About us
Southampton Kendo Club provides hard training and a friendly environment to practice Kendo.
The club has a diverse membership with a wide range of ages, occupations, social backgrounds and outside interests. We have a number of social events and attend seminars, gradings and competitions throughout the year. The club is run by the senior members on a not for profit basis with no instructors taking any fees from the club.
We are a member of The British Kendo Association (BKA) which is our national governing body. They provide gradings, instructor training and insurance for all affiliated clubs. All club instructors are fully qualified and insured through the BKA.
An Inclusive Club
Kendo can be safely practised by people of all ages and abilities.
Southampton Kendo Club believes everyone should have the opportunity to join us, and has the right to practice Kendo in a safe environment free from victimisation, bullying or harassment – regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, nationality or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, and marital or gender status.
This is a culture we promote in the club, and all our coaches and volunteers have completed diversity and inclusivity training. We always tailor the sessions to the abilities of those present, aiming to push each individual to achieve their personal best.
Our Coaches and Volunteers
Adam Lindsay
Dojo Leader
(3rd Dan, BKA L2 Coach)
Adam started kendo at Southampton Kendo club in 2014 and has since taken over the running of the club. He also trains at nearby clubs, and attends seminars and competitions regularly.
Eusebio De León
Secretary &
Assistant Coach
(1st Dan, BKA L1 Coach)
Tom Emerson
Treasurer &
Assistant Coach
(2nd Dan, BKA L1 Coach)
Sean Ovans
Designated Safeguarding Lead
KIRAN HUNJAN
Events Secretary
Alice Cavalleri
Inclusivity and Diversity Lead
Barry Rutter
Assistant Coach
(3rd Dan, BKA L1 Coach)
Andrew Newman
Assistant Coach
(1st Dan, BKA L1 Coach)
History
Southampton Kendo Club was officially founded in October 2007 by Phil McLaughlin (5th Dan), Jarrett Lawley (2nd Dan) and Daniel Rowan (Ikkyu) from the ashes of the Southampton University Club. Our inaugural training session took place on the 2nd October 2007 with a visit from Malcolm Goodwin Sensei.
The club initially trained at the Millbrook school. In 2008 we moved to our current home at Redbridge Community School.
The club has had a number of visits from high ranking instructors including Matsumoto Sensei (7th Dan) former GB Team coach and Terry Holt Sensei (7th Dan).
In 2011 Jarrett Lawley took over as Dojo Leader when Phil decided to move out of the area.
In 2013 Andy Bennett took over as Dojo Leader when Jarrett stood down due to work pressures.
At the end of 2021 Adam Lindsay took over as Dojo Leader when Andy stood down.