Anyone from Sacramento?

[Yeemix]

Hey, I've been wanting to get into Kendo for some time now, and was hoping to meet someone from Sacramento that can show me some good dojos and help me with getting started. Feel free to reply or email me. Thanks.

[dmcglade]

Hey, I've been wanting to get into Kendo for some time now, and was hoping to meet someone from Sacramento that can show me some good dojos and help me with getting started. Feel free to reply or email me. Thanks.

My girlfriend and I are very interested in studying Kendo. I come from a Tae Kwon Do background. I don't know why I stopped, but I have wanted to get back into martial arts for some time now. I just want to try something new. We're looking for a good Dojo to go to. Anyone know any good ones (or only ones) in the Sacramento, CA area?

[R A Sosnowski]

My girlfriend and I are very interested in studying Kendo. I come from a Tae Kwon Do background. I don't know why I stopped, but I have wanted to get back into martial arts for some time now. I just want to try something new. We're looking for a good Dojo to go to. Anyone know any good ones (or only ones) in the Sacramento, CA area?


http://www.auskf.info/mainpages/schools.htm#CA shows two Kendo Dojo in Sacramento, but I cannot comment on either. Check them both out, and decide which one you like better.

HTH.

[xvikingx]

http://www.nckf.org/

This is NorCal Kendo Federation website. It only lists one dojo in Sacramento. Good luck and enjoy!

[Jagaimo]

Hey, I've been wanting to get into Kendo for some time now, and was hoping to meet someone from Sacramento that can show me some good dojos and help me with getting started. Feel free to reply or email me. Thanks.

I recently moved to Elk Grove since I transfered to University of California Davis. Elk Grove is right outside Sacramento and it turns out I live 15 minutes away from the Sacramento Dojo.

I was told that they are accepting new members but since the Head Sensei is in Japan they cant make things official until he returns on November 11.

Just email billshirai@yahoo.com and they will send you the information. Perhaps I will see you there tonight. Just remember, if you enter the budist church's parking lot and stand in the middle, the dojo will be the small old looking house on the left.

[Jagaimo]

Sorry, scratch that budist word. I am not sure how they spell it. No, offense.
Again sorry.

[srt]

Hey, I've been wanting to get into Kendo for some time now, and was hoping to meet someone from Sacramento that can show me some good dojos and help me with getting started. Feel free to reply or email me. Thanks.

There are two dojos in Sacramento: Sacramento Kendo Dojo and Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo (Rancho Cordova is a suburb, located approximately 10 miles east of downtown Sacramento).

Sacramento Kendo Dojo has been around since the late 1960's. I am sure they are a good dojo, but not having been a member, I really can't comment further.

I am a member of Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo. We were founded in 1999, and have been practicing at the Gedatsu Church since then. Our Sensei (Nakagawa-sensei) is a go-dan, and our instructors are mostly san-dan and ni-dan, although all the yudansha are expected to assist with instructions when needed.

I feel we have a very good dojo. The instruction is good with a lot of emphasis on the basics. The people (Sensei and Sempais) are very nice and helpful. I actually look forward to seeing these people (which can be really helpful when you've had a bad day at work, or are tired, or for whatever reason just don't feel like going to practice).

Good luck,

srt

P.S. We welcome beginners all year 'round. We encourage anyone who is interested in kendo to stop by and see what we're all about.

[samurai999]

Cool! Welcome to kendo and (hopefully) the NCKF. The head instructor at Sac IIRC is Shirai sensei. The head at RC has been mentioned already. They have a couple of other sensei at Sacramento there too. One is HUGE!! I practiced with him on the NCKF team. I wish I coulda gone to their tournament a couple of weeks ago, but school got in the way. One of their members attends and practices at UC Davis as well.

Go to the NCKF.org site and you can click on the link that leads to telephone numbers and email addresses.

Tim

[Jagaimo]

Cool! Welcome to kendo and (hopefully) the NCKF. One of their members attends and practices at UC Davis as well.


Tim
Hayashi Sensei is a student at UC Davis. I met him first when he was teaching the UC Davis kendo club. We were both surprised to see each other at the Sacramento Dojo. He seems like a friendly instructor. So when he tells you how to fix your technique you wont feel like a total moron.

[dmcglade]

We went to visit the Sacramento Kendo Club dojo during practice on Tues night. We met Sensei Martinez and some others. You're right, he said I couldnt join till the master sensei gets back from Japan on Nov 11. It's closed this friday because of haloween but I'll be back to watch the following Tuesday night. LOL yeah we had trouble finding it. We went to the Buddhist Temple and there were kids playing basketball inside. After walking around a while, we finally found the dojo, its a little building on the opposite side of the Temple parking lot.

