Championship Silver medallists Kenyukan team C.
Warren Dickinson, Michael Popa
Colin Umeyama.
National Championship Bronze medallists Kenyukan team A
David Parker, Savoy,
Tomasz W Rogut
In addition to the teams, Kenyukan has also achieved the following in the individuals competition.
Rokudan Bronze
Martin Clark Sensei
Godan Bronze
Ed Umeyama Sensei
Yondan Gold National Champion
Tecwyn Lee Sensei
Nidan Bronze + fighting spirit
Michael Popa
Shodan Bronze Louis Clark
Shodan fighting spirit Tomasz W Rogut
Mudan Gold National Champion Colin Umeyama
Mudan Silver and Fighting Spirit Wayne Starkey
Many congratulations to all and a Hugh thank you to all the referees and many others who have devoted their time to make this year's UK national championship happen.
For the Press News Release please click here :
European Senior Level Grading Success Colin Porter Sensei 6th Dan iaido
European Senior Level Grading Success 2025
(Brugge, Belgium)
We are delighted to announce that Colin Porter Sensei has recently obtained the level of 6th Dan in iaido after passing his Examination on 15 June 2025 in Brugge, Belgium. Colin sensei has been supporting Kenyukan dojo for over ten years and is currently the Team GB Manager. We are certain the club will continue to benefit from the patience and informative teachings that Colin sensei brings. Many congratulations and thank you from everyone at the dojo.
Kenyukan boy brings Jodo National Championship Trophy to Herts
British Kendo Association National Jodo Championship Success 2025
(Milton Keynes)
We are delighted to bring back the news that Kenyukan Dojo has two Medallists in this year's British Kendo Association National Jodo Championship on 13th April 2025. Kenyukan has made it's 2025 appearance in this years competition with the following result. Many congratulations for the success
British Mudan National Champion
Colin Umeyama
Godan Bronze Medal
Edward Umeyama
British Kendo Association National Grading Success Spring 2025
We are thrilled to announce that Chris has successfully passed his Shodan (1st Dan) examination, which took place in Swindon on March 15, 2025. Chris showcased an exceptional grading embu in front of a panel of five senior referees during the examination. Congratulations to Chris for this remarkable achievement!
Kenyukan Dojo End of year iaido Grading Success 2024
We have had a successful grading event on Sunday 1st Dec 2024.
Congratulations to everyone who in our successful grading event on Sunday, December 1st, 2024 A special shout-out to our dojo mudan Kenshi for their impressive performances in the embu, showcasing their courage in overcoming personal anxieties under pressure. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. We look forward to seeing you all back in the dojo as we continue to refine ourselves and train towards becoming better versions of ourselves. Keep up the great work!
Sam Davis 3rd Kyu
Wayne Starkey 4th Kyu
Naila Chaudhury 4th Kyu
Martin Rudert 5th Kyu
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.
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.
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
Contact Us
Address:
Datchworth Village Hall
52 Datchworth Green
Datchworth
KNEBWORTH
SG3 6TL
Email: