About Minnehaha Kendo Dojo

Minnehaha Kendo Dojo is led by Bob Cochran Sensei (4th Dan), and Minnehaha Kendo Dojo is a member in both Midwest Kendo Federation and the All U.S. Kendo Federation. Minnehaha Kendo Dojo is a non-profit group locates in the Minneapolis, Minnesota that train in the martial art of Kendo. Our instructor does not take any salary, and all membership fees go toward rent and upkeep. Visitors and beginners are welcome to come to our training sessions.

A brief history of Kendo
What is Kendo? Kendo literally means “The way of the sword”. Many mistake Kendo for Iaido or Kenjutsu which use a live blade. In fact, Kendo’s main weapon is a Shinai - a bamboo sword - and Kendoists wear armor or Bogu when practicing the art. The modern philosophy of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the sword.Kendo shares a common origin with other Japanese sword arts. It was developed during the Tokugawa Shogunate period to allow for the practice swordsmanship against opponents without unnecessary injuries. After the Meiji Restoration in the 1860’s, Kendo barely survived the abolishment of the Samurai class, and later the prohibition against martial arts in general during the allied occupation of Japan following World War II. The idea of Kendo as a method for self improvement and way for the promotion of peace preserved its continued practice. Today, Kendo is one of the most popular sports/martial arts in Japan, and there are approximately 3 million Kendo practitioners around the world.

Why practice Kendo? To mold the mind and body, cultivate a vigorous spirit, and practice courtesy and honor. As described, there is much more to Kendo than just beating each other up with a bamboo sword. There is a saying in Kendo, “Kendo begins with manners, and ends with manners”. Before holding a sword, one must learn manners first. Don’t be surprised if your first duty of kendo practice is to sweep the floor. You will be on the path not only for your own self improvement but also contributing to the development of culture and the promotion of peace and prosperity among all peoples.