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行事
Events
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 with others.
With a shinai in hand and bogu on their back, the kendoka trains by alternating between kata, techniques
and bouts in an atmosphere energised by the kiai resonating throughout the Dojo.
But kendo is not only about breaking a sweat; it is also about creating strong bonds based on respect and friendship.
It is a practice that develops both body and mind, while passing on the living heritage of Japanese
culture.
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 combat… except that there is no opponent
other than oneself.
The practitioner draws their sword, cuts and returns it to its saya, all with precision governed by situations based
on real combat.
Here, there are no shouts or clashes, only the breath and, sometimes, the sound of the sword sliding into the saya. It is
a living silence, in which every movement becomes introspection and motion.
Rooted in Japan’s long history of sword practice, Iaido cultivates calm, discipline and presence with oneself.
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. It is where we learn. Quite simply.
We learn our disciplines, but also respect, courtesy, the principles of mutual progress and, therefore,
fellowship.
Shudokan now has two dojos: the original, historic dojo in Narbonne, and since 2023, a second dojo in
Perpignan.
Founded by Francis SAGET, Bruno JIMENEZ and Pascal BOURGOGNE, the Dojo has been teaching Kendo in Narbonne for 35 years.
This long history has made it possible to train hundreds of practitioners and to organise numerous events, as well as
welcome several delegations of sensei from Japan.
Since September 2007, the arrival of Jean-Jacques SAUVAGE, 7th dan Kyoshi in Iaido and 6th dan in Kendo, has enabled
the opening of an Iaido section at the Narbonne Dojo, further 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.
Kendo instruction is provided 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 important to note that teaching our disciplines is also the work of each and every one of us. Knowledge is
therefore passed on from more advanced practitioners to those with less experience, and so on.
In Japan, the most experienced teachers mischievously admit that they continue to learn from beginners.
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
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
