A club that grows together
Spalato Kendo Club brings together people who share an interest in Japanese swordsmanship, regular practice and learning. Here in Split, we are building a place where beginners, experienced kendoka and aspiring competitors train side by side.
Our beginnings
Dario Karninčić and Petar Ursić Glavanović started the club in late 2018, and it was officially registered in 2019. The founding assembly took place on 10 December 2018. The idea was simple: introduce kendo to people in Split and create a community where this Japanese martial art could be studied and developed with dedication.
The early years brought new members and opportunities to introduce kendo to a wider audience. Even through the challenges of 2020 and 2021, the club continued laying the foundations for its future. Practice by practice, a community of beginners and experienced kendoka grew around mutual support and shared effort.
From the dojo to competition
Seminars and competitions are opportunities to learn, make new friends and put our training into practice. We are proud of our members’ results and the effort behind them.
One of the milestones in our club’s history is Luka Kosor’s junior bronze medal at the 2026 European Kendo Championships in Podgorica. Luka also received a Fighting Spirit award. His achievement is an inspiration to our younger members and the whole club.
What matters to us
Women and girls are a strong and valued part of our community. We train together, learn from one another and support each other’s progress. We want every woman or girl considering kendo to feel that Spalato is a place for her, whether she is stepping into a dojo for the first time or already has experience.
We value respect for our partners, patience in learning and responsibility during practice. We celebrate each member’s progress—from a first well-executed strike to an appearance at a major competition. Everyone who comes with a willingness to learn should feel welcome.
Our story continues with every new practice. If you are curious about kendo, come and meet us.
In the media
Articles about the club are available in Croatian.
Dalmatinski portal, 2020 — Japanese swordsmanship in Split
Slobodna Dalmacija, 2024 — Meet Split’s kendoka
Slobodna Dalmacija, 2026 — Luka Kosor’s European bronze medal
