Observe
Watch a practice and meet the community.
Mountain View, California · Since 1972
Traditional kendo.
Shared in community.
A fundamentals-first, volunteer-run dojo in the heart of Silicon Valley.
The way of the sword
Come as you are.
Begin with the basics.
Kendo is a Japanese martial art practiced with bamboo swords and protective armor. At MVKD, training begins with movement, discipline, and mutual respect — no prior martial-arts experience required.
How to start kendo →Your first evening
A clear place to start.
- 1Contact us firstLet us know you would like to observe or visit.
- 2Wear comfortable exercise clothesFor your first few classes, that is all you need.
- 3Arrive at 6:45 PMMeet the dojo before Monday practice begins at 7:00 PM.
The long path
Your kendo journey.
Progress is individual. Our sensei will guide each student through the next step when they are ready.
Fundamentals
Build posture, footwork, and etiquette.
Shinai
Train with a bamboo sword and paired drills.
Gi & Hakama
Continue with the traditional uniform.
Bogu & Jigeiko
Progress to armor and free practice when ready.
Practice & calendar
Every Monday,
with purpose.
MON7:00 – 9:00 PMPlease arrive by 6:45 PM to get ready.
3RDKata + jigeikoThe third Monday of each month.
Mountain View Buddhist Temple Gymnasium
575 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043
A living lineage
Rooted in the temple.
Moving forward together.
Established in 1972 under Jiro Sakano Sensei and Tadashi Kurasawa Sensei, MVKD has practiced at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple for more than five decades. We continue a traditional approach shaped by Kango Kagoshima Sensei and Masami Yamaguchi Sensei.
Our history & sensei →1972Founded at Mountain View Buddhist Temple
Sakano & KurasawaFounding teachers
YamaguchiTraditional approach carried forward
TodayA volunteer-run community dojo
A connected community
Practice has a life beyond the floor.
Welcome the year at 6:00 AM with our January 1 asakeiko. Each year, MVKD also supports the Mountain View Buddhist Temple’s Open Festival by volunteering, including serving yakisoba.
Meet the MVKD community →Annual rhythm
Asakeiko & service
Find signature dojo events, volunteer opportunities, and a clear home for news and tournament updates.Explore community life →In motion
The MVKD community.
Photos supplied by the dojo. This gallery is ready to expand with permissioned event and practice images.
稽古
Keiko is the practice of continual learning.