# Nenriki Kendo Club

Nenriki Kendo Club is London's longest-established martial arts institution, operating continuously since 1966 from its home at the Elephant & Castle. As the oldest continuous member of the British Kendo Association, the club has played a foundational role in shaping kendo across Britain, earning recognition through its affiliation with the English Sports Council.

The club serves practitioners of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners to advanced students seeking competitive training and belt progression. Beyond recreational practitioners, Nenriki attracts serious martial artists committed to mastering kendo's technical discipline, philosophy and traditions.

What distinguishes Nenriki is its exceptional pedigree and institutional significance. The club has produced numerous qualified instructors who have gone on to establish dojos nationwide, reflecting the calibre of instruction available. This legacy is underscored by the involvement of prominent figures: Charles Lidstone, the first president of the British Kendo Association, trained here, as did Sir Frank Bowden, a former club president who later became elect president of the national association. This heritage demonstrates that Nenriki has consistently attracted and developed exceptional talent at the highest levels of the sport.

The club combines authentic kendo training grounded in traditional Japanese martial principles with structured progression pathways, established credentials, and a thriving community that spans nearly six decades. For those seeking to train at a historically significant institution with proven expertise in developing skilled practitioners and instructors, Nenriki remains unparalleled in London.