Foreign Exchange Program with Kendo?

[Sakabatou]

Does anybody know if I would be able to train at a kendo dojo in Japan when/if I go there for a foriegn exchange program? I'm planning on going to Japan my junior year of highschool... And another thing, do you know any way I can learn japanese within a year and a half? At least enough to be able to communicate at a good level with Japanese people..

[Khabbi]

If you are in Japan , why wouldent you be able to practice kendo ? there are alot of Dojos so why dont you think you cant do it ?

Your Dad wont let you go to kendo camp in your own state and he's gonna let you go to Japan for a year or two ?

Have you contacted any foriegn exchange programs ? or talked to your school ? its not somthing you do over a day

Its pretty easy to understand that a Lang curse in Japanes is the best way to learn japanes ,

:ermm:

[Sakabatou]

I talked to my guidance counsler and he's gathering information and me and him are probobly going to talk about it very soon... wait.. theres kendo camps here??!?!?!.. I've never seen an advertisement or anything for one anywheres...

[mystic_kendoka]

try looking... you'd be surprised...

[Sakabatou]

I never thought of Kendo camp before. hah thanks for the tip.

[xvikingx]

I never thought of Kendo camp before. hah thanks for the tip.
Huh? What about when you were desperately searching for a dojo in Con. and I provided the link for you, suggesting that you (as kenshin) do that once a year instead of going to 'kurratee'... didn't cross your mind then?

[Sakabatou]

When I was being a dipshit- no. lol

[nodachi]

Does anybody know if I would be able to train at a kendo dojo in Japan when/if I go there for a foriegn exchange program?

And another thing, do you know any way I can learn japanese within a year and a half? At least enough to be able to communicate at a good level with Japanese people..

Two quick responses, kendo is everywhere in japan. Of course that could mean a train ride to a practice, or it could be right at the school you attend. Just ask and people will be very happy you are taking an interest in something Japanese and point you in the right direction. They are very good at trying to share their culture.

For learning Japanese I have a few suggestions. In that time self studying you will not be fluent enough to speak semi fluently unless you immerse yourself in the language, which is tough to do since you live in the US.

So... learn as much as you can before you go. First off, learn hiragana and katakana. You can learn kanji later, but knowing the other kana will speed up your learning when you are there. Find a book to study from, may I suggest Japanese for busy people as it works well for me and others who I have spoken to who have used it. Get an audio program so you can speak with the proper accent. May I suggest the Pimsleur Japanese program. I used it and people commented on how good my accent was for a foreigner. It's expensive at the book stores, but cheap from ebay if you play your cards right. With these three tactics, you will be able to read a little, sound correct so they don't look at you funny even when you are saying the right thing but with a poor accent so they don't understand you, and you will have some basic grammar and vocabulary so you have a foundation to build from. You won't be fluent before arriving there, but this foundation may give you a nice head start.

Ok, so it wasn't short... :)

[Ginsbork]

http://www.kendoka.org/

[Sakabatou]

Two quick responses, kendo is everywhere in japan. Of course that could mean a train ride to a practice, or it could be right at the school you attend. Just ask and people will be very happy you are taking an interest in something Japanese and point you in the right direction. They are very good at trying to share their culture.

For learning Japanese I have a few suggestions. In that time self studying you will not be fluent enough to speak semi fluently unless you immerse yourself in the language, which is tough to do since you live in the US.

So... learn as much as you can before you go. First off, learn hiragana and katakana. You can learn kanji later, but knowing the other kana will speed up your learning when you are there. Find a book to study from, may I suggest Japanese for busy people as it works well for me and others who I have spoken to who have used it. Get an audio program so you can speak with the proper accent. May I suggest the Pimsleur Japanese program. I used it and people commented on how good my accent was for a foreigner. It's expensive at the book stores, but cheap from ebay if you play your cards right. With these three tactics, you will be able to read a little, sound correct so they don't look at you funny even when you are saying the right thing but with a poor accent so they don't understand you, and you will have some basic grammar and vocabulary so you have a foundation to build from. You won't be fluent before arriving there, but this foundation may give you a nice head start.

Ok, so it wasn't short... :)
Thank you so much. I have seen a few "Learn Japanese in 2 weeks" and such audio disks that have about 35 or so different disks, as well as many others.
What I'll try to do is replace japanese witheveryday english such as going from "Hello!" to "Konnichiwa!" or "Konniwaban!" .. i think I said the second one wrong. not sure, but I think it will work.. <.< but as backup if I cant go to Japan I can go to mexico instead, Ecuador, I can speak spanish fluently. I've been taking spanish in school long enough to speak it. Maybe not at 100mph but you know. lol

Also, Ginsbork, I know of the dojo you told me. I have been to that site too many times. That dojo is too far for me to go to every week.

[Yowai]

Why are we talking to this child? Let's let him outgrow the current phase he is going through as a teenager instead of contributing to the delinquincy of a minor by encouraging his stupid behavior.

[Sakabatou]

Hm? I'm only getting advice for things like this now. I'm sorry for the way I acted when I first got here, you can at least show a bit of respect, or maybe just give me another chance?

[Sakabatou]

Hm? I'm only getting advice for things like this now. I'm sorry for the way I acted when I first got here, you can at least show a bit of respect, or maybe just give me another chance?