New Girl

[Tenka]

I'm brand spanking new to kendo. I've been wanting to take classes for a long time but never had the funds or the time. Now that I've moved to California it seems that I have an abundance of time. But I've been hearing kendo classes and equipment is expensive. I go to college (we don't have kendo course there) so money isn't too free at the moment. Anyway, I had a few questions. I'm 19 and not in the best of shape, am I too old to start kendo? Are there a lot of females who actually do kendo? Because this is the first women's forum I've seen I can imagine what the actual classes must be like. I'm sure I have more questions but these are the most prominent.

[Kenzan]

Congratulations on your decision!

What is the name of the Dojo you wish to attend?

[Anime12478]

You can start Kendo at any age as long as you can do the required techniques. Some might start around the age of 6 or might not join up until they are in their 30s. It's all about the dedication you put into it.

As far as being in shape, that will come with time. For the time being, you will just start out with the very basics that might not take too much out of ya, but you'll get used to the practices soon enough. But it is suggested that you do some cross-training like running or lifting weights to speed the process some.

And there are a number of females that are in Kendo. I am not sure about the numbers, but it's enough to give y'all a whole separate division in the tournaments. Even if there weren't a lot of females, there is one great quality of Kendo. You can participate easily with the best and most brutal of men and come out on top if your abilities are up to par.

[runsyi]

Anyway, I had a few questions. I'm 19 and not in the best of shape, am I too old to start kendo?

19 is definitely not too old to start Kendo. I started at 24, and the president of my federation started at 31. It might not come as naturally to you as it would to someone who started when they were six, but it's not impossible.

What do you mean by "not in the best of shape"? Although this shouldn't be too much of an issue for your first classes.

Are there a lot of females who actually do kendo?

There are. The number of women you practice with will differ by dojo. There are seven girls at my dojo that regularly practice.

Because this is the first women's forum I've seen I can imagine what the actual classes must be like. I'm sure I have more questions but these are the most prominent.

Depends on the dojo. At my dojo we start with 5-10 min. warmup, then an hour of footwork drills and kihon (basics), then the children and beginners go home and we do an hour more of drills and jigeiko (free practice).

[David]

Yeah, 19 is definately not too old to start up kendo. You're only about two years older than I am! It's something that anyone, regardless of age or gender, can do just so long as they have dedication. And don't worry about not being in the best shape. I'm 17, and sure as hell not in peak physical condition. During the begining, you might end up end up getting a little winded and there might be a couple of occasions where you feel like you're gonna hurl, but as your training progresses, your stamina will eventually pick up, and you'll have less and less problems. At least, that's what happened to me.

Anyways, kendo equipment can get to be a bit pricey, but when you're just starting off, it's not too bad. At first, all you'll need is a shinai, a hakama, and a gi for normal practice, aswell as a bokuto (aka bokken) for kata practice. E-bogu has a decent starter set that comes with a Hakama, Gi, Shinai (with bag), and a nifty little duffle bag for about $89. They also sell bokken, and you can get a high quality set (both the long and short swords) for $23. That comes to around $112, which is actually pretty good, since any orders above $100 get free shipping.

The bogu (armor) is a little more expensive, but since you're just starting out, it's not like you're gonna go out and get some custom made, hand-sewn job done. A machine stiched bogu can range anywhere from $200 to $1000 depending on the quality and the distance between the stitching. Still, keep in mind that you won't be using the bogu right away. It could be anywhere from three months to a year before your sensei tells you you're ready for it.

[Awooga Guy]

Awooga Guy did not start until he was 24, and look how well he turned out





That is all.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Despite Awooga Guy's cautionary tale, you should be fine, especially in California where you may have a choice of several dojo depending on your exact location. If you post your location, the Cali locals here can direct you to the dojo that may have a higher percentage of women.

[ScottUK]

I started at age 33 and somewhere around 250lbs and I am still surviving (barely). You'll be fine...!

[Bennosuke]

Don't even worry about a gi, hakama, or bokken. All you need to start, depending on the dojo is a shinai which can be as cheap as $25. What you should worry about is finding a dojo, that is near you, is friendly, and is cheap. Where do you go to school?

[rfachini]

I know someone who started at 50 and is now a kodansha, so I wouldn't think 19 is too old! I started at 26.

You don't have to post your exact location if you're not comfortable with that, but if you give a general idea of what area you want to train in, some of us could give you some recomendations. Also, the SCKF home page is at: http://www.eanet.com/sckf/

[Darknails]

Hi Tenka, I wondered exactly the same thing when I was 23 and first post the same question here before I started, see
http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4161
I started a few months later, and never looked back. I'm glad that I didn't wait any longer. At age 19 you're still very young, but to become good you have to have talent as well as good training methods, discipline and thriving to learn more and in the correct way, which are never appreciated by many who start at a younger age. Maturity is a big advantage in kendo too. Having said the above, many people just enjoy doing kendo without being as ambitious as the others (like me) and that's also a good thing.

It's like Jazz, there're so many kinds and many ways to enjoy it, you're bound to find one that you like.
(that's true! heh heh)

Awooga Guy did not start until he was 24, and look how well he turned out

At 24 too? How encouraging! (honestly)

[Darknails]

I'm 19 and not in the best of shape, am I too old to start kendo? prominent.

On the physical aspect of things, you're bound to find it physically stressing at the beginning as the parts of muscles that are used are not the ones used by us everyday - for example, forearms and shoulders or hip (good exercise for girls I guess ) (maybe for guys too, but I don't want to think that). But just stick with it and you'll find how quickly you develop them. After a few months, I looked at my forearms and wondered if those were mine...

[ga1lyons]

I didnt start kendo until i was 24 years old. I'm currenly 32 and am about 250lbs (i'm 6'3") but still it is alot to move around.
You'll BE inshape. Price for kendo varies so just look around. I've seen some clubs which are over 100 per month i've been to others which are free.
Regarding gear, most likely they'll front you some gear for a while. You'll want to buy your own shinai seeing as they are a consumable item. (I go through at least 2 shinai a year)

We seldom (if ever) charge for class and we loan out gear for 1 year (except shinai). Most schools have loaner gear so no worries.

Welcome and prepare to get your head split many many tiimes.

[xvikingx]

Never too old to start.. well I guess if you are in your 70's that's debatable.
If you are in SoCal (LA Orange county area) there should be an abundance of used equipment, so ask around your club. Also if you attend the seminars and taikai usually the guys from Eguchi and E-bogu are there selling stuff for pretty cheap.

[nodachi]

I'm in great shape! Round is a shape, right?


Seriously though, the body can grow and adapt. Don't let physical conditioning prevent you from starting kendo. Even 80 year olds can do it, and they can kick your butt too! It was both a humbling and inspiring event every time I got to practice with people that old in Japan. If they can practice, so can you, no excuses...