Prospective Students

What is Kendo?

Kendo is a Japanese martial art descended from the sword practices of the samurai. Several hundred years ago, practitioners developed a training sword (shinai) and protective equipment (kendo-gu) that allowed for full-speed practice of sword techniques without risk of injuring one’s training partner. Modern kendo continues this tradition, as well as incorporating a competitive sport aspect.

This just scratches the surface of what kendo is, however. For further information, we encourage you to check out some of the links below:

How do I join?

If you are thinking about joining, we encourage you to come and observe some of our practices. Please contact the dojo ahead of time to let us know of your visit and answer any questions you may have.

PAKD accepts new, beginning students on the first Tuesday of every month. Prospective members who have at least 3 months of recent kendo experience or who have a kendo rank may join at any time.

New students must be signed up and participating at the first Tuesday practice. If you miss the first Tuesday practice, we ask that you return the following month and join the next beginners class. So, if you wish to observe a practice before signing up, you should not do so on the first Tuesday of the month unless you are willing to wait a few weeks.

What can I expect?

Beginners spend the first several weeks being instructed in the proper stance, footwork, and basic strikes using a wooden sword (bokuto). Over the next few months, they advance through the next stages, which include striking with the bamboo sword (shinai), wearing the uniform (gi and hakama), and finally, donning the protective equipment (kendo-gu or bogu).

At each stage, students will be evaluated to determine if they are ready for advancement. It depends on the individual, but it may be six months or more before beginners are ready to engage in full sparring practice.