I'm new, Any advice?

[Weazel]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and I'm starting up kendo soon. (when the next beginner classes start at my local dojo) But what should I know before I get there? I've been doing some reading on the history and I've seen a few videos, but that's about it. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

[Yowai]

Over 90% of beginners starting kendo drop out, so don't quit!

[Shiro]

the pain and blisters are perfecly normal :D

[Weazel]

I play paintball too. So I'm used to bruises and 'pain'.

[Raiza]

FYI, the preceding message regarding beginner attrition was brought to you by our local troll.

More seriously...
Try your best and leave your ego at the door. Respect everyone else, especially your teacher.
Wear comfy clothes (sweatpants and t-shirt) to practise. Bring water.
Make sure your feet are clean and infection-free. It's not nice to share.
Don't ask your Sensei, "When can I wear the uniform and armour?". They'll tell you when you're ready. You'll have to wait for a few months at least.
Be prepared to be really tired after class.
Be prepared for blisters and bruises.
Be prepared to have fun.

Please use the Search feature before asking questions on this forum. There's a lot of awesome stuff in the archives.

[Weazel]

Please use the Search feature before asking questions on this forum. There's a lot of awesome stuff in the archives.

Sorry, I R newb =/

[tango]

I think the resident troll has made a good comment though. I don't know about the 90% figure, but a lot of beginners do quit when kendo doesn't meet up to their pre-conceived notions.

Just like life, there will be moments when you will get completely frustrated and flustered with kendo. And just like you can't give up on life when things aren't going smoothly all the time, you just can't give up on kendo. Working through rough times, obstacles, plateaus, etc... it's all a part of life and a part of kendo.

And being able to overcome those obstacles will make you a better kendoist and a better person overall.

I've seen many beginners just give up because they have no patience. They want to jump right into full bogu and jigeiko but don't want to learn basic footwork and suburi. It takes some time to learn how to move and swing properly, and a lot of people (well, the one's I've come across) just don't have the patience to do that.

So, come to kendo with patience and an open mind. Push your own limits and have strong determination.

JUST. DON'T. GIVE. UP.

And that's all I have to add..

[Machismo111]

I think the resident troll has made a good comment though. I don't know about the 90% figure, but a lot of beginners do quit when kendo doesn't meet up to their pre-conceived notions.

...


I've seen many beginners just give up because they have no patience. They want to jump right into full bogu and jigeiko but don't want to learn basic footwork and suburi. It takes some time to learn how to move and swing properly, and a lot of people (well, the one's I've come across) just don't have the patience to do that.

Just to comment on that, I find myself (due to confidence issues) not eager at all to jump into bogu. Of course, a Hakama and gi would be nice, since sitting in a t-shirt and jeans is kinda weak...but I dont feel ready at all for bogu. My patience really stems from the fact that Im not doing as well as I think I should be. By all counts I should remember the things I get corrected on! The other day I even forgot to bow when I entered =(((( AND stepped over Shirai sensei's Shinai (shhhh, dont tell him, he wasnt in the room =O!). Keeping my left hand centered is tough, my Doh cuts are way outta whack, and my footwork doesnt go with my kiai and my cuts. So it's not all about not having the patience to learn, its being discouraged because you dont seem to be making progress...

Please forgive the utter BS that I just typed, I dont know if any of it made sense (lol) But that was my point if anyone got it =)

[Neil Gendzwill]

So it's not all about not having the patience to learn, its being discouraged because you dont seem to be making progress...
Kendo isn't too much about technical stuff. That's what we teach but what you should learn is what Tango said - don't give up. This is the kendo spirit. I'll take a student who keeps swinging even though progress is slow over a prodigy who gets petulant because he isn't getting dan fast enough any day. And in fact, those of average talents but above-average pigheadedness can have more success than impatient prodigies (I'm proof of that). I've seen a lot of physically talented people quit kendo because it doesn't matter how talented you are - eventually kendo will frustrate you. And those sorts of people are simply not used to being frustrated by sports-type things.

[Weazel]

what do you guys think of this sensei/dojo? http://www.spokanekendo.com/

[mystic_kendoka]

1.be confident
2.make your kiai(yelling) strong
3.don't be shy
4.dont be embarrassed when u do sth wrong
5.listen to ur sensei(teacher)
6.don't show off/brag

these are i think what everyone should do... i really find it annoying when kendoka's (beginners or more experienced) have a bad attitude or are just shy...

o ya MOST importantly have FUN!

[Weazel]

I'm checking out the dojo here in my town tonight, I'm pretty excited. It's to bad the beginner lessons don't start for about a month :ermm: ....