Intresting question

**Lady_Kitsune** · 23rd October 2007, 12:10 AM

I always have wondering if you can practice kendo while you are pregnant and until when you can do it safetly... Is not that I am, but I have the plan of having kids and not quiting kendo.

**Masahiro** · 23rd October 2007, 03:12 AM

i wouldn't recommend it, but if you really wanted to do kendo while pregnant, i would say "no taiatari" ..

**Kenzan** · 23rd October 2007, 04:18 AM

Originally Posted by Masahiro

i wouldn't recommend it, but if you really wanted to do kendo while pregnant, i would say "no taiatari" ..

So how did you handle yours?

**Miyu** · 23rd October 2007, 04:34 AM

Hey,

I recommend reading through this thread.

On a personal note, I had a baby 16 weeks ago so this topic is pretty fresh on my mind. I was able to practice in bogu comfortably up until my 8th week or pregnancy and when I did find out I was pregnant, I became much more mindful of how I was practicing (i.e. no heavy practices, fumikomi, jigeiko, tai-a-tari, etc.).

I kept coming to practices and practiced without bogu up until 14-16 weeks or so. During that time, I didn't do any fumikomi and focused on drills that would keep me from getting too winded or uncomfortable. I don't remember the exact target heartrate that's recommended, but as long as I could speak during exercise without feeling out of breath, then I knew I wasn't overworking myself. Afterall, the baby needs oxygen.

Once I couldn't practice kendo, I starting walking outside the dojo for about 20 minutes and then spend the rest of practice watching the advanced students. I did this for a while probably up until my 34th week or so. But in terms of practicing kendo while you're pregnant, it really depends on how comfortable you are when practicing. Just trust your instincts on what you think you should and/or should not do since everyone's pregnancy is different.

I will say that recovering from pregnancy to restart kendo is the hard part. My baby was breech so I had to have a C-section. Going back to practice 6 weeks after the baby was born was not an easy feat. But the skills do come back and I was surprised at how much I was able to do after having been out for so long. Now that I'm taking care of the baby, I'm lucky if I can get to practice once a week. I'm still not back to the skill level I was before I got pregnant (nor the weight) but it's a gradual process that does get better with each practice I go to.

I hope that helps!

**Lady_Kitsune** · 23rd October 2007, 06:10 AM

Thank you, Miyu

**Kagerou** · 23rd October 2007, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Miyu

Now that I'm taking care of the baby, I'm lucky if I can get to practice once a week. I'm still not back to the skill level I was before I got pregnant (nor the weight) but it's a gradual process that does get better with each practice I go to.

Bring the little one with you. Lots of women I know do it, both in Canada and in Japan. It's good for them. If they can handle the yelling and screaming of a class full of scary blue people then they're off to a good start.

**Miyu** · 24th October 2007, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Kagerou

Bring the little one with you. Lots of women I know do it, both in Canada and in Japan. It's good for them. If they can handle the yelling and screaming of a class full of scary blue people then they're off to a good start.

My husband and I have done that a few times. She actually takes to the practice really well. The only problem is changing her, feeding her, etc. in the dojo. It's kind of a hassle and I feel bad whenever we change her in the restroom and she has one of those explosive diapers. So we each take turns going to practice while the other stays home with the baby. Besides, she's so adorable its hard enough for me to drop her off at daycare. I just can't help but want to spend time playing with my daughter over going to kendo.

**Kagerou** · 25th October 2007, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by Miyu

Besides, she's so adorable its hard enough for me to drop her off at daycare. I just can't help but want to spend time playing with my daughter over going to kendo.

You want cute....stick her in little hakama and give her a little shinai. Everyone in your dojo will turn into a babbling idiot when they see her.

**Lady_Kitsune** · 25th October 2007, 11:45 AM

Awww, if you do that send pics!!!

Sorry, can resist myself

**satsumaruma** · 28th December 2007, 07:56 PM

I have considered taking my 7 year old daughter along to kendo but think she might get a bit bored.

She would have no-one to really practice with who would be her height etc

And I would be a bit concerned that others might not be too happy about it.

If she keeps asking I'll probably take along for one session, see how she takes to it.

Lee