DO KENDO

The fastest way to learn Kendo is to love Kendo. This principle applies to anything in life. When you truly enjoy what you do, you naturally immerse yourself in it, you learn more quickly, and your potential becomes limitless.

Taro Ariga - Kendo Kyoshi 8th Dan

The History

Taro Ariga began practicing Kendo at the age of eight in São Paulo, Brazil. He later lived and trained in Canada, Japan, and the United States, continuing his Kendo journey for more than fifty years. In 2005, he founded BUTOKUDEN Dojo in Irvine, California, where he has since taught hundreds of students.

In 2025, he passed the 8th Dan examination in Kyoto, Japan—the highest rank attainable in Kendo and widely regarded as the most difficult examination in the world, with an average pass rate of less than 1%.

> Learn more
A traditional martial arts demonstration in a gymnasium with an audience watching; two practitioners wearing black uniforms and protective gear engage in a sparring match, with one holding a wooden sword and the other wielding a staff, surrounded by spectators in the background.

At Piratininga Dojo in São Paulo, during one of his earliest Kendo competitions at the age of nine. Circa 1976.

The Philosophy

“The fastest way to learn Kendo is to love Kendo. This principle applies to anything in life. When you truly enjoy what you do, you naturally immerse yourself in it, you learn more quickly, and your potential becomes limitless. My goal is not just to make you stronger or faster, but to help you love Kendo—because once you do, everything else follows.”
— Taro Ariga Kendo - Kyoshi 8th Dan

The Dojo

Founded in Irvine, California, in 2005, BUTOKUDEN Dojo has since trained hundreds of students and is now recognized as one of the largest dojos in the United States. Taro spends most of his time at the Dojo.

> Butokuden Dojo Website
Group of people, including children and adults, posing for a photo inside a martial arts dojo, with some wearing traditional kendo gear and armor, and banners with Japanese writing on the walls.

BUTOKUDEN, a big Kendo family

“I have taught kenshi of all ages and levels—from children as young as three to seniors over eighty, and from complete beginners to world-class competitors. Through these experiences, I have learned that everything ultimately comes down to solid fundamentals.”
— Taro Ariga Kendo - Kyoshi 8th Dan

The Global Kendo Community

By hosting international Kendo camps at Butokuden Dojo and traveling overseas, I strive to broaden perspectives and share my knowledge with local Kendo communities around the world.

Taro Ariga Kendo - Kyoshi 8th Dan

> Kendo Trips
Group of martial artists in traditional clothing posing for a photo inside a gymnasium with a wooden floor.

2025 Kendo Seminar in Porto, Portugal