Beginners FAQs
Q: Is there any age limit for Kendo?
A: Not at all ! Anyone can join regardless of age or gender, Kendo training can sometimes become strenuous, but the training is adapted to the individual needs by the coaches.
Q: How can I find a good Kendo dojo?
A: Here are some points to consider :
- What is the primary motivation of the instructors,
- Come to watch, listen and ask questions!
- Is the training in line with to what they claim themselves to be?
- Some Clues-look at whether shoes are placed neatly at the entrance of dojo. Are the Kendo bags placed in an orderly manner?
- Observe how the training is efficiently progressed
Q: Does Kendo hurts or is it dangerous?
A: We wear protective amour and the target areas are well protected. We are trained to strike only the protected areas and importantly, only with the appropriate amount of strength. We do warm up (stretching, etc.) at the beginning and end of lessons to prevent injury. Safety is our most important priority in Kendo.
Q: Do beginners need to wear Kendo outfit?
A: At the beginning, you can wear a comfortable t-shirt and track gear (we don’t wear shoes!). However, it is recommended you wear the traditional Kendo outfit (without armour) as you feel more like a Samurai!
Q: Do I need a bamboo sword?
A: Yes, absolutely! A bamboo stave (竹刀shinai) is included in the beginners programme.
Q: When can beginners start wearing Kendo armours?
A: We recommend that beginners firstly establish a solid foundation of basic forms, footwork and body movement without wearing armour. It usually takes a couple of months before you feel ready to wear them. Sensei will advise on progression to armour.
Q: How much does it cost to purchase Kendo armour ?
A: Armour starts from $300 but you can spend thousands of dollars depending on your customization. Beginners are recommended towards purchasing the most durable and comfortable equipment you can afford. Feel free to discuss with students and instructors on getting the right Bogu. Though the cost of armour is reducing every year, the fact that they are manufactured in Japan and other places abroad means that there is a high delivery cost to consider.
A: Not at all ! Anyone can join regardless of age or gender, Kendo training can sometimes become strenuous, but the training is adapted to the individual needs by the coaches.
Q: How can I find a good Kendo dojo?
A: Here are some points to consider :
- What is the primary motivation of the instructors,
- Come to watch, listen and ask questions!
- Is the training in line with to what they claim themselves to be?
- Some Clues-look at whether shoes are placed neatly at the entrance of dojo. Are the Kendo bags placed in an orderly manner?
- Observe how the training is efficiently progressed
Q: Does Kendo hurts or is it dangerous?
A: We wear protective amour and the target areas are well protected. We are trained to strike only the protected areas and importantly, only with the appropriate amount of strength. We do warm up (stretching, etc.) at the beginning and end of lessons to prevent injury. Safety is our most important priority in Kendo.
Q: Do beginners need to wear Kendo outfit?
A: At the beginning, you can wear a comfortable t-shirt and track gear (we don’t wear shoes!). However, it is recommended you wear the traditional Kendo outfit (without armour) as you feel more like a Samurai!
Q: Do I need a bamboo sword?
A: Yes, absolutely! A bamboo stave (竹刀shinai) is included in the beginners programme.
Q: When can beginners start wearing Kendo armours?
A: We recommend that beginners firstly establish a solid foundation of basic forms, footwork and body movement without wearing armour. It usually takes a couple of months before you feel ready to wear them. Sensei will advise on progression to armour.
Q: How much does it cost to purchase Kendo armour ?
A: Armour starts from $300 but you can spend thousands of dollars depending on your customization. Beginners are recommended towards purchasing the most durable and comfortable equipment you can afford. Feel free to discuss with students and instructors on getting the right Bogu. Though the cost of armour is reducing every year, the fact that they are manufactured in Japan and other places abroad means that there is a high delivery cost to consider.