Grrr... my girlfriend can't join because she doesn't have health insurance. (Yeah thats a requirement.)

[samurai999]

Hayashi Sensei is a student at UC Davis. I met him first when he was teaching the UC Davis kendo club. We were both surprised to see each other at the Sacramento Dojo. He seems like a friendly instructor. So when he tells you how to fix your technique you wont feel like a total moron.

Are you a student there? If so when did you start? I had a couple of friends down there, but they are all done now. One still lives there. I was only in the club for like half a year. I graduated in '99, then started up at Palo Alto..

Hayashi sensei like myself is an eng grad student so I thought that was cool.


Tim

[samurai999]

We went to visit the Sacramento Kendo Club dojo during practice on Tues night. We met Sensei Martinez and some others. You're right, he said I couldnt join till the master sensei gets back from Japan on Nov 11. It's closed this friday because of haloween but I'll be back to watch the following Tuesday night. LOL yeah we had trouble finding it. We went to the Buddhist Temple and there were kids playing basketball inside. After walking around a while, we finally found the dojo, its a little building on the opposite side of the Temple parking lot.

Grrr... my girlfriend can't join because she doesn't have health insurance. (Yeah thats a requirement.)


Big Ken Ching (sensei now I think) wasn't there? Awesome person to meet. Monster on the court, totally laid back and cool off it. If he was there, you wouldn't have missed him. Probably the biggest kenshi in the NCKF. :D :D

[amatsuda]

Big Ken Ching (sensei now I think) wasn't there? Awesome person to meet. Monster on the court, totally laid back and cool off it. If he was there, you wouldn't have missed him. Probably the biggest kenshi in the NCKF. :D :D

Regarding Sac'to Senseis...Don't forget to mention Big "G-Man, COACH" Harada Sensei....

Also, as far as being the biggest...Big Ken is probably the beefiest, but they also have one dude at that Dojo that's like 6'8" at least 260lbs....He makes Big Ken look small.... :confused2

[samurai999]

Yup.. Harada sensei is up there. I keep thinking he's still at SJ. Anyways, they sure do grow'em big up in Sac. Must be that special Yolo county/Sac water.. I never grew like that because I always drank bottled water when I was up there schooling in Davis.. :p

Tim

[Machismo111]

woo woo I wanna play too! =D Hehe, I get to join tonight, FINALLY. ^_^. Then again I'd go to Japan too if I could. I'm kinda nervous tho, not really knowing anyone there and all, but what can ya do. Maybe I'll see some of ya around =). :wave:

Oh, and about Ching Sensei...He shakes that whole building when he attacks =).

[Machismo111]

Or not...I guess there's no class tonight. Is god trying to tell me not to do kendo or something? Jeez.

[Machismo111]

Okay well there was class I just showed up too early :surprise:.

Anyways, Bump =). Anyone here currently attending the Sac. Dojo? Im the guy squeezed up against the wall in the back corner of the room on Fridays if so =D

[Jagaimo]

Okay well there was class I just showed up too early :surprise:.

Anyways, Bump =). Anyone here currently attending the Sac. Dojo? Im the guy squeezed up against the wall in the back corner of the room on Fridays if so =D
Ah, glad to see that you have made it! Did they make you pay the fees already? Unfortunately, I have been unable to attend due to midterms and such. Next quarter my schedule is more permitting.

[Machismo111]

Ah, glad to see that you have made it! Did they make you pay the fees already? Unfortunately, I have been unable to attend due to midterms and such. Next quarter my schedule is more permitting.

Yep. Paid on the first day. I think it was $119 total for 6 months, shinai and Hakimachi (sp?). Not so bad really =)

[khehtra]

There are two dojos in Sacramento: Sacramento Kendo Dojo and Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo (Rancho Cordova is a suburb, located approximately 10 miles east of downtown Sacramento).

Sacramento Kendo Dojo has been around since the late 1960's. I am sure they are a good dojo, but not having been a member, I really can't comment further.

I am a member of Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo. We were founded in 1999, and have been practicing at the Gedatsu Church since then. Our Sensei (Nakagawa-sensei) is a go-dan, and our instructors are mostly san-dan and ni-dan, although all the yudansha are expected to assist with instructions when needed.

I feel we have a very good dojo. The instruction is good with a lot of emphasis on the basics. The people (Sensei and Sempais) are very nice and helpful. I actually look forward to seeing these people (which can be really helpful when you've had a bad day at work, or are tired, or for whatever reason just don't feel like going to practice).

