Yōshinkan Kendo Club

06/06/2026

Kia ora friends,

We’ve organised a commemorative tshirt to celebrate the nationals and 50 years of kendo in New Zealand. The design has been created by our in-house artist Matt Gane in his signature style, and the tshirt is available in men’s and women’s sizes.

Head here to find out more and order yours. Order deadline is 24th June.

https://yoshinkan-souvenir-t-shirt.myshopify.com

18/05/2026

An incredibly proud moment for Yōshinkan, with success across the club in tonight’s grading.

Congratulations to

Manaia and Jenny - 6th Kyu.
Brandon and Patrick - 5th Kyu.
Avery - 4th Kyu.
Jamie, Momo, Russell and Will - 2nd Kyu.
And finally,
Gary and Cam for achieving their Shodan!

Well done team!

17/05/2026

Continuing the 25th anniversary celebrations of Yōshinkan we had a very nice gathering at Tatsushi restaurant last night.
We reflected on some of our key achievements over the last 1/4 decade and hopes for our future.
We consider ourselves a family dojo with an eclectic mix of wonderfully dedicated Kenshi. We're looking forward to hosting the 16th NZKF championships and also the 50th anniversary of our Federation over the Matariki weekend in July.
Then, the even more exciting event, a club trip to Japan in Oct/Nov, 14 members have committed so far!

09/05/2026

Kia ora folks,

The registration deadline for the NZ Nationals is fast approaching on the 1st of June. If your hasn't already registered, please head here for more information about the tournament and the registration form: https://www.yoshinkankendo.nz/events/2026-nz-nationals

Email [email protected] with any questions, or to submit your registrations.

The info pack for the 2026 NZ nationals Tournament, in Wellington NZ, on Matariki Weekend 2026.

04/05/2026

And here we are at our first of 3 celebrations of our 25 years today! At Kazu restaurant, straight to second dojo 🎂🎉👏

03/05/2026

Well May the 4th be with you! For Yōshinkan it means 25 years since our inception (yup how appropriate a date!).
Alot of great Kendo, self development, friendship and fun have happened since May 4 2001.
It's a year of events, including hosting the NZKF Kendo Nationals in July and then a club group tour to Japan in October/November. A bi thankyou to everyone who is in and has contributed to our growth these last 25 years.

27/04/2026

Kia ora friends! Our Nationals organising committee had a really productive meeting this morning, running through the operational decisions and prep we need to do to ensure a smooth tournament. Thanks to everyone volunteering their time to make it happen!

It’s just over 1 month until the registration deadline, and you can find out more here: https://www.yoshinkankendo.nz/events/2026-nz-nationals

Watch this space for some very special merch on the way as well 🙂

The info pack for the 2026 NZ nationals Tournament, in Wellington NZ, on Matariki Weekend 2026.

13/04/2026

The winners of our Not The Summer Camp Shiai, Harold first, Gary Tsui second and Darius Elphick third. Fighting spirit awards to Jamie, Chloe and Momo Mao . Excellent Shiai and once more a big thankyou to Alan Stephenson Sensei for taking the lead at this camp.

11/04/2026

After a great dinner, our annual quizz and Godzilla movie, we are onto day two. Starting with wise counsel on Kata with Alan Stephenson Sensei.
This morning session culminated in a short demonstration of one Kata per student pair. Featured is Liz and Patrick

11/04/2026

Finally we have the Not The Summer Kendo Camp at Himatangi beach community hall. We have Alan Stephenson Sensei teaching us, lots to learn and lots of good Keiko. You can see from our tired Kenshi.