About to begin Kendo

[maktub]

Hi I am new to this forum and have not yet begun Kendo.
I have found a dojo in Acton Mass where I would like to begin training.

I was looking for advice on how to ask to join the class.
My thought was to attend a class and attempt to speak to the sensei after the class is over.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Shiro]

Maybe you could contact him before you go (e-mail, phone, ...). It's better when they expect you

[ACRAWFORD]

I allways call ahead to schedule an appointment with the headmaster of the school. It shows respect for the other students that may be training if you just show up and interupt them. It also shows the headmaster that you have respect for others and you are more likely to have a pleasant experience in your first meeting.

[morpheus]

I definitely support making a contact prior to visiting. I would even recommend asking permission to schedule a visit as opposed to just asking to schedule a visit.
Jeff Brown
Ronin Bushido Aikido Club
Central Kentucky Kendo Club
AUSKF

[R A Sosnowski]

Hi I am new to this forum and have not yet begun Kendo.
I have found a dojo in Acton Mass where I would like to begin training.

I was looking for advice on how to ask to join the class.
My thought was to attend a class and attempt to speak to the sensei after the class is over.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Call or send e-mail to Poitras-s.; contact info at Doshikai Kendo & Iaido Contacts (http://www.doshikai.org/contact.html). Barry is my former Kendo & Iaido instructor (I moved out of the area in Dec 2001) -- you cannot find a more easy going guy, and he is an excellent instructor. I dropped in on the Iaido class on 29 Dec 2003 to practice and see the old crew -- I was surprised at how much the Kendo and Iaido classes have grown.

Gambatte,

[maktub]

Thanks all for the advice.
I did email Barry Poitras and he was very friendly in his reply.

The last thing I want to do is make a bad first impression...or show him or the students disrespect.

He thanked me for my interest and told me to drop by a class after he returns from his vacation.

:)

[Yowai]

Forget loaded terms such as 'disrespect'.
Walk in the dojo and talk to an instructor.

Do we need to hold your hand through every little social encounter?

[Compact Diss]

I begin Iaido in Acton last Monday. I am a complete beginnner besides experience in Kendo when I was young. Barry is a great instructor. The class is very good.

[maktub]

I begin Iaido in Acton last Monday. I am a complete beginnner besides experience in Kendo when I was young. Barry is a great instructor. The class is very good.
I am also interested in Iaido but am planning on beginning Kendo first in Acton.
I am glad that you enjoy the class. I am looking forward to attending a class next Monday.