Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai is a renowned martial arts school located in Leicester, New Zealand. It was established in 1993 by Frank and Liz Dutton and has a rich history within the local community. After their departure, Alex took over the club and has been leading it ever since.
The dojo was originally named by Sensei Hashiba from Shinjuku Kendo Renmei in Tokyo. Sensei Hashiba, a hachidan hanshi, had been blind in one eye for most of his life. Despite this, he travelled overseas for the first time at the age of 86 and came to the UK. His visit inspired the name of the dojo, Gaku Shi Juku, which translates to “School of Learning.
Currently, Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai practises out of the Top Floor Studio, situated at Unit 36 Faircharm Trading Estate, Leicester, LE3 2BU. The dojo is welcoming and inclusive, inviting anyone, regardless of their gender, race, religion, or creed, to practise and learn the art of Kendo.
The club offers practise sessions on Mondays, with separate timings for beginners and advanced practitioners. The beginners' session takes place from 19:00 to 19:55, while the advanced session is held from 20:00 to 21:30. This allows students of all levels to learn at their own pace and receive personalised instruction.
Furthermore, Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai periodically offers beginners' courses, making it convenient for newcomers to join throughout the year. In 2024, these courses will commence on January 15th, May 13th, and September 2nd. This ensures that individuals interested in Kendo have multiple opportunities to begin their journey and benefit from expert guidance.
Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai takes pride in its strong sense of community and fosters a supportive learning environment. The school's instructors and members strive to continuously improve their skills, promote discipline and respect, and preserve the rich traditions of Kendo.
To stay updated with the latest news and activities, you can follow Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai on Facebook and Instagram. The club's social media platforms also serve as a platform for students and enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and encourage one another in their martial arts journey.
Gaku Shi Juku Kendo Kai is dedicated to promoting the art of Kendo and providing a space for individuals to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, this martial arts school in Leicester welcomes you to join their passionate community and experience the transformative power of Kendo.