Tucson: An Island in Kendo?

[Moonrise]

Hello!

I am brand-new to Kendo, and I live in Tucson. I have been doing my research to find a place to study, and it seems there is only one dojo in Tucson that offers kendo instruction. Fortunately, it's within walking distance of my house.

Unfortunately, as I was poking around doing research about it, I found a comment that "tucson is an island in kendo," and the commenter thought that this led to non-standard kendo practices evolving. Now, the kendo group here is AUSKF affiliated, so should I ignore this comment?

Even if there were to be non-standard practices at this dojo, how much of a concern is that?

Thank you for your attention.

[Kaoru]

Hello!

I am brand-new to Kendo, and I live in Tucson. I have been doing my research to find a place to study, and it seems there is only one dojo in Tucson that offers kendo instruction. Fortunately, it's within walking distance of my house.

Unfortunately, as I was poking around doing research about it, I found a comment that "tucson is an island in kendo," and the commenter thought that this led to non-standard kendo practices evolving. Now, the kendo group here is AUSKF affiliated, so should I ignore this comment?

Even if there were to be non-standard practices at this dojo, how much of a concern is that?

Thank you for your attention.

Huh?? I have never heard that so far. Can you show us where you saw that comment? I tried to find it by typing it in, but nothing came up.

It is an AUSKF dojo, and that is what you want. Here is a link to their website if you want to know more abut this dojo. I have no trouble recommending this dojo to you.

http://www.tucsonkendokai.info/index.html

There is also one more dojo, and for the life of me, I can't find the location of it or any other info on it other than the name of the dojo and contact persion/phone number, and it is REALLY annoying me right now. Thought I had this one in my list, but apparently I don't. I DO know that it is an AUSKF dojo though, for sure.

Here that one is:

Sho Cho Ken Kendo Kai
AZ

Contact:

Wally Barber
(520) 741-7467

This arera code is the same as the one for the Tuscon dojo, so I don't know if they are close or not. I am not familiar with the AZ area codes and their locations. I have no idea if this dojo is still active either, but it's worth a try. You could visit both to see which one you like best. Each dojo is a little different in atmosphere.

Also, does anyone have ANY information on this dojo?? Please post the information if you've got it please, so I can add it to my dojo list and this person can check it out also. Thanks!

As to the dojo you are asking about, it would be a good idea to call and ask if you can visit the dojo to see for yourself what it is like. You can ask them any questions you might have at that time, too. You are VERY lucky that dojo is so close!! Wish I was that lucky!

Hope this helps!

Kaoru

[Moonrise]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. The comment in question can be found in the comments here.

[Kaoru]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. The comment in question can be found in the comments here.

Ok, thanks. I took a look at it. Well, all he means(from what I got out of it.) is that there are no other dojos in Tuscon. Though, that really hasn't anything to do with how good the dojo is, imho. How good a dojo is, is as good as the person instructing. And, I am very sure the sensei-who is 3rd dan last I noticed, does his utmost best to keep a high level. And, as far as I am aware, when certain waza(techniques) are started, varies from dojo to dojo. I don't know why he thinks no other dojos available equals big men not being developed enough, etc(What I think he meant by that other statement.). Not true. And, they looked pretty good to me for the most part, considering how grainy the video was. Someone more experienced may have a different view than me though. But, I see no reason why you shouldn't attend the dojo. It is AUSKF affiliated, which is good. If you do start, eventually, you can go to seminars and such. It's not like they keep to themselves. I bet they sometimes get visiting sensei.

You ought to give them a call. I would. You are REALLY lucky you can walk to it!!

Kaoru

[hugo]

I am not from Arizona, but I have had the pleasure of meeting several members of the Tuscon dojo at Summer Camps, etc. They're a good group
of kenshi.

This is not a blanket statement, but I would suggest rarely basing opinions on statements found in the YouTube comments section.

[Moonrise]

I would suggest rarely basing opinions on statements found in the YouTube comments section.

I generally don't, but this person seemed to have some familiarity with the subject, so I thought it was worth investigating further... hence my question here.

I went by the dojo last night and observed a class. I'll be joining in, tomorrow, and we'll see where things go from there. Thanks again to both of you for your time in responding.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Unless you live in California, the Pacific Northwest or New York, you will find that most kendo dojo in the US are islands. I wouldn't worry about it.

[ender84567]

Unless you live in California, the Pacific Northwest or New York, you will find that most kendo dojo in the US are islands. I wouldn't worry about it.

And then there are those of us who aren't even fortunate enough to have a piece of dirt to stand on and spend all our time dog paddling.

[Kaoru]

I generally don't, but this person seemed to have some familiarity with the subject, so I thought it was worth investigating further... hence my question here.

I went by the dojo last night and observed a class. I'll be joining in, tomorrow, and we'll see where things go from there. Thanks again to both of you for your time in responding.

Hi Moonrise-san,

You are very welcome!

Well, it is always good to double check, just in case. So, it's ok. I agree that youtube comments shouldn't always be taken as correct. But again, checking was a good idea, especially if you don't know much about the art and place you want to learn at.

I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to the dojo, and I bet you will have a lot of fun at your first practice! Good luck and I hope you end up liking it! You are SO lucky your dojo is within walking distance, and it's a real dojo, too! LUCKY!!

Kaoru

[Moonrise]

You are SO lucky your dojo is within walking distance, and it's a real dojo, too! LUCKY!!

If it makes you feel better, it's only in ambitious walking distance. (Easy bike ride distance, however!) 8)

[Kaoru]

If it makes you feel better, it's only in ambitious walking distance. (Easy bike ride distance, however!) 8)

hahahaha!! Thank you. But still... it's not like, 2 1/2 hours away! (Like mine is.) At least it's where you live. I AM glad for you though!

Kaoru

[jmarsten]

Sho Cho Ken Kendo Kai
AZ

Contact:

Wally Barber
(520) 741-7467
Wally is basically retired for some time now. He has several physical infirmities and is in his 70's I believe. So Tucson is the only game in town and is a under SWUSKIF and has hosted federation seminars. I think it will be more than satisfactory for your next 10 years worth of training.

[Kaoru]

Hi Marsten-sensei,

Thank you very much for that information! I'll take that one off my list. It's sad he can't do kendo any more though...

Thanks again!

Kaoru