Practice Schedule

Every Monday and Thursday 8:00-10:30 PM in the PED North Gym. Please arrive 15 minutes earlier if you need to change before class.

 

This section will serve as a beginner's guide and FAQ to starting and practicing Kendo.

• Kendo is practiced barefoot.
• Please come in knowing how to count to ten in Japanese (see terminology).
• Do not wear any jewelry or carry any personal accessories during practice.
• Beginners without uniform or armor should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes appropriate for physical exercise.
• Treat your shinai as if it were a real sword - do not lean on it or play with it. When not practicing with it, hold it in your left hand with the string facing down.
• Treat all of your equipment with respect - fold your hakama and keikogi, and put away your armor as you are taught.
• Do not step over shinai that are lying on the floor.
• Bow whenever you enter or leave a dojo. This shows respect to the place of learning.
• Kenshi do not wear an outward sign of rank - if unsure, treat everyone like a sensei.
• Assume a serious attitude during training.
• Listen to what your seniors(sempai) have to say and look after those who started after you.
• Be courteous to everyone in the dojo. Manners, Reiho, are of utmost importance in Kendo. Failure to comply will result in the termination of membership.
• Please come in with an open and "pure" mind - if you have previous experience in other martial arts, try not to let it affect your Kendo.
• Please do the best that you can. The sensei takes his time to teach you, so please pay him back with effort.
• Please remain humble throughout your training because training is infinite.

General FAQ

Q: Is there a fee to practice?

A: Depending on whether or not practice space will be available for free, we may have to charge for membership for the hiring of a facilities manager.

Q: I'm getting blisters on the bottom of my feet - what can I do to prevent them?

A: Sore feet are a common result of beginning Kendo - your feet will callus over time. In the meantime, sports tape can be applied to your feet to ease the pain. Please ask a sensei or sempai before taping, as there is a specific method so that the tape will not fall off during practice. If the blister causes problems in walking or is bleeding, let it heal before resuming practice.

Q: How long do I have to wait before I get to wear uniform and armor?

A: Different people advance at different levels, depending on level of dedication. Generally, the sensei will allow you to purchase uniform after he is satisfied with your footwork. Also, it usually takes 3-6 months of practice before you are allowed to wear the armor.

Q: How much do shinai cost?

A: Beginner shinai(bamboo swords) cost $18-25, based on the size of of the shinai, which is seperated between genders. We will try to obtain deals with local Kendo suppliers for wholesale shinai so that they may be purchased at a lower price. As you advance in skill, you may find certain types of shinai more suitable to your style of Kendo.

Q: How much does uniform/armor cost?

A: Kendo equipment come in a wide range of prices. Kendo uniform(keikogi and hakama) can run anywhere from $80(combined) to $200. The price difference is in material, weight, and look. Generally, polyester hakama are cheaper than cotton, but cotton has a much nicer look. If taken care of properly, your keikogi and hakama can last anywhere between 10 years and the rest of your life. The Kendo armor(bogu) can range anywhere from $350 to the upper thousands. When our first group is ready to obtain their armor, we will try to obtain a discount from local Kendo suppliers. Generally, beginners are suggested to buy a set of bogu in the $350 - $600 range. If taken care of, Kendo bogu can last 10-20 years before you have to purchase a new set.

Q: How should I care for my equipment?

A: Shinai should be checked during and after each practice to ensure no splinters have developed. The constant oiling and rotating of the shinai slats prolongs the lifespan of the shinai significantly. Bogu should never be left in the bogu bag and need to be left out to dry. Proper equipment care will be covered by the sensei or sempai.

Q: May I be late to practice?

A: Yes - you are allowed to join the practice after it has begun. However, this should be only if there is an event hindering you from arriving on time, such as class before practice. Try to show up on time, and if you have uniform or armor, please show up about 15 minutes early.

Q: May I be excused during practice?

A: Yes, if you have to leave during practice please inform the sensei before you dismiss yourself.

Q: Is attendance mandatory?

A: Excluding special days, please try to show up to every practice. Coming to practice when you are "tired" is part of Kendo. Currently, we are not setting any regulations for attendance, but that is subject to change based on the number of members and potential members. Furthermore, eligibility to apply for officer positions will be based on attendance and attitude.

Q: How does rank work in Kendo?

A: Kendo utilizes the kyu-dan system. In order of skill, you advance from mu-kyu(0-kyu) down to 5-kyu, 4-kyu, 3-kyu, 2-kyu, 1-kyu, and then advance to 1-dan, 2-dan, 3-dan...8-dan is the highest achievable rank of skill, requires a Kenshi to be at least 46 years old, and is held by very few Kenshi. 9-kyu to 6-kyu is sometimes given to Kenshi not yet in armor, depending on dojo preferences. 1-dan, or shodan is generally considered the "black belt" of Kendo, but is still a "beginner's" rank. In the U.S., 4-dan qualifies a Kenshi as "sensei" - in Japan it is 5-dan. Along with the kyu-dan system runs a parallel ranking system of renshi, kyoshi, and hanshi, which are given to Kenshi based on non-technical-related qualities, such as their personal character or contribution to Kendo. These are only given to Kenshi who hold a rank of at least 6-dan. Please review the SCKF website for information on testing in California.

Q: I am interested in "bushido" - does Kendo have strong ties to it?

A: Everyone interprets Kendo differently. It can be a hobby, a sport, a martial art, or a way of life. Kendo is among the oldest "budo" (martial way), and offers many valuable lessons to be learned through continual practice. However, it is up to the individual Kenshi to learn them.