Start Here

Beginners welcome. No experience needed. First session free.

Beginning something new can feel uncertain, especially when it involves a traditional martial art. At Tenshin Dojo, you do not need experience, specialist knowledge, or a particular level of fitness to begin. You only need a willingness to learn and an open mindset.

Tenshin Dojo is dedicated to the practice of Iaijutsu (the art of drawing the Japanese sword) and Kenjutsu (traditional Japanese swordsmanship), along with the wider principles of Budo. Training is structured and supportive, helping students develop not only physical skill, but also focus, awareness, and a sense of steady progress over time.

What Is Tenshin Dojo?

Tenshin Dojo is a place to study traditional Japanese sword arts in a calm and respectful environment.

Training is approached in a steady and thoughtful way, allowing each student to build confidence and understanding step by step. There is no pressure to perform—only to learn and improve over time.

Do I Need Experience?

No. Many people who join are completely new to martial arts.

You will be guided from the beginning, learning posture, movement, and the basics of training in a way that is clear and manageable.

What Will I Learn?

You will begin with:

basic posture and movement

safe handling of training equipment

awareness and control

respect for the training environment

the foundations of Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu

Training Environment

As well as learning technique, you’ll also become familiar with how training is approached within the dojo.

Tenshin Dojo has a calm and focused atmosphere, where people train with attention and mutual respect. For those new to martial arts, this may feel different at first—but it quickly becomes a comfortable and supportive environment to learn in.

Over time, students find themselves naturally becoming more focused, consistent, and attentive in how they approach their training.

You’re not expected to know everything straight away—you’ll be guided through it.

If you’d like to understand this a little more beforehand, you can read our Dojo Etiquette page.

Who Is This For?

This dojo may be right for you if you are:

new to martial arts

interested in Japanese culture and sword arts

looking for something structured and meaningful

willing to learn steadily over time

You do not need to be fit, flexible, or experienced to begin.

What Is the Dojo Like?

The dojo is a place of quiet focus, where people train together in a respectful and supportive way.

Everyone starts at the beginning, and progress comes through regular practice and patience. Over time, many students find that training helps them feel more focused, more confident, and more grounded.

When and Where Do You Train?

Wednesdays, 19:00 – 21:00

432 Little Wakering Road

Barling Magna

Southend-on-Sea SS3 0LN

How Do I Begin?

Your first session is free, and beginners are always welcome.

Email: Tenshinyodokan@gmail.com

Phone: 07483 870862