Flamboyan Kendo Club logo FLAMBOYAN KENDO CLUBJACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
剣道 • THE WAY OF THE SWORD

Rooted in tradition.
Growing together.

Flamboyan Kendo Club is a Jacksonville community where traditional Japanese swordsmanship becomes a path for discipline, respect, perseverance, and lifelong growth.

Plan Your First VisitDiscover Kendo
FLAMBOYAN • JACKSONVILLE
About the club

Deep roots.
Broad branches.

The flamboyán represents strength through its trunk, protection through its broad canopy, and beauty born from disciplined growth. Our club follows the same idea: grounded in Kendo tradition while creating a welcoming place for people to learn and grow together.

The flamboyant tree is a symbol commonly depicted in Puerto Rican art. We choose it as our name and symbol to honor our ties to the Puerto Rican Kendo and Iaido Federation—La Federación Puertorriqueña de Kendo e Iaido (FEPUKEI).

Flamboyan Kendo Club is a member of the Southeastern United States Kendo Federation (SEUSKF), a regional federation of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF).

According to the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF): “The concept of kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana (sword).”

Flamboyan Kendo Club Jacksonville emblem
Our members

The people growing the club.

Luis Santiago, founder of Flamboyan Kendo Club

Luis Santiago

Kendo 4th Dan

Leading the Club

Luis brings 31 years of Kendo experience to the club. He began training in Minnesota at Minnehaha Kendo Dojo under Bob Cochran Sensei from 1995 to 2000, then continued his Kendo journey under Steve Voss Sensei at Hokkyokusei Kendo Kai in Rochester, Minnesota, from 2000 to 2018. Since 2018, he has practiced in Jacksonville while remaining a member of Hokkyokusei Kendo Kai. In January 2026, he founded Flamboyan Kendo Club. Kendo in Minnesota is part of the Midwest Kendo Federation.

Heather Lowe

Kendo 1st Dan

Philip Morales

Kendo 1st Dan

Faiz Saleem

New Member

Alexander Kilates

New Member

Jadrian Mosley

New Member

Club resources

Documents & videos.

Explore Kendo videos and club reference materials selected to support learning, practice, and continued study.

Video

Nippon Kendo Kata

Watch on YouTube
Kendo Kata Video Guide

This video serves as a comprehensive instructional guide to the Nippon Kendo Kata, produced by the All Japan Kendo Federation. Below is a translated breakdown of the key sections summarized from the instructional content:

  • Introduction to Kendo Kata (0:09): This section explains that the goal of practicing Nippon Kendo Kata is to study the principles and logic of the katana, improve technique, and build character through repetitive, disciplined practice.
  • Protocol and Etiquette (0:56): The video outlines the entire ritualized sequence, from entering the dojo and performing zarei (kneeling bows) to the specific tachiai (engagement) protocols where the practitioners prepare for combat.
  • The Five Kamae (Stances) (15:45): A detailed technical breakdown of the fundamental stances in Kendo. This includes Chudan no kamae (the central guard), Jodan (the high guard, 17:37), and Hasso no kamae (the side guard, 25:16), which are essential for balanced defense and offense.
  • Kata Demonstrations (2:47–10:10): The core of the video features demonstrations of the seven Tachi (long sword) forms and three Kodachi (short sword) forms. These show the interaction between Uchidachi (the teacher/initiator) and Shidachi (the student), illustrating precise sword techniques.
  • Technical Nuance (16:43): This instructional segment covers vital concepts such as Sen (the initiative to attack), Zanshin (the state of mental alertness and lingering spirit after a strike), and the correct use of the monouchi (the effective cutting portion of the blade) to ensure strikes are accurate and controlled.
Documents

Club documents and training guides

Study the Nippon Kendo Kata with concept glossaries in English and Spanish.

Nippon Kendo Kata Concept Glossary — English

83 definitions organized by topic, with a link to the source video.

Download English glossary (Word)
Nippon Kendo Kata — Glosario de conceptos en español

83 definiciones organizadas por tema, conservando los términos japoneses.

Descargar glosario en español (Word)
What Kendo develops

More than learning to strike.

The technical side of Kendo matters, but the deeper purpose is the person being developed through sincere practice.

01

Discipline

Build correct posture, movement, timing, etiquette, and the habit of consistent effort.

02

Respect

Your training partner makes improvement possible. Kendo grows through mutual responsibility and cooperation.

03

Perseverance

Progress comes through repetition, challenge, reflection, and the willingness to continue.

Training

Traditional practice.
Beginner friendly.

Students begin with fundamentals and progress step by step. No previous martial-arts experience is required.

Footwork & Posture

Develop balance, readiness, distance control, and efficient movement.

Shinai Fundamentals

Learn correct grip, cutting action, coordination, Kiai, and Ki-Ken-Tai.

Paired Practice

Build timing, awareness, pressure, connection, and proper attacking opportunities.

Practice information

Sunday mornings in Jacksonville.

Sundays • 10 AM–12 PMPractice normally begins between 10:00 and 10:15 AM.
LA FitnessAtlantic Blvd. & Kernan Blvd. • Jacksonville, Florida
Our roots are in tradition. Our branches reach toward friendship. Our purpose is to help people grow together.
Your first visit

Come observe before you begin.

Watching a practice is the best way to understand Kendo, meet the club, and see how training works.

1

Visit Sunday

Arrive shortly before 10 AM so you can settle in before practice.

2

Tell the front desk

Let LA Fitness staff know you are there to observe Kendo practice.

3

Watch the class

Observe warm-up, fundamentals, paired drills, and advanced practice.

4

Meet the club

Ask questions afterward and learn what you need when you are ready to start.

Cost & equipment

Instruction is free.

In keeping with Kendo tradition, there is no fee for instruction. Students are responsible for LA Fitness membership, personal Kendo equipment as they progress, and annual federation membership and dues.

To Begin

Comfortable exercise clothing and willingness to learn. Equipment is introduced progressively.

As You Progress

Shinai, uniform, and eventually protective armor (bōgu).

Membership

Annual federation and national federation membership supports organized Kendo practice.

See Kendo for yourself.

Join us on a Sunday morning, observe practice, meet the club, and decide whether the Way of the Sword is a path you want to explore.

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