First Jukendo & Tankendo dojo created in Canada - Founded in 2018
Jukendo is a modern Japanese martial art that employs a wooden replica of a rifle with a bayonet fixed to the tip, emphasizing linear thrusts, precise footwork, and timing. It simulates the use of the bayonet as it would be attached to a rifle in combat.
Tankendo, also a modern Japanese martial art, uses a short bamboo sword to represent the bayonet once it has been detached from the rifle, focusing on agility, close-range techniques, and rapid movement.
Both disciplines are practiced with full protective gear, making them safe and enjoyable. They also offer excellent benefits for physical fitness, mental focus, and personal discipline.
A wooden replica of a rifle.
A bamboo replica of a bayonet.
A protection to cushion thrusts.
A practice uniform, including a jacket with a French style and a traditional Japanese pants.
A glove that helps to maintain a good grip on the mokuju and prevent blisters.
A helmet that protects the head and throat.
A shoulder protector that protects the heart and shoulder.
An armor that protects the torso.
Gloves that protect the wrists and thumb.
An apron that protects the lower body. It contains a leather loop to attach the kata.
You may have noticed that the attire and armor worn are very similar to those of other budo, such as kendo or naginata. There are similar concepts (reigi, maai, zanshin, etc.), but jukendo and tankendo are unique martial arts, with specific techniques and rules. Below are some very distinctive points of these disciplines.
Most Jukendo and Tankendo techniques are thrusts.
For this same reason, one must "withdraw their weapon" from the opponent's body.
In Tankendo, it is possible to grab the opponent to strike
We offer free trial classes for interested beginners. No experience or equipment required, just come in comfortable clothes and we'll take care of the rest! For more information, contact us at the following address: jukendomontreal@gmail.com
We are a non-profit Jukendo and Tankendo club based in Montreal, dedicated to promoting and developing these fascinating Japanese martial arts in Quebec and across Canada. Our practice sessions are held at the Greene Centre in Montreal (Westmount) every Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All those interested are warmly welcome to join us!
We are officially affiliated with the International Jukendo Federation.
Founder
Instructor
Tankendo 4D
Jukendo 3D
Thomas's journey in martial arts began with Kendo, which he started practicing in Belgium in 2008. After relocating to Montreal, Canada in 2013, he continued to pursue Kendo with dedication. In early 2018, his curiosity led him to explore the lesser-known disciplines of Jukendo and Tankendo, which he first encountered through online resources such as Jukendo World.
Eager to deepen his understanding, Thomas traveled to Japan to participate in the first-ever International Jukendo/Tankendo Seminar, organized by the All Japan Jukendo Federation. This immersive experience marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Upon returning to Montreal, he founded the Montreal Jukendo & Tankendo Club (MJTC), Canada's first Jukendo/Tankendo dojo, with the goal of offering structured training and helping to grow these unique martial arts across the country.
Our dojo logo encompasses a stylized fleur-de-lys, evoking both royalty and the province of Quebec, a revisited version of the Japanese kanji for mountain "山," and a circle representing the island of Montreal. Taken altogether, it perfectly represents our dojo located on the island of Montreal at the foot of Mount Royal.
The credit for this incredible work goes to our friend Miki Chart.
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Closing out 2025 with our final practice, an awesome visit from the Ottawa Jukendo & Tankendo Club (Miki, Ed, Philippe, and Tenraku), and a well-earned end-of-year club dinner.
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Big news from the Montreal Jukendo & Tankendo Club!
We're proud to announce that Simon is now officially nidan in both Jukendo and Tankendo, and Anne has earned her ikkyu in both disciplines! Huge congrats to both for their hard work and perseverance!
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It's been a week since our dojo leader, Thomas Rolain, returned from the 6th International Jukendo & Tankendo Seminar in Japan, and we're still feeling the energy from this incredible experience.
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What a day! Wrapped up a solid Tankendo practice, followed by a well-deserved dinner at Tempura Kyodai. We came together not just to train, but to celebrate everything our dojo has accomplished over the past year.
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What a weekend! The 3rd Canadian Jukendo & Tankendo Seminar was a huge success. 🇨🇦🥋
A huge thank you to our amazing senseis Steve Kelsey, Baptiste Tavernier and Sato-sensei who travelled from Japan and the UK to share their knowledge and passion with us.
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We've updated our website to include a glossary of terms related to Jukendo and Tankendo.
This glossary is designed to help newcomers and enthusiasts alike understand the terminology used in these martial arts. You can find it on the Resource page of our website!
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Excited to announce that the 3rd Canadian Jukendo & Tankendo Seminar has been officially confirmed! It will be held in Montreal on June 7-8, 2025. This event will be open to all levels, beginners included.
Please don't hesitate to DM us or reach out at jukendomontreal@gmail.com for more information!
Do I need to buy equipment to practice?
We provide all the necessary equipment if you don't have any. If you decide to continue, we recommend you buy your own equipment for comfort reasons.
How much does it cost?
The registration fee is 30 CAD per month.
Is it dangerous?
Not at all! The armors and padding are designed to absorb shocks and protect the participants.
Can I try before signing up?
Of course! Feel free to contact us to schedule a trial session or to get more information.
Can I practice only Jukendo or only Tankendo?
These two disciplines are taught together. We alternate between the two every week.
You can choose to attend only one of the two disciplines, but we strongly recommend you practice both!
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Website created by Lecoq Simon.