Newcomer to Kendo With Some Questions

[KJS]

Hey all:

I've been thinking about starting kendo for a while now and finally found a dojo to practice at up here at school. I tried karate as a young child, but due to my mental maturity at that stage of my life, it was a disaster. Needless to say, I have matured since then and am looking to try the martial arts again. I have been reading this forum and other kendo resources, both paper and online, fastidiously, so I've got a pretty decent idea about what I'm getting into.

I am 6'6'' tall (202 cm) and 230 lbs (104 kg) Am I going to encounter problems with kendo due to my size, such as major strategic disadvantage or trouble finding equipment?

Also, what are your basic tips for a beginner in the art of kendo - just generic stuff for me to keep in mind?

Thanks in advance!

[Mr. Donigan]

Your height won't be a disadvantage. Kendo is very versitle and you find your own advantages. Being tall can be an advantage, just as being short can be. As long as you basics are sound. When I started in 1994 you would have has lots of trouble finding equipment, but these days there are so many great providers of top notch kendo bogu you should have no trouble. Check out e-kendo.com just for starters. Welcome to kendo-world, and I hope you enjoy.

[Anime12478]

As far as basic tips go, just do your best. Kendo may look easy, but there is a lot of difficulty involved with putting things together. Just keep up and do your best and don't give up.

And Donigan is right. Although I joined just 2 years ago, I can see the difficulty that would arise if your body type isn't similar to a Japanese persons if you joined 10 years ago. But with the various online shops and options around, you will surely find something that fits.

The good thing about Kendo is that there really isn't a strategic advantage based on body size or pure luck. Since you are tall, you have a clear shot at the men and kote and you can overpower your smaller opponents. Also, smaller people can use speed to get around attacks and attack the kote and do. Kendo is one thing that is definately based on pure skill.

[KAKUSEI]

Hey all:

I've been thinking about starting kendo for a while now and finally found a dojo to practice at up here at school. I tried karate as a young child, but due to my mental maturity at that stage of my life, it was a disaster. Needless to say, I have matured since then and am looking to try the martial arts again. I have been reading this forum and other kendo resources, both paper and online, fastidiously, so I've got a pretty decent idea about what I'm getting into.

I am 6'6'' tall (202 cm) and 230 lbs (104 kg) Am I going to encounter problems with kendo due to my size, such as major strategic disadvantage or trouble finding equipment?

Also, what are your basic tips for a beginner in the art of kendo - just generic stuff for me to keep in mind?

Thanks in advance!

Hey KJS-

I'm 6'3" and 225 lbs. The equipment for your size is out there- Probably a 7 Keikogi and a 30 Hakama. You may probably need to pay a little extra for XXL on Bogu as well. Check out bogu sites like Eguchi and Ebogu when you finally decide.

As for basic tips. Improve your endurance with other activities/sports as you will need it in Kendo. Being taller than average,as pointed out, can be a clear advantage as far as reach but usually come with the price of speed/size.

Good Luck!

[Andou]

Ah, we have another monster kendoka to whack my men from above on the forums now...

As KAKUSEI mentioned, endurance is a big thing in kendo. I've lost count how many times I've practically collapsed during kakarigeiko... As for shinai handling and basic waza, your sensei and sempai should be giving you all the necessary information. Good luck and happy training.

[jmarsten]

I have had several very tall (6'3"-6'7") students and one thing I have noticed and also read about is them not being really strong in endurance. Don't overdo it. The are a lot of cases of really big guys in sports dropping dead at 21-24 so start out slow and work your way up. Some of my younger most enthusiastic sensei zero in on these folks and see them as slackers and I have to tell my to tell them to lighten up on these kids.
Just because your big doesn't mean your not subject to problems with endurance and kendo requires a ton of it.

[jmarsten]

(should say) to tell my assistants to lighten up
changing your train of thought in mid sentence can result in mis-queues

[KJS]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I will definitely take it all into account.

Unfortunately, my lovely body decided to trip while going down the stairs of my dorm, and sort of twisted my foot real nicely. Grr, I was going to try and go to the dojo tomorrow and get started, see what was what.

Also, I'm planning on getting back into running once my foot heals up - any other suggestions for endurance training (preferably something that won't completely ruin my knees)? I used to play hockey, so I know the importance of endurance.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Running works fine for me. Other alternatives include cycling, swimming, stairs, eliptical, rowing ... really anything.

[Andou]

Speaking of outside activities, I was always wondering if jogging or cycling worked better for people? And by cycling, I don't mean just a leisurely roll about the block, but a constant pedal for some miles. Any input would be much appreciated.

[Mr. Donigan]

Running works fine for me. Other alternatives include cycling, swimming, stairs, eliptical, rowing ... really anything.

I must be tired. I read that as "Other alternatives include crying, swimming....." that was good for a laugh. Suburi at home (once you learn it) is also a great work out..