About Us

Baltimore-Annapolis Kendo is incorporated as a non-profit, non-stock entity. Our instructors are 100% volunteer and are not paid (all members of the club, including instructors, pay monthly dues). We seek to hand down what we have learned to the next generation of kendo and iaido enthusiasts. Kendo and iaido are life-long learning activities. We learn about ourselves and achieve personal growth through the study of these samurai arts.

• Phil Van Den Berghe, 4 Dan Kendo, 4 Dan Iaido

• Jennifer De Jong, 3 Dan Kendo

• John Judge, 3 Dan Kendo

• Zahn Kenon, 3 Dan Kendo

The founding members of our dojo began practicing together in January 2000. Baltimore-Annapolis Kendo was founded in 2006 when we moved to our current location at the Severna Park Community Center. 

Baltimore-Annaplis Kendo membership dues are $80 per month, which covers participation in kendo, iaido, or both. Note that all our instructors are volunteers (and pay the same membership dues as club members). Membership dues cover our practice location rental fees and other miscellaneous costs incurred by the club. 

Regular members of the club are expected to register as members of our regional federation, the Southeast United States Kendo Federation, which also includes membership in the All United States Kendo Federation. Federation membership dues are due annually, typically in March.