Good luck,

srt

P.S. We welcome beginners all year 'round. We encourage anyone who is interested in kendo to stop by and see what we're all about.

hi, im doing a senior project at Cordova High and i was wondering if theres ne way i can sign up for that dojo? Im really interested in Kendo is there any way i can contact you dojo? well if you could email me at khehtra@comcast.net thnks bye

[Machismo111]

Lol, not to start anything, and not that I know anything about the matter, but Nakagawa Sensei was (I believe) a student of Shirai sensei's for 20 some years, before saying he wanted to retire from kendo and starting up the Rancho Dojo (w/o a word to Shirai Sensei). Bad juu-juus, methinks, but again I know nothing of the situation and dont want to start anything! =O Just hear-say.

On another subject, Khehtra, you should join the Sac Dojo! Why, the floors are swept by none other than myself (which assures the safest, most sandpaper-free foot-sliding in the country!) =D. Even tho the mop is Older than the building...and fell apart 5 or 6 times when I was in the process of using it.

Just playing =). Rancho is a pretty respectable dojo. I believe they took home a butt-load of awards at the NCKF tournament I went to a while back. Naturally I don't believe a person's merit is in defeating an adversary other than himself, but thats neither here nor there. ;)

[srt]

hi, im doing a senior project at Cordova High and i was wondering if theres ne way i can sign up for that dojo? Im really interested in Kendo is there any way i can contact you dojo? well if you could email me at khehtra@comcast.net thnks bye

Feel free to come by the dojo on Mondays or Thursdays (except for major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years). There's usually someone (usually me) to open up by 7:00 pm, often a bit earlier. Practice starts at 7:30, and runs to about 9:30. Visitors are welcome to stay for some or all of the practice and to ask questions before or after practice (or even during breaks).

If you like what you see you can sign up the first night, or you can come back and visit us again. Just make sure you're wearing comfortable clothes (shorts or sweat pants and a t-shirt) if you want to practice after you sign up.

Hope to see you there.

srt

[orayakab]

Lol, not to start anything, and not that I know anything about the matter, but Nakagawa Sensei was (I believe) a student of Shirai sensei's for 20 some years, before saying he wanted to retire from kendo and starting up the Rancho Dojo (w/o a word to Shirai Sensei). Bad juu-juus, methinks, but again I know nothing of the situation and dont want to start anything! =O Just hear-say.

I really do not think it is wise to bring up an dojo related issue like this on a public forum. This situation appears to be between two high level instructors and you self admittedly said you know nothing of the situation so it is wise to not mention anything further.

At your level you should just keep learning from the sempai and sensei without worrying about what happened politically at the dojo. Just keep sweeping the floor and doing suburi.

Oyarakab, U.

[Machismo111]

I really do not think it is wise to bring up an dojo related issue like this on a public forum. This situation appears to be between two high level instructors and you self admittedly said you know nothing of the situation so it is wise to not mention anything further.

At your level you should just keep learning from the sempai and sensei without worrying about what happened politically at the dojo. Just keep sweeping the floor and doing suburi.

Oyarakab, U.

Of course. Since you are aware of my level you should also be aware that I am American, and young. It should immediately follow that I am undisciplined, so when tempted to speak my mind I often do. Perhaps it's private business, perhaps it shows a character trait and is important to know, I wouldn't presume to. I mentioned nothing spiteful, just stating facts as they may have gone down. This may be a private matter, but it is a matter of honor. If things actually occured like this would it be wise to say nothing? Matter of personal opinion I suppose.

Sorry for the lengthy response, but Im young and insecure, and feel the need to defend myself =). I just hope the "just keep sweeping the floor and doing suburi" bit wasnt intended to be mean =(.

[Will]

I mentioned nothing spiteful, just stating facts as they may have gone down.

They're not really facts if they "may have gone down." Only facts if they actually did go down... by definition and all....

[orayakab]

Bad juu-juus, methinks, but again I know nothing of the situation and dont want to start anything! =O Just hear-say.



I mentioned nothing spiteful, just stating facts as they may have gone down. This may be a private matter, but it is a matter of honor. If things actually occured like this would it be wise to say nothing? Matter of personal opinion I suppose.

Let's analyze this shall we?
1. You state you know nothing of the situation. So you shouldn't come onto this forum and post something you heard second or even third hand.
2. You admit that the information you have is hearsay.
3. Facts 'as they may have gone down' are NOT facts.
4. Yes. It is a private matter NOT involving you.
5. Whether or not 'things actually occurred like this'. You still shouldn't say anything. You don't see anyone else from Sacramento or its surrounding vicinities yapping away about this issue do you?
6. For a complete beginner in Kendo, whatever happened previously should not matter to you.

Orayakab, U.

