Kendo (剣道), "The Way of The Sword", is a traditional Japanese martial art, descending from kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship). In kendo, practitioners wear bogu (armour) and use shinai (bamboo swords) to strike one another while performing specialised footwork and kiai (shout). Practitioners test their skills against each other in matches called shiai. The contest of skills with an opponent gives kendo an athletic aspect which draws many to the art. However, the main focus of kendo is on the the philosophical aspects of discipline and the cultivation of the mind, body and spirit through continued keiko (practice). For an in depth look at the history of kendo please visit the All Japan Kendo Federation and International Kendo Federation websites.
We are Monash University Kendo Club, also known as MUKC. We are a TeamMonash club, and are predominantly student-run with guidance from qualified instructors. As the name suggests, our club practices kendo, as a means of training both our minds and bodies. We are affiliated with the kendo governing bodies the Victorian Kendo Renmei (VKR), Australian Kendo Renmei (AKR), and the International Kendo Federation (FIK).
We conduct one beginner's course a year, which starts in February/March when the first university semester begins. The club holds three trainings per week. Social functions and competitions are also held throughout the year. Anyone who is interested in kendo is more than welcome to come and watch our training sessions or to contact us for more information. Among our members and instructors, are people who have international experience, and are state and national representatives. Our members come from all walks of life, are of various ages and are very welcoming. Feel free to speak to any of us before or after training when we're hanging out outside the Games Hall where we train (see below for more info on training sessions).
Click here to watch a video on our club.
Our Instructors
Yoichi Yano - Kyoshi 7th Dan
Noriko Matsumoto - Renshi 6th Dan
Kazuya Kimura - 6th Dan - Head Instructor
Kaori Dimovski - 5th Dan
Eugene Chow - 5th Dan - Beginner's Course Instructor
2023 - 2024 Committee
President - Yuki Yu
Vice President - Winnie Wu
Treasurer - Zishi (Stone) Wang
Secretary - Edward Giam
Event Manager - Lucinda Campbell
Social Media - Kaori Dimovski Sensei