Kendo is more than a sport, it is a way of life. Practitioners must learn how to control their emotions, remain calm under pressure, and cultivate humility and respect for others.

Bobby Romero, of Oakland, sheathes his sword during an iaido martial arts class at the Emeryville Center of Community Life in Emeryville, Calif., on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News ...

For an hour on most Monday evenings, they practice the centuries-old techniques of Historical European Martial Arts. The center is one weekly meeting place for the Triangle Sword Guild’s sword ...