ekajati
3rd March 2006, 06:32 PM
Ekajati’s newbie page
Introduction
If you are not computer literate, get literate now – because one of the greatest resources available to you as a beginner is right here, Kendo World. Before you ask a question use the “search” option and have a careful look at what comes up, as it’s almost certainly been asked many times before. If you don’t find, then go ahead and ask. You will get masses of helpful replies from people all over the world, some of them experts in the field. We’re extraordinarily lucky on the forum that most people are very pleasant and helpful, but let’s help keep them that way by trying not to burden them unnecessarily.
Ultimately, like it or not, the best source of information is always your Sensei – or at very least the most senior Sempai. Because like some other newbies I have been very shy of approaching my Sensei/Sempais, I learnt this the hard way. On the internet you can’t convey your query precisely, and the person reading can’t see precisely what you mean (eg lets say a footwork query). They may have their own way of doing something, which sometimes sadly can actually be the wrong way. Also styles can vary from Dojo to Dojo, and you don’t want to have to unlearn a style you picked up from the internet because it conflicts with the style at your Dojo. There really is nothing for it but to overcome your reluctance and simply ask. Also, please avoid the mistake I made of trying to guess how to carry out a certain technique just by watching classmates – again, masses of wasted time unlearning a bad habit can result. Check, check and check again with your Sempais.
Good luck, and enjoy!
Information links
One of my greatest sources of information for beginners is the Halifax Kendo Dojo’s website.
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/demo.html
Here’s a good one if you want to see how simple exercises are done slowly. Also if you are feeling a little overwhelmed as a beginner, it’s kind of nice to see kiddies doing them with a lot of “vim”.
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/kendo.html
Another great page from the Halifax Kendo Dojo packed full of great information for beginners – see the bulleted links below for example
• Preparing Your Shinai For Use
• How to Re-Tie Your Shinai
• How to Remove Splinters From Your Shiniai
• How to Break in Your Men.
• How to Fold your Hakama
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/bbprev.html
Here’s where the Halifax kendo manual is hiding, as I remember – has absolutely everything in it, you need to download from acrobat, it’s a pdf file
http://www.glasgowkendo.net/beginners.htm
UK dojo beginner’s page with interesting information about the process of learning as a beginner, including a timeline and a link to a Japanese (but in English) document about that process.
http://www.kigurai.com
Not particularly for beginners but this blog is interesting to read for the view from the senior “other side” – Jakob not only attends several dojos but teaches beginners at one of them.
http://www.evl.uic.edu/spiff/KendoBlog/links.html
This is “Jason’s Kendo Blog”. The blog is very boring to my mind (sorry Jason…) but the links fantastic, masses of stuff that is useful for beginners and up including
• how to’s on shinai and hakama etc – unusually good clear photos
• photo guide on how to bandage blisters. Very impressive
• links to glossaries
• excellent little videos showing him demonstrating how to put on tenugui etc.
Introduction
If you are not computer literate, get literate now – because one of the greatest resources available to you as a beginner is right here, Kendo World. Before you ask a question use the “search” option and have a careful look at what comes up, as it’s almost certainly been asked many times before. If you don’t find, then go ahead and ask. You will get masses of helpful replies from people all over the world, some of them experts in the field. We’re extraordinarily lucky on the forum that most people are very pleasant and helpful, but let’s help keep them that way by trying not to burden them unnecessarily.
Ultimately, like it or not, the best source of information is always your Sensei – or at very least the most senior Sempai. Because like some other newbies I have been very shy of approaching my Sensei/Sempais, I learnt this the hard way. On the internet you can’t convey your query precisely, and the person reading can’t see precisely what you mean (eg lets say a footwork query). They may have their own way of doing something, which sometimes sadly can actually be the wrong way. Also styles can vary from Dojo to Dojo, and you don’t want to have to unlearn a style you picked up from the internet because it conflicts with the style at your Dojo. There really is nothing for it but to overcome your reluctance and simply ask. Also, please avoid the mistake I made of trying to guess how to carry out a certain technique just by watching classmates – again, masses of wasted time unlearning a bad habit can result. Check, check and check again with your Sempais.
Good luck, and enjoy!
Information links
One of my greatest sources of information for beginners is the Halifax Kendo Dojo’s website.
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/demo.html
Here’s a good one if you want to see how simple exercises are done slowly. Also if you are feeling a little overwhelmed as a beginner, it’s kind of nice to see kiddies doing them with a lot of “vim”.
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/kendo.html
Another great page from the Halifax Kendo Dojo packed full of great information for beginners – see the bulleted links below for example
• Preparing Your Shinai For Use
• How to Re-Tie Your Shinai
• How to Remove Splinters From Your Shiniai
• How to Break in Your Men.
• How to Fold your Hakama
http://www.halifaxkendo.org/bbprev.html
Here’s where the Halifax kendo manual is hiding, as I remember – has absolutely everything in it, you need to download from acrobat, it’s a pdf file
http://www.glasgowkendo.net/beginners.htm
UK dojo beginner’s page with interesting information about the process of learning as a beginner, including a timeline and a link to a Japanese (but in English) document about that process.
http://www.kigurai.com
Not particularly for beginners but this blog is interesting to read for the view from the senior “other side” – Jakob not only attends several dojos but teaches beginners at one of them.
http://www.evl.uic.edu/spiff/KendoBlog/links.html
This is “Jason’s Kendo Blog”. The blog is very boring to my mind (sorry Jason…) but the links fantastic, masses of stuff that is useful for beginners and up including
• how to’s on shinai and hakama etc – unusually good clear photos
• photo guide on how to bandage blisters. Very impressive
• links to glossaries
• excellent little videos showing him demonstrating how to put on tenugui etc.