About LCKA
Kendo in La Cañada Flintridge.
Who We Are
A Kendo dojo rooted in the Foothills community.
La Cañada Kendo Academy is a Kendo dojo located in La Cañada Flintridge, California. We offer instruction for youth, teens, adult beginners, and experienced practitioners who are committed to the serious study of Kendo.
Our dojo serves students from La Cañada Flintridge and the surrounding Foothills communities, including La Crescenta, Montrose, Altadena, Pasadena, and Glendale. We welcome students of all backgrounds who are ready to train with dedication and respect.
Kendo is practiced here with an emphasis on correct technique, proper etiquette, and the development of character through disciplined, sustained effort.
Our Approach
Kendo practiced with purpose.
At LCKA, we emphasize the qualities that make Kendo a complete discipline — developing the mind, body, and character of each student through rigorous, respectful, and purposeful training.
Respect
Every practice begins and ends with respect — for the dojo, instructors, training partners, and the practice of Kendo itself.
Focus
Kendo requires full attention and presence. Students develop concentration and self-control through disciplined, purposeful practice.
Technique
Correct form develops through patient repetition. Posture, footwork, timing, and striking fundamentals provide the foundation for continued progress.
Physical Development
Consistent Kendo training develops coordination, endurance, balance, and body control while challenging students to improve over time.
How We Train
Rigorous practice.
Patient instruction.
Students begin with the fundamentals: correct posture, footwork, grip, and basic striking technique. These foundations are developed through patient, consistent practice before students advance to partner work and full keiko.
As students progress, they are introduced to kata, more complex techniques, and eventually competitive sparring. Advancement reflects genuine achievement earned through consistent, dedicated practice.
Etiquette is an integral part of every class. Students learn to bow when entering and leaving the floor, to address instructors and senior students with respect, and to conduct themselves with the seriousness the art deserves.
View Our Programs"The purpose of Kendo is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the katana."
— All Japan Kendo Federation
This principle guides the way we approach training at La Cañada Kendo Academy.
Our Instructors
Experienced instructors. Personal guidance.
LCKA is led by three instructors with extensive Kendo experience and a shared commitment to helping students develop through disciplined, attentive practice. Together, they provide instruction for complete beginners, developing students, and experienced practitioners.
Head Instructor
Byung-Chan Ahn
Byung-Chan Ahn has more than 25 years of Kendo experience and served as President of the Western Kendo Federation from 2020 to 2022. His background also includes many years of youth development and community leadership. He brings that experience to LCKA with an emphasis on disciplined practice, character development, and long-term growth.
Instructor
Yong Tae Cho
Yong Tae Cho has more than 15 years of Kendo experience and currently serves as a Director of the Western Kendo Federation. At LCKA, he helps students develop strong fundamentals through consistent, attentive instruction.
Instructor
Jeong Won Hong
Jeong Won Hong has more than 15 years of Kendo experience and currently serves as First Vice President of the Western Kendo Federation. He is actively involved in tournament, examination, and training activities. At LCKA, he works with students across experience levels as they continue developing their Kendo.
All three LCKA instructors have completed U.S. Center for SafeSport training.
Kendo across generations.
Kendo can be practiced across generations, giving parents and children an opportunity to learn, train, and grow through the same discipline. Each of LCKA's three instructors has had children who have practiced or continue to practice Kendo — reflecting the role Kendo can play not only as an individual pursuit, but as a shared family experience.
Our Community
Serving La Cañada Flintridge and the Foothills.
La Cañada Kendo Academy is part of the La Cañada Flintridge community. Our students come from La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, Altadena, Sunland-Tujunga, Pasadena, Glendale, and beyond — drawn by a shared interest in Kendo and serious training.
We welcome youth ages 7 and up, teens, and adults from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you are a complete beginner, a parent exploring Kendo for your child, or an experienced practitioner looking for a dojo, we welcome you to join us for a free introductory class.
Try a Free ClassDojo Location
La Cañada Kendo Academy
4490 Cornishon Ave
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
We recommend contacting us before your first visit so we can let you know what to expect and confirm the current class schedule.
Get in TouchReady to Begin
The first step is simply showing up.
Contact us to arrange a visit, ask questions about our programs, or join us for a free introductory class. We look forward to hearing from you.