Sopot Kendo Club

Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art, which descends from swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and uses bamboo swords (shinai) and projective armor (bogu). Nowadays, it is practiced not only in Japan but also in many different countries in the world, including Poland. It is becoming increasingly popular here.

Join Sopot Kendo Club today!

Sopot Kendo Club is now inviting you to become a member of the club. It is a great opportunity to get to know this amazing martial art and the culture and history of Japan. From September 2nd you can sign up for training in a group for beginners. The recruitment lasts from September 2nd to the end of October. For more information, click here.

In order to encourage you to consider joining the Club, we have prepared an interview with a coach and the club president, Piotr Horniatkiewicz. Check it out now!

Piotr Horniatkiewicz, photo: Karolina Ptaszynska/Tricity News

What Kendo exactly is?

Kendo (The Sword Way) comes directly from samurai fencing. Nowadays it is a kind of sport which is practiced not only in Japan but also all around the world. Kendo is becoming increasingly more and more popular in the USA and Europe.

Is Kendo popular in Poland?

In Poland Kendo has been practiced for 40 years now. Nowadays, in every big city, you can find a sports club, which gathers fans of Japanese fencing. There are Polish, Europe, and even World Championships, in which our members take part and succeed.

How did you discover this sport?

I have been practicing Kendo for 13 years now. It all started with my interest in Japanese culture and history. A friend of mine encouraged me to try this sport and I loved it.

Who can do this kind of sport?

Kendo is basically for everyone. In Japan, training starts at the age of 3 or 4. People practice it as long as possible. There are no limits.

About Sopot Kendo Club

What is the history of the Club?

Sopot Kendo Club was founded about 10 years ago by coaches from different cities in Poland. We just wanted to create something different and allow citizens to train this amazing sport.

How does training look?

Training is divided into several pieces. We start with a warm-up, and then we do fitness exercises. Afterward, we practice different fencing techniques. The last part, which is everyone’s favorite one, is sparing. This part gives lots of satisfaction.

Is Sopot Kendo Club English friendly?

Of course, everyone can join our club, no matter where you are from. We have already had members from Spain, Norway, Denmark or Korea. If necessary, we lead training in English.

And for the end of the interview, could you say a few words to our readers to encourage them to join Sopot Kendo Club?

We warmly invite you all to join our Club, as it is an amazing martial art and a great way to spend your free time. Of course, Kendo is a very demanding sport when it comes to discipline and it needs years of experience to succeed. Nevertheless, it is a very satisfying sport.

-Thank you very much for the interview and we wish you the best of luck.

Thank you very much.