About
San Mateo Kendo Dojo offers beginner and advanced classes that cover Kendo fundamentals such as striking basics, footwork, terminology, warm-ups, basic and complex striking techniques, and sparring. In advanced classes, students train using a bamboo sword (shinai) and protective armor (bogu), and they can take promotion exams that are held every six months.
• Ages: 9–18 years old
• Schedule: Beginner and advanced classes offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays; moving on to advanced classes is determined by the sensei and can take 3–6 months
Founded in 1981, San Mateo Kendo Dojo traces its roots back to a pre-World War II club and has been teaching the art of Japanese swordsmanship since 1981. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and became the ninth member of the Northern California Kendo Federation (NCKF) in 1982, and it is also part of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF). The dojo has hosted milestone anniversary tournaments, and its women’s team took first place at the San Jose Kendo Tournament. The program is led by Chief Instructor (Shihan) Satoru Konopka Sensei, with instruction from Jiro Sakano Sensei (7 Dan Hanshi), Tsugio Nakano Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi), and Masaru Ogihara Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi), and training is described as affordable and run by volunteer instructors. The dojo was reestablished by Jiro Sakano Sensei (7 Dan Hanshi), Tsugio Nakano Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi), and Masaru Ogihara Sensei (5 Dan at the time), with leadership also including retired Chief Instructor Masaru Ogihara Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi). San Mateo Kendo Dojo is part of the Northern California Kendo Federation (NCKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), and it continues with support from local recreation departments.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
• Ages: 9–18 years old
• Schedule: Beginner and advanced classes offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays; moving on to advanced classes is determined by the sensei and can take 3–6 months
Founded in 1981, San Mateo Kendo Dojo traces its roots back to a pre-World War II club and has been teaching the art of Japanese swordsmanship since 1981. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and became the ninth member of the Northern California Kendo Federation (NCKF) in 1982, and it is also part of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF). The dojo has hosted milestone anniversary tournaments, and its women’s team took first place at the San Jose Kendo Tournament. The program is led by Chief Instructor (Shihan) Satoru Konopka Sensei, with instruction from Jiro Sakano Sensei (7 Dan Hanshi), Tsugio Nakano Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi), and Masaru Ogihara Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi), and training is described as affordable and run by volunteer instructors. The dojo was reestablished by Jiro Sakano Sensei (7 Dan Hanshi), Tsugio Nakano Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi), and Masaru Ogihara Sensei (5 Dan at the time), with leadership also including retired Chief Instructor Masaru Ogihara Sensei (7 Dan Kyoshi). San Mateo Kendo Dojo is part of the Northern California Kendo Federation (NCKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), and it continues with support from local recreation departments.
Last updated May 24, 2026.
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