Choosing a dojo

[Sharpy]

Hello all,

I'm a complete beginner, looking for a dojo to begin studying kendo. Looking at the AUSKF website there are only two dojos where I live, in Chicago. They are only a few minutes apart, so location won't be a deciding factor. They both meet on the same days, and at the exact same time (do they do that on purpose?), so that won't affect my decision either. So the question is, how do I decide which dojo is right for me?

Any general advice would be appreciated. And if anyone is from Chicago, or has any experience with either Choyokan or the Chicago Kendo Dojo, I'd love to hear that too.

[AlexM]

I think there's the University of Chicago Kendo Club too, no? One of their people got one of the 3rd places in 1st/2nd dan division at the last U of T tourney.

[nodachi]

Go to one and try it... go to the other and try it... see which has better instruction, and if you are not sure, see which has a better atmosphere... choose the one your instinct tells you is better for you...

Good luck...

[Tato]

Follow the force, luke! :D

Rei

[mingshi]

Seriously though, you gotta watch the first session. Different people have different needs from a Dojo/ Sensei. Compare how they treat instructors, students and beginners. Check out their practice structure, class size, age/gender groups, etc.

Why don't you ask what they think about the other dojo? ... or why they have exactly the same practice hours :D ?

IMHO the teacher is the most important factor. In first year I've been to 7 clubs in different places... They all have distinct styles of instruction. Some make you stay, some make you leave.

[Jerry Wellbrock]

You are in luck. Chicago is fortunate to have very good kendo. Either dojo and you won't go wrong. I had the opportunity to meet and train with Sensei Ken Sakamoto from the Choyukan Dojo this past weekend and I think he is the current President of the Midwest Kendo Federation. Why not visit and observe training at all the Chicago Dojos and decide which is best for you!:old_man: