Butokukan Kendo Dojo (Brighton & Lewes)

Butokukan Kendo Dojo (Brighton & Lewes) is a martial arts club located in Lewes, East Sussex. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the dojo offers traditional kendo and iai practises to adults and older teenagers in the Brighton area. The club holds weekly kendo practises in Brighton on Wednesdays and in Lewes on Fridays. Additionally, there is an iai group that practises exclusively in Lewes.

The Butokukan Dojo welcomes beginners and visitors to join their practises, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. To inquire or express interest, individuals can use the contact form provided on their social media pages or directories. It's important to note that the club is currently unable to accept children, catering solely to adults and older teenagers.

For more information and updates, interested individuals can visit the Butokukan Kendo Dojo Facebook page. The page provides insights into the club's activities and serves as a platform for communication and engagement among members and the wider community.

To assist attendees in finding their way to the dojo, a map displaying the practise locations and respective practise times is available on the club's social media profiles. The map offers clear directions to ensure ease of navigation and convenience for all participants.

The Butokukan Kendo Dojo is affiliated with the British Kendo Renmei, a renowned organisation specialising in traditional kendo and iai since 1973. The club actively contributes to the kendo community, participating in events and celebrations. One such event was a practise held in Tunbridge Wells to commemorate the 90th birthday of Roald Knutsen sensei, a prominent figure in the martial arts world.

The club also recognises the achievements and advancements of its members. In February 2023, the Butokukan Kendo Dojo celebrated the dan degree advancements of Tim Lau (to nidan) and Dave Leeds (to shodan) under the Rules of the British Kend Renmei. This acknowledgement highlights the dedication and progression of individuals within the dojo.

Furthermore, the club values education and knowledge sharing. This is exemplified in the availability of an essay titled “The Line of Beauty: Notes on the Intangible in Kend, Iai-jutsu and the Traditional Bugei” written by Roald Knutsen sensei. The essay delves into the theory of beauty in traditional Japanese martial arts and can be downloaded in both Japanese and English languages. This publication reflects the club's commitment to preserving and passing on traditional Bud teachings.

Sadly, the Butokukan Kendo Dojo recently mourned the loss of Peter Powell sensei, a valued member who had been actively involved in the club for over four decades. As a rokudan kendo, awarded by the British Kendo Renmei, Peter contributed greatly to the dojo, offering advice and encouragement to fellow kendoka. The club held a funeral in Brighton to honour his memory.

Following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Butokukan Kendo Dojo celebrated a long-awaited return to near-normality with the resumption of indoor practises in both Lewes and Tunbridge Wells. This achievement was marked by the attendance of Roald Knutsen sensei, who had been isolated for an extended period. The practises were conducted following strict COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all participants.

Overall, Butokukan Kendo Dojo (Brighton & Lewes) is a reputable martial arts club that offers the opportunity to engage in traditional kendo and iai practises in an inclusive and supportive environment. With a rich history, dedicated instructors, and a commitment to education, the club continues to uphold the values and traditions of Japanese martial arts.