Sam Hopkinson founded the Nelson Kendo Club in 1992. Before that Sam trained with Alex Bennett at the Christchurch Kendo Club, once he received his 1st Dan he moved to Nelson and began to instruct to whoever wanted to learn this great martial art called Kendo.

The Nelson Kendo Club celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2002. Over the past two years in particular the club has grown in membership and Nelson kendo is known for being strong, dynamic and committed.

The Nelson Kendo Club is a sister club of the Christchurch Kendo Club- although we have a friendly rivalry going on. :)

The Club traditionally holds a Summer Camp in Nelson over Waitangi weekend (early Feb) and has enjoyed having Ron Bennett and Jamie Fennessey from the Australian Kendo Federation hold workshops for the past two years.

Nelson is a great place to visit and holiday in so come and see us you are more than welcome!!