Events

Kendo

Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art. Kendo means the Way of the Sword, but in reality, it is above all a Way through the sword—a path for personal growth, self-affirmation and moving forward alongside others.
With a Shinai in hand and Bogu on their back, the kendoka trains by alternating between kata, techniques and combat, in an atmosphere driven by the Kiai resonating throughout the Dojo.
But kendo is not only about working up a sweat; it is also about forging strong bonds based on respect and friendship. It is a practice that helps both body and mind grow, while passing on the living heritage of Japanese culture.

Iaido

Iaido could be translated as The Way of Unity or The Way of Living in Harmony. It is a traditional Japanese martial art that might seem like a blend of meditation and sword fighting… except that there is no opponent other than oneself.
The practitioner draws the sword, cuts and resheathes it, all with precision shaped by situations drawn from real combat.
Here, there are no shouts or clashes, only the breath and, at times, the sound of the sword sliding into the saya. It is an inhabited silence, in which every movement becomes introspection and motion.
Rooted in the long history of sword practice in Japan, Iaido cultivates calm, discipline and presence with oneself.

Dojo

In Japan, many places are called Dojo. You can learn judo or kendo there, as well as calligraphy or the art of flower arranging.
Dojo means The Place Where the Way Is Studied. This is where we learn. Quite simply.
We learn our disciplines, but also respect, politeness, the principles of mutual progress and, therefore, fraternity.
Shudokan now has 2 dojos: the original, historic dojo in Narbonne, and since 2023, a second dojo in Perpignan.

History

Founded by Francis SAGET, Bruno JIMENEZ and Pascal BOURGOGNE, the Dojo has been teaching Kendo in Narbonne for 35 years.
This long history has enabled hundreds of practitioners to train, while also allowing us to organize numerous events and welcome several delegations of sensei from Japan.
Since September 2007, the arrival of Jean-Jacques SAUVAGE, Kyoshi 7th dan in Iaido and 6th dan in Kendo, has led to the opening of an Iaido section at the Narbonne Dojo, thereby enriching the teaching of the Way of the Sword at Shudokan.
In 2023, Abdelkader REBAHI, 5th dan in Kendo and 4th dan in Iaido, opened Shudokan's second dojo in Perpignan.
Shudokan's teaching is shaped by a close history with OKADA Sensei in Tokyo, as well as with YAMAHATA Sensei and our many friends in Kansai.

Instructors

Kendo is taught by Francis SAGET, assisted by Abdelkader REBAHI and Ariane RUBIELLA in Narbonne.
Jean-Jacques SAUVAGE teaches Iaido in Narbonne, while Abdelkader REBAHI teaches Kendo at the Perpignan dojo.
It is worth noting that teaching our disciplines is also the work of every single practitioner. Knowledge is therefore passed on from the more experienced to those with less experience, and so on.
In Japan, the most experienced teachers mischievously admit that they continue to learn from the most novice practitioners.

Practical Information

Narbonne

33, avenue de Toulouse
11100 Narbonne
Tel: 06 16 93 11 33
narbonne@shudokan.org

Iaido: Tuesday and Thursday, 6:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Kendo: Tuesday and Thursday, 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm

Perpignan

4, rue Paulin Testory
66000 Perpignan
Tel: 06 20 35 83 36 (SMS preferred)
perpignan@shudokan.org

Kendo: Friday, 8 pm to 9:30 pm