First class tonight

[Evilgun]

Hello all, I'm new to all of this, and was wondering, what might expect on my first day of class? Lots of shouting? Push-ups? A mild beating? Does Kendo offer a workout, I've done Muay Thai and BJJ and those certainly make you sweat. I was just curious. Also how long can I get away with just my shinia? Is it an absolute that i buy the proper clothing?
Thanks for any help, I'm looking forward to chatting with all of you.

Take care

[npk9]

No push-ups - its nothing like muay thai in terms of exercises. My best advice to you for your first class is not to use your muscles. This sound strange but its better to relax through the swing and the hold of your shinai. And when you strike - you do not strike to hit the target hard but to strike with the correct technique. Don't get me wrong - you'll be tired but not in the same sense as with other martial arts when you're doing punches and kicks. You'll see what I mean. JUST REMEMBER!!! forget eveything that you have learned from your past styles - they have no relation to what you're about to embark on (believe me) I know!

[senki-kendo-jos]

Good luck in your first class. Don't worry, i'm sure your sensei will make it a fun class for u. That's why we keep doing kendo isn't it... because we enjoy it! It may seem tough at first, but if you stick at it you'll reap the rewards. It's a great martial art!

[Neil Gendzwill]

You won't find kendo initially to be as physically demanding as a BJJ class. You will most likely learn some etiquette, basic footwork and a basic swing the first night. You won't be hitting anyone or anything, and noone will be hitting you.

The effort level gets pumped up considerably after a few months when you start practicing in bogu. Most people find their first few classes in bogu to be quite strenuous, but you won't be worrying about that for a while.

[Soul Blade]

Hi There

I also did my first class the other night. Totally different training to what i have done previously.
All I did was learning the basic footwork and I actually started learning the first kata. (only the bowing process)

Very exciting indeed...

[taganahan]

just focus and listen to the sensei. first night might seem boring but if you really stick with kendo you'll fight it really fun especially as you get better with it. when you get better you'll remember the good 'ol days when you were just doing forward and backward steps and hitting your imaginary self. "sigh"....the good 'ol days...:)

[mecs]

So, how was your first class? I couldn't remember mine. But I guess it was fun.