San Mateo Kendo Dojo
Burlingame Community Center, 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
About
San Mateo Kendo Dojo offers beginner kendo classes for ages 9 and up and advanced kendo classes. Beginners use a bamboo sword, called a shinai, and advanced students wear bogu armor.
Programs
- Beginner Class — ages 9 and up · Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 6:55 PM; Saturdays 2:00 PM - 2:55 PM
- Advanced Class — Tuesdays 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM; Saturdays 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
At a glance
- Ages: 9–18 years old
About the provider
San Mateo Kendo Dojo was founded in 1981 and was reestablished by Jiro Sakano Sensei, Tsugio Nakano Sensei, and Masaru Ogihara Sensei. It became the ninth member of the Northern California Kendo Federation in 1982. The dojo is led by Chief Instructor Satoru Konopka Sensei, with retired Chief Instructor Masaru Ogihara Sensei, John Konopka, Akia Vongdara, and Takahiro Yamaguchi. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is part of the Northern California Kendo Federation and the All United States Kendo Federation. The dojo also helps manage kendo equipment and supports kendo demonstrations at local community events.
Beginner students are evaluated by sensei before moving to advanced classes. Moving on to advanced classes can take 3-6 months. Promotion exams are held every six months.
Last updated August 22, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.