Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional samurai swordsmanship. Kendo is a unique art which is both physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.
Covina Kendo Dojo is one of the oldest and largest schools of kendo here in the United States. Founded in 1969 by Akio Hara-sensei (8 dan), and brothers Takeshi (7 dan) and Makoto (6 Dan) Yamaguchi sensei, they began practice in the old social hall of the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center. Covina Kendo Dojo is a proud member of both AUSKF & SCKF.
We practice twice a week at:
East San Gabriel Japanese Community Center
1203 West Puente Avenue • West Covina, CA 91790
Practice Schedule:
Tuesdays 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Social Hall)
Thursdays 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Gym)
Please send inquiries to
info@covinakendo.org or use the below contact form.
Characters read from right to left: "Ko Ken Chi Ai"
"Ko Ken Chi Ai" briefly means
"Through keiko(practice)/shiai(match) in kendo, participants learn the love/spirit of kendo-manship
in many ways; to respect, to cherish, to appreciate, to be humble; with all that in order to improve one's kendo."
Kendo is unique in that all people can practice with one another, from younger children to older adults.
Of course! Feel free to come to either of our practice days and we will accommodate you and any guests you bring to watch.
Yes! We welcome kenshi from other dojos to come practice with us. Please let us know that you are coming in advance via email or phone.
For helpful information about our Dojo and starting Kendo, click here.
