Help starting Kendo/other in Tokyo

[KendoRyan]

Hi all,

I recently just came to Tokyo Japan (about a week ago) for purposes of working here. I am originally from Vancouver Canada. I will be here for a year and I am interested in trying Kendo out as a martial art (or maybe any other discipline).
I have not done any martial arts before but I am athletic and quite willing to try anything. I would be very grateful if anyone could provide me any information on starting a martial art near my residence. In terms of the area where I live..I currently reside in Matsubara in Setagaya-ku.

Please PM me in response.

Thanks!
Ryan

[xvikingx]

Welcome!
How is your Japanese? You can ask around local bogu shops. If worse comes to worse ask a cop or two, but as usually they are not very helpful (i.e. kendo, directions, crime prevention, etc..... If you are an English teacher, try the school club (if you teach at a school). Ask around work even if there is no kendo club. You can also try community sports centres. City hall/ ward office may be able to provide information as well.

[Pauly]

Bogu shops! That is how I found my club. And I love it! xvikingx's advice is best but you can try looking for local martial arts centers (budokan) as well. Not only will they have kendo classes but will also have people able to direct you to specific clubs. But depending on your area, they might be hard to find. Good luck!

[Taek]

Hi Kendoryan,
If you want some discipline, I think Kendo or Kyudo (Japanese Archery) will be an excellent choice for you. I'm currently playing Kendo myself and really loving it. Kenso and Kyudo, both will be great to try while you are in Japan. Some people might say that Kyudo is old people or female's martial art but I don't think that way at all. In Kyudo, there wouldn't be as much physical invovement as Kendo but I believe you will still learn a lot when you think about the degree of discipline and fine skill involved in Kyudo. Especially, Kyudo is hard one to find in any other place rather than Japan (If I'm right), it will be a great opportunity for you to try while you are there.
But still, Kendo wolud be my first recommendation!!! Go for it!!