[Machismo111]

You've got a PM, Orayakab. This discussion is no longer meant for the board.

[Machismo111]

And can someone please delete my original post about the dojos? It was inappropriate and I cannot edit it out myself.

[ALI G]

And can someone please delete my original post about the dojos? It was inappropriate and I cannot edit it out myself.

What kindz of mingin iz diz?????????????????? 1 Dfenz pozt an den lyingz downz and givingz upz..................

[Machismo111]

Apparently I offended someone =). and I aim to please ^_^

[ALI G]

Apparently I offended someone =). and I aim to please ^_^

I.C.WUT.U.R talking aboutz....

Likez da Rock seyz..."Know your Role and shut your mouth!" or Hal......"You can help yerselfz 2 a warm glazz of Shutz da hellz up"

[Eiliries]

I would definitely recommend the Rancho Cordova Kendo Club, it's great! :)

[ChibiLi]

May someone tell me what's the admission fee and monthly fee for the dojo in run by Shirai, Sacramento kendo dojo. Please Help Me

[AjBryson]

Yea, old topic. But I am looking into getting into kendo. I live in Antelope(Up by North Highlands) North of Downtown Sac. Any Ideas on which of the two Dojo's I should attend? I have already called RC Kendo and talked to the Sensei, but how does the Sacramento Dojo stack up?

[samurai999]

Yea, old topic. But I am looking into getting into kendo. I live in Antelope(Up by North Highlands) North of Downtown Sac. Any Ideas on which of the two Dojo's I should attend? I have already called RC Kendo and talked to the Sensei, but how does the Sacramento Dojo stack up?

I recommend Sac since a couple of friends are there. The Cabrals and Glenn Harada sensei practices there. Harada sensei was at the WKC a couple of times representing team Canada and was twice the coach of the NCKF team. (and an awesome coach he was)

Tim

[AjBryson]

Thanks for the info. I'll check Sac out.

[RC_Kenshi]

OK, completely biased advice coming up: Check out Rancho Cordova. Good dojo, great sensei, wonderful people, nice floor.

Not that I have anything against Sac Dojo - I've never been, except to their taikai. I do know some of their people and you won't hear me talking badly about them (besides who wants some 6' 6", 250 lb+ kendo sensei mad at you).

Actually you should probably check out both dojos. I understand the atmosphere of the two dojos is decidedly different - not necessarily better or worse, just different. Again, I haven't been to Sac Dojo so I'm just relaying what I've heard second hand.

Also, Rancho Cordova practices on Mondays and Thursdays, while Sac practices on Tuesdays and Fridays (I believe). This might make a difference to you, or not.

Good luck,

RC_Kenshi

[AjBryson]

I originally wanted to go to Rancho. I've been looking at the info on the Sac dojo and can't find any valid contact info. Is there a website I can check out?

[samurai999]

as for the 6'6 250 pound sensei, that would be ken ching. Hes really friendly when you talk to him. Funny guy too. Perhaps both dojos are ample for your level and your tastes, but the one I prefer is Sac. My friends from UCDavis go there to practice too on occaision.

Tim

[AjBryson]

Still no valid contact info?

[samurai999]

Go to www.nckf.org. You can find both RC and Sac. Tell you what. Go to both dojos, try them out and see which one works for you.

Tim

[AjBryson]

Is it ok to just come into the Sac Dojo and watch? I know it's ok at the RC Dojo.

[Jason916]

I too am looking for a dojo around the sacramento area, I am really looking forward to seeing the Rancho Cordova dojo in person, it looks like it has some really nice floors:)
Anyways, I'm kinda new to the Kendo world myself and if anyone could let me in on what the dojo is like, please let me know. thanks.

[RC_Kenshi]

I too am looking for a dojo around the sacramento area, I am really looking forward to seeing the Rancho Cordova dojo in person, it looks like it has some really nice floors:)
Anyways, I'm kinda new to the Kendo world myself and if anyone could let me in on what the dojo is like, please let me know. thanks.

I could write pages of what RC is like, but in the end, the only way you'll know if it's right for you is to just show up. We have practice tonight. Try to show up by about 7:15, ask for Steve. He'll give you an FAQ about kendo in general and Rancho Cordova Kendo Dojo in particular. After that, stick around, and watch how practice goes. If you're interested in another dojo, do the same thing tomorrow night at Sacramento Dojo (not sure about the times and contact people though). If you're still not sure, come on back next week (and keep coming back) until you are sure one way or another.

Good luck,

RC Kenshi

[Timur]

Hello to Everyone
My name is Timur and I am new to this Forum.
Hopefully everything will turn out well and if I can I will try to join the RC-Kendo Club at end of September.

