In 2010, Greenville Kendo Club was started with a couple of students and enthusiastic parents led by Yokote Sensei at a local Kyudojo (Archery practice place). After we moved our Dojo to Greenville YMCA, Onoda Sensei joined and the number of the members keeps increasing. Currently, we have teachers from Columbia Kendo Club, SC (Nakahara Sensei and Ishimori Sensei) and we are grateful for the continuous support from the fellow Kenshi and Sensei from out of state Dojos. Since December 2020, we relocated our main practice location to Knights of Sienna Fencing Academy. We are a non-profit style organization and the member dues help to support dojo operating cost including rental fee to Knights of Sienna Fencing Academy, YMCA and other expenses. Kendo, is the art of Japanese fencing. "Ken" or tsurugi is from the character meaning sword. The character for "Do" or michi includes the meaning way or path which translates as "The way of the sword". A path in life which is followed through the training of kendo. (Excerpt from AUSKF)
It is a balanced exercise that coordinates foot, sword, body, breath, and voice. While regular practice will condition the body, it takes time to develop the mental control needed to master the seemingly simple techniques. And it is with this mental alertness that anyone can overcome any opponent and become a great Kenshi.
