First training

[StylophonePet]

Sorry but this post is a little test before I start typing my message for the 6th time

[StylophonePet]

Ok, 6th try to post this question.....so here goes.
I am going to my first training this thursday, what should I expect?
Went to see the training last sunday but missed the warm-up, so they where doing keiko and some kata's when I arrived. (so much for ettiquette)
Will I get thrown into practise together with the rest of the group (without bogu training) or will there be some sort of "newcomer instruction session" since I am completely new to martial arts altogether?

And my final question, how rigurous is kendo training? I have some heart problems and because of that have become very lazy, not to say that I am overweight in any way, it's just that my muscles have seemed to have desolved :eek:

[smith]

Make sure first up that you tell the sensei about your heart problems. Kendo can be very vigourous, so both you and your sensei will need to monitor your progress carefully. This said, kendo can be practiced at almost any level and will definitely do you more good than harm.

Your other questions largely depend on the dojo where you will be training and the sensei in charge.

Welcome to the world of kendo!

[StylophonePet]

Thank you for your reply and your warm welcome Smith, I was afraid nobody was going to reply to my stupid question

I was meaning to ask the sensei
but there was a replacement trainer at that moment because the other trainers were sick.

[kendomushi]

Kendo usually starts with learning the foot work, if you have done any other martial arts you will find kendo foot work very different, and learning to control the shinai. It will be some time before you progress to wearing armor. Just how long depends on how fast you pick it up and your instructor's perception of your progress. Most of our students spend between 4 and 8 months working on basics before being told they are ready to wear armor.

I know of several people with various heart troubles that continue to do kendo. Just make sure to inform your sensei and if you feel you need to take a break, take a break. Do your best, but don't jeopardize your health.

Good luck!

[StylophonePet]

I just would hate to be considered to be a loser by the Sensei

[smith]

Define "loser"... ;)

Seriously, kendo is mercifully free of the "Cobra Kai never dies!!"-sort of macho posturing that dominates a lot of other martial arts. I think this might be because testosterone and strength alone can't make you a good kendoka. Brains, skill, rhythm and spirit have more to do with it.

"What about the Californians?" I hear you ask. Well, we all know their posturing is actually post-modern irony, and that really they're not macho at all but final year med students, architects, graphic designers, PhD students and independant filmmakers.

Apologies Pet, but this thread is about to go OT...

[aru-ma]

kendomushi, did you post the same post twice?

[kendomushi]

yeah, I had a birthday this past Monday and senility set in. I saw this thread needing the same basic response and thought I must have started the other one and not finished (I actually get distracted by work sometimes, as if they pay me enough to actually work here!) and so I guess I put the same thing.
Oh to be young and competent again........... lol

[Jerry Wellbrock]

StylophonePet, Kendo may provide you with just the exercise that you need for your heart. However I hope that you are consulting with a physician preferably a cardiologist before embarking on this journey. I think depending on your cardiac history that a stress test and or echo cardiogram may be in order before you do strenuous training. Kendo can be very demanding and one of the greatest things about it is pushing yourself beyound your own preconceived limits of physical ability. You definitely need to discuss your health issues with your Sensei before beginning any class so he/she understand the possibility of limits on your training. Like any beginner training in kendo is different than other forms of exercise and as you progress in both time and level of fitness you will be able to do more and more rigorous training. Welcome to kendo and good luck on your journey.

[Winter_Wolf]

Hello,
Kendomushi, I think I might cry...
I've been doing Kendo for like 3 months, and am so looking forward to getting into armor....But 8 months....**sobs**

StylophonePet, it sounds like this heart problem, assuming a medical professional o.k's it, would be a good motivater to keep you going strong in Kendo. I know my sever asthmatics have, but like I said it's only been 3 months...**sobs**
Thanks,
W.W.

[Neil Gendzwill]

I've heard of some traditional dojos in Japan where it's 3 years of kirikaeshi before putting on bogu. Patience...

[StylophonePet]

In the dojo where I will be training, they talk about 3 months or so, if you join every training session....and of course make progress

[StylophonePet]

Smith what does "OT" mean?

[kendomushi]

Winter Wolf,
Don't sweat it. You will put on the armor when your sensei thinks you are ready. It could be next month, it could be next year. Just do your best and you will get there. Kendo, like any other skill, takes time, patience, and dedication to learn. It is a step by step process. Keep your spirits up and you'll suddenly be there before you know it. :)

Neil,
Yes I know of many dojo where it can be a minimum of two years before you wear armor. In our club we are lucky. The majority of our members are military people who are here only for between 2 - 4 years (I'm a civilian contractor here and will stay as long as I have a job or until I fall over dead, whichever comes last). Our sensei is well aware of our time limitations. He therefore pushes students a bit to bring them up as fast as they can handle so that when they do leave they hopefully know enough and like kendo enough that they will seek out a dojo in their new assignment and continue practicing.
He also teaches on a vounteer basis, no fees except those required by teh ZNKR when someone wants to test. Helps make it much more attractive to people.

[berghaan]

Originally posted by Winter_Wolf
I think I might cry...
I've been doing Kendo for like 3 months, and am so looking forward to getting into armor....But 8 months....**sobs**


I had to train for over a year before I was allowed to wear a bogu the first time.
But I have seen other people go into bogu much faster.
I think it all depends on where you train and how much effort you put into it and on the availability of bogu :)

I didnt think a year was too long before getting to bogu practice.

greetings,

Mark