History of Shidogakuin

志道学院の歴史

The Shidogakuin dojo was established in 1984 by Shozo Kato and Tsuyoshi Inoshita, initially under the name of Doshikan. Shidogakuin has grown from a single dojo in Manhattan into an organization that includes many affiliated dojos along the East Coast, including Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., and Florida. 

Kato sensei has been practicing kendo and iaido for almost four decades each. He served as head coach for the U.S. national kendo team for the 10th World Kendo Championships in Kyoto in 1997 and again for the 11th world championships in Santa Clara, Calif., in 2000. In 2006, he served as one of the judges for the 13th world championships in Taipei. In 2012 he served as team manager for the U.S. national kendo team for the 15th World Kendo Championships in Novara, Italy. As one of the highest-ranking iaido practitioners in the U.S., he has also served as head instructor for numerous regional iaido seminars. 

At Shidogakuin, we welcome both novices and experienced students. We emphasizing the fundamentals that will enable practitioners to continuously develop their skills and hone their spirit for a lifetime of rewarding practice. We have classes specifically geared toward beginners to ease them into advanced practice. 

Kendo is great physical exercise, but it is also much more than a sport. At Shidogakuin, approach kendo as a budo - the traditional Japanese concept of martial arts that emphasizes proper etiquette and self-development. 

At Shidogakuin, we firmly believe that focusing on fundamentals also eventually leads to competitive success for those who are interested in participating in tournaments. 

Head Instructor

Shozo Kato sensei