Dojo in Kansas (?)

[Orthoglyph]

I noted an earlier post looking for any dojo in or near Kansas City, and I am also looking for such... I am new to this, but have found one location in Overland Park and need suggestions whether it would be worth my time to look into.

Asian Arts Center
6232 Nieman Rd
Overland Park, KS

Thanks for your help!

[Rularn]

I noted an earlier post looking for any dojo in or near Kansas City, and I am also looking for such... I am new to this, but have found one location in Overland Park and need suggestions whether it would be worth my time to look into.

Asian Arts Center
6232 Nieman Rd
Overland Park, KS

Thanks for your help!

Well, if there is only one place in or near Kansas City then you really have no choice in picking your dojo. The best thing to do is to go check it out and talk with the Kendo instructor... see if it is something YOU want to do. Everyone has their own opinion of the level of quality in different dojos.

The above center doesn't appear to be listed with AUSKF. And the fact that it is 'Asian Arts' may result in cross-teaching with other martial arts. Should check to see if they have a legit Kendo instructor with credentials. You may not find 5 dan+ sensei, but if they have at least 1-2 dan then you have a place to start out with. Talk with other Kendo students there if possible. If you are really interested in starting Kendo, do your homework. Find out their Kendo history... turnaround, popularity, etc etc.

As many of the people here are around the world, it is very hard to give specific advice on any one particular place. Good luck :)

[Orthoglyph]

Well, if there is only one place in or near Kansas City then you really have no choice in picking your dojo. The best thing to do is to go check it out and talk with the Kendo instructor... see if it is something YOU want to do. Everyone has their own opinion of the level of quality in different dojos.

The above center doesn't appear to be listed with AUSKF. And the fact that it is 'Asian Arts' may result in cross-teaching with other martial arts. Should check to see if they have a legit Kendo instructor with credentials. You may not find 5 dan+ sensei, but if they have at least 1-2 dan then you have a place to start out with. Talk with other Kendo students there if possible. If you are really interested in starting Kendo, do your homework. Find out their Kendo history... turnaround, popularity, etc etc.

As many of the people here are around the world, it is very hard to give specific advice on any one particular place. Good luck :)

You pretty much answered my question... though I suppose I didn't really ask it correctly! This is something that I've been interested in for some time but now that I have an opportunity to begin I don't want to be "too eager" and end up having to unlearn poor instruction later! :) I am within reasonable driving distance from some AUSKF registered dojos in Nebraska (3 hours) but I very likely wouldn't be able to attend more than every other week -- and I don't have any experience with which to guage whether this would be adequate for a beginner. Your comments have given me someplace to start, so thanks very much for your time and insight!

[Rularn]

You pretty much answered my question... though I suppose I didn't really ask it correctly! This is something that I've been interested in for some time but now that I have an opportunity to begin I don't want to be "too eager" and end up having to unlearn poor instruction later! :) I am within reasonable driving distance from some AUSKF registered dojos in Nebraska (3 hours) but I very likely wouldn't be able to attend more than every other week -- and I don't have any experience with which to guage whether this would be adequate for a beginner. Your comments have given me someplace to start, so thanks very much for your time and insight!

If you think you can make it to one of the practices at the Nebraska place, try to go and see how they conduct their practice and compare it to the one in Kansas City... the Asian Arts Center. If they are reasonably the same... with the only difference in routine, size, and whatnot, you can simply join the one at the asian arts center and visit the nebraska place on occasion. If you think the place is kinda shady, then avoid it.

In general, it is very good to try to practice with alot of different people. I don't think anyone here would ever yell at you for visiting another place for extra practice. In fact, the two places may visit each other on occasion already for goodwill Kendo. Something you may want to check on as well. Most Kendo places do not have any problems with people visiting from other dojos for extra practice and such.

The Nebraska place may know more about any other dojos near that area. Cheers. :)

[spikespiegel]

Orthoglyph,

Have you been to the dojo in Overland Park? How was it? I'm a relative beginner in Kendo. I started in my last year in college in Chicago, but then moved away. So I'm hoping now I could start or find a Dojo here in Kansas City.

Spike

[crettin]

I belong to the Omaha Dojo (Omaha Kendo Kai). You're more than welcome to drop by and participate. We are closed this week but will reopen next week. Practice is on Monday, Wednesday @ 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 to 3:30. Let me know if you're interested in visiting and I will let you know the details. We don't have a dojo per se, we practice at 2 community centers here in Omaha.

-- jazzery

[westernwarrior]

I went searching for this Asian arts center on Neiman rd and all i found at the street address listed was a pharmacy. I'm hoping that someone can give me better directions or a phone number. If i cant find this place the other option is a kumdo dojo in Lawrence. If any body in the area is still having truble finding someplace to go you can try them ph#(785)843-2121. Thanks to anyone who can help me on my way.

[Cat of RD]

What was at the Asian Arts Center is now located at

9303 Johnson Drive
Merriam, KS 66222
913-362-7314

Ask for Charles Greathouse.