Interested in joining kendo.

[Silent Xenocide]

me and my friend are interested in kendo, but we dont know much about it, like whats neccesary etc. We're both 16 so if we joined would we be with younger people or older? And any other info would help.

[Anime12478]

I believe that it would depend on the dojo you go to. Like with mine, we don't have any people below 16 or so so we don't have a class for kids. But judging on your age, I would think that you would be put with the older people anyways.

For starting Kendo, all that is necessary in the beginning is a shinai, comfortable clothing and a will to train. The other accessories won't be needed for several months, so if cost is a concern, then you can start saving money now to get your own set. Even if you didn't have the money, most clubs have bogu for rent until you are able to purchase your own set anyways.

As far as finding information, you can always freely search these forums for anything that you desire. If you have questions, then don't hesitate to ask since we will be sure to answer your question in one way or another if it is within our reach.

One site you can go to is Kendo USA (http://www.kendo-usa.org) for some information about Kendo. You can even check the links within the site to find more infomation. After that, you can google Kendo in and see what comes up.

If you have a problem with finding a dojo, then let us know where you live and we can find one for you.

[Silent Xenocide]

I live in Surrey BC

[Taisaburo]

I live in Surrey BC

Google the Candanian Kendo Federation.

[Silent Xenocide]

Is Kendo good to learn? I want to learn how to fight with a sword, I also sort of wanted to learn Ninjutsu

[Anime12478]

I really can't say much about Ninjutsu since I have never taken it before. All I can say is if you do decide to learn Ninjutsu, make sure you are learning the real ninjutsu and not the McDojo kind.

As for Kendo, I am pretty sure that a vast majority, including myself, will say that Kendo is great to learn. Not only do you get great physical exercise, but you also gain a network of friends within the dojo and within these boards and other experiences you may encounter. Also, since there is a constant need for improvement, you will hardly get bored.

As far as discovering whether or not Kendo is right for you, the best thing you can do is visit a dojo and see for yourself. Sometimes watching a few classes helps solidify whether or not you want to try it. Try going to different classes as well since each level would be learning different things. Going to beginners classes lets you see the rudametary techniques to see where you will be starting. Going to the advanced classes lets you see first hand where you would be if you decide to continue Kendo. This way, your decisions will be based on more well rounded knowledge. If you have any questions, you can ask anyone after the session is done.

I don't know if dojos in your area do this, but some might offer an "introductory period" where you take the first few classes for free before you pay. If anyone in your area does do this, then it's best to take advantage of that since not only will you have seen some classes, but you would have gotten first hand experience as well.

[joekc6nlx]

Is Kendo good to learn? I want to learn how to fight with a sword, I also sort of wanted to learn Ninjutsu

Before you start, consider that kendo is not about fighting with a sword, it's about building your spirit, making you a better person both in and out of the dojo. Talk to the people in the dojos you visit, find out what their sensei is teaching, and see if it's right for you.

The samurai believed that they were role models for Japanese society, and so they were very careful to maintain the proper spirit. In kendo, we try to maintain our own proper spirit through the application of the various techniques used in practice. We do not fight for fighting's sake, we fight to understand our limits and how we can surpass those limits, improving ourselves in spirit, mind, and body.

This is not a religious thing, it's more like the feeling you'd get when you look at a magnificent natural wonder - but then, others may have different feelings than I.

[h2o]

Before you start, consider that kendo is not about fighting with a sword, it's about building your spirit, making you a better person both in and out of the dojo. Talk to the people in the dojos you visit, find out what their sensei is teaching, and see if it's right for you.

The samurai believed that they were role models for Japanese society, and so they were very careful to maintain the proper spirit. In kendo, we try to maintain our own proper spirit through the application of the various techniques used in practice. We do not fight for fighting's sake, we fight to understand our limits and how we can surpass those limits, improving ourselves in spirit, mind, and body.

This is not a religious thing, it's more like the feeling you'd get when you look at a magnificent natural wonder - but then, others may have different feelings than I.

Not about fighting with a sword? Of course it is, but one should perhaps understand that the purpose of the training is not that you should use your swordpractise as a way of defense. But we are learning how tu use a sword, even though it is obviously a little "sportified". :)

[joekc6nlx]

h2o,

Perhaps my choice of words was vague. I meant we do not practice fighting with a real, metal, razor-sharp sword.

Thank you for pointing that out.

[h2o]

Thank you for pointing that out.
No problem :)

[LarsCW]

It might be an idea to send Kaoru-san a message and ask her for help on finding a good dojo. This would already take the McDojo risk out.

I'm doing kendo now for 3 months and I am enjoying it alot, I'm looking forward to each and every keiko. As my beginners course is now done I can go twice a week instead of once which will also bring more improvement faster I hope.

[Silent Xenocide]

I was reading into Kenjutsu and it seemed a lot more in depth than Kendo, are there places for this?

[Light Samurai]

There are very few *Authentic* Kenjutsu dojo in the US.

[ChaShu]

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.kendo-canada.com/ckf_dojoadr.htm
http://www.learnkendo.com/index.htm
http://home.earthlink.net/%7Estalemate/index.htm
http://kendo.wikispaces.org/
http://www.kendo.or.jp/english-page/english-top-page.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendo
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/
http://faculty.washington.edu/kendo/budo.html

and of course

http://www.mississauga-kendo-club.ca/index.shtml and
http://www.toronto-kendo-club.ca/index.php

Remember, kendo may be difficult, and it may not be what you think, but it is certainly rewarding. Go in with an open mind, a good attitude and a willingness to learn, and you will reap the rewards.

[Neil Gendzwill]

You live in one of the best places in the world for kendo outside of Japan. There are a half-dozen dojos in the lower mainland. Unfortunately there are none right in Surrey. Closest to you is probably Coquitlam. See CKF dojolist (http://www.kendo-canada.com/ckf_dojoadr.htm) for more info. I note that list is a little out of date - Sunrise Kendo Club has a location in Coquitlam now and there is a dojo at SFU run by Okusa-sensei of UBC Kendo Club, so contact those clubs for more info.