I have always wanted to participate in Kendo but in Germany it was waaay to expensive so I forgot about it. Now I really want to try and join and I hope that I will enjoy every minute of it.

See you around

[RC_Kenshi]

Hello to Everyone
My name is Timur and I am new to this Forum.
Hopefully everything will turn out well and if I can I will try to join the RC-Kendo Club at end of September.

I have always wanted to participate in Kendo but in Germany it was waaay to expensive so I forgot about it. Now I really want to try and join and I hope that I will enjoy every minute of it.

See you around
Hi Timur,

Hope to see you at the dojo whenever you can make it. Even if you can't join right away, it would be useful to come and watch a class or two, just so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into.

Good luck,

RC_Kenshi

[Timur]

I visited the dojo about a month ago with a co-worker of mine but unfortunately we had to leave early.
It was nice, next time I'll stay the whole session.
Thanks for the the info

[Sutemi]

Hi Timur,

Hope to see you at the dojo whenever you can make it. Even if you can't join right away, it would be useful to come and watch a class or two, just so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into.

Good luck,

RC_Kenshi

Kenshi, you guys have a pretty good team. I was definitely impressed with how Harada sensei kept his cool during his match with Shima-san from SJ during this last North South championships (especially with Shima's somewhat dirty attempt to get his shinai under Harada's men).

Shima tried the same thing to one of our members on the tournament before that. It ended with our kendoka tsuki-ing him out of the ring into a wall of chairs. :X. Strict Japanese sensei teaching pre-War kendo leads to some crazy stuff sometimes.

[stephanie dee]

was hoping to meet someone from Sacramento

Where........?

[Ralutin]

Where........?

Sacramento, California...the state where you mentally want to be.

Sacramento is California's state capitol and is located approximately 80 miles northeast of San Francisco.

[RC_Kenshi]

Kenshi, you guys have a pretty good team. I was definitely impressed with how Harada sensei kept his cool during his match with Shima-san from SJ during this last North South championships . . .

Thanks for the compliments, but I think you're confusing us with Sacramento Kendo Dojo (Harada-sensei is the head sensei at Sacramento Kendo Dojo).

[Sutemi]

Thanks for the compliments, but I think you're confusing us with Sacramento Kendo Dojo (Harada-sensei is the head sensei at Sacramento Kendo Dojo).

Really? I thought I saw him on Rancho Cordova's team this last year (there was a bunch of team-swapping going on). Doesn't he teach there also?

[RC_Kenshi]

Really? I thought I saw him on Rancho Cordova's team this last year (there was a bunch of team-swapping going on). Doesn't he teach there also?

I'm pretty sure I'd remember if Harada-sensei was on our team. As far as I know, the only time Harada-sensei has been in our dojo in the past 5 years (that I've been here) was in July when he led the kyoka renshu.

[Sutemi]

I'm pretty sure I'd remember if Harada-sensei was on our team. As far as I know, the only time Harada-sensei has been in our dojo in the past 5 years (that I've been here) was in July when he led the kyoka renshu.

Hmm, well, my bad then. Still, I know I've seen at least one guy with a RC zekken do well at a taikai I went to do well - it's great to see others from the NCKF around here :)

Sorry for the mix-up.

[stephanie dee]

Sacramento, California...the state where you mentally want to be.

Sacramento is California's state capitol and is located approximately 80 miles northeast of San Francisco.


*sigh* You are so lucky to live there. *sigh*

One day I WILL GO!!!!

:)

[Ralutin]

*sigh* You are so lucky to live there. *sigh*

One day I WILL GO!!!!

:)

Actually, I live here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irvine,_California

which is about 415 miles SSE of Sacramento and about 45 miles SSE of Los Angeles.

Yes, California is a great place to live despite the traffic, smog and occasional natural disaster. I can't imagine living anywhere else. If/when you do make your way out to our fair state, lemme know and I'd be happy to show you around or at the very least steer you to all the cool places to see and train (iaido, of course).

[samurai999]

Kenshi, you guys have a pretty good team. I was definitely impressed with how Harada sensei kept his cool during his match with Shima-san from SJ during this last North South championships (especially with Shima's somewhat dirty attempt to get his shinai under Harada's men).

Shima tried the same thing to one of our members on the tournament before that. It ended with our kendoka tsuki-ing him out of the ring into a wall of chairs. :X. Strict Japanese sensei teaching pre-War kendo leads to some crazy stuff sometimes.


LOLOLOL. I'll have to tell "shima-san" about that one. hahahahahahahhahaha

and ya.. Harada sensei is under Sac dojo, tho he taught at San Jose Dojo for quite a while.