no protective gear

[jennC]

Hi, im new to kendo and was wonder if they have any dojos around massachusetts, USA that dont require you to wear a bogu.

thanks,
jenn

[Neil Gendzwill]

Hi, im new to kendo and was wonder if they have any dojos around massachusetts, USA that dont require you to wear a bogu.


No dojo requires beginners to wear bogu. You'll have to practice 3 months minimum, probably more like 6 months before you'll be allowed to wear bogu. See www.kendo-usa.org for a list of dojo near you.

[Phlebas]

Hi Jenn, and welcome to the KWF. Though I am not from your area I doubt you will be able to find a legitimate dojo that would allow practice without bogu, it just isn't safe.

Everyone starts practicing kendo without the bogu for the first few months, but eventually your sensei will tell you that you are ready for jigeiko (free sparring) which requires the use of bogu. I know it is expensive, and when you first practice with bogu you will probably feel like it's slowing you down, but without it we couldn't practice kendo as we know and love it. It just wouldn't be the same.

If cost is the issue, hopefully your dojo will have some "club bogu" you can use until you can save up some money for a set of your own. If you shop around you can find some great deals, or, if you're like me and you're no good at saving money, simply buy one piece at a time when you can afford it. If you're new to kendo you have some time to save up... most people must wait a MINIMUM three or four months before being invited to wear bogu, assuming they practice twice a week.

Good luck!

(Sorry, Neil posted his message while I was composing mine... apologies for the repetition :))

[jennC]

Hi Jenn, and welcome to the KWF. Though I am not from your area I doubt you will be able to find a legitimate dojo that would allow practice without bogu, it just isn't safe.

Everyone starts practicing kendo without the bogu for the first few months, but eventually your sensei will tell you that you are ready for jigeiko (free sparring) which requires the use of bogu. I know it is expensive, and when you first practice with bogu you will probably feel like it's slowing you down, but without it we couldn't practice kendo as we know and love it. It just wouldn't be the same.

If cost is the issue, hopefully your dojo will have some "club bogu" you can use until you can save up some money for a set of your own. If you shop around you can find some great deals, or, if you're like me and you're no good at saving money, simply buy one piece at a time when you can afford it. If you're new to kendo you have some time to save up... most people must wait a MINIMUM three or four months before being invited to wear bogu, assuming they practice twice a week.

Good luck!


(Sorry, Neil posted his message while I was composing mine... apologies for the repetition :))



ok thanks, i just wasnt sure if you had to wear a bogu when you are a beginner. and yes it does seem like its really heavy.

jenn

[etherknot]

ok thanks, i just wasnt sure if you had to wear a bogu when you are a beginner. and yes it does seem like its really heavy.

jenn

Phelbas makes an excellent post! Don't worry about not having bogu right away. There's lots you can do without bogu! Nobody is going to beat you without bogu so don't feel unsafe.

[xvikingx]

hmmm... During the Summer I REALLY miss the days I didnt have bogu. :ko:

[nodachi]

Phelbas makes an excellent post! Don't worry about not having bogu right away. There's lots you can do without bogu! Nobody is going to beat you without bogu so don't feel unsafe.

There's also lots you can do if you are in bogu but borrow it, move, so then you have to do kendo without it for a while. Some may see it as a step back, but it helps to go back to your pure basics every now and then. Don't rush, whether you are waiting for your sensei to give the okay, or just saving the money, being without bogu gives you plenty to work on and improve.