FAQs

What does the training involve?

Beginners are taken through a structured course, starting from absolute scratch, building from footwork through basic cuts, form exercises and routines, to armoured practices with full sparring. Additionally, practitioners are taught Japanese terminology and the rules of etiquette within kendo.

Do I need equipment? What should I have?

No equipment is needed at all! Everything is provided by the club to begin with. Just wear some loose clothing.

How much does joining the club cost?

Our usual beginners intake is not required to pay for membership until around the third week of the academic session. Membership for students is comparable to the fees required for most university sports clubs, paid on a semesterly basis.

Do I need to be in good shape to do Kendo?

It helps to be relatively fit and healthy but anybody of any fitness, disability or size can practice Kendo. Beginners are gradually introduced to the pace of training with fun, involving sessions.

Resources

Videos

Visit our YouTube channel. You will find all of our keiko sessions recorded there.

Club Library

Our club has a small collection with the following available for loan:

A Bilingual guide to the History of Kendo by T. Sakai and A. Bennet

Looking at a far mountain by P. Budden

Kendo: The definitive guide by H. Ozawa

Kenshi 247 Selected Articles by G. McCall

Kendo World Issue 3.3

Kendo World Issue 3.4

Kendo World Issue 4.1