| Kendo Q&A This page lists some frequently asked questions regarding Kendo, and provides the answers and/or links to other published answers. |
| Q: What is Kendo? A: Kendo is the traditional discipline of Japanese swordsmanship. Evolving from kenjutsu, the training of sword-combat technique, kendo incorporates theoretical and philosophical content for the tempering of both the mind and body. Although today's kendo has much the appearance of a sport, the art of kendo remains stepped in tradition emphasizing personal cultivation through correct and ridged training. Q: What is Kenjutsu? A: click here for answer Q: What is Kumdo? A: click here for answer Q: What are the origins of Kendo? A: click her for answer Q: Are there different styles of Kendo / Kenjutsu? A: click here for answer Q: Why study Kendo? A: click here for answer Q: How do I find a kendo school? A: click here for answer click here to go to the AUSKF regional kendo federation directory Q: How do I evaluate a school that I find? A: click here for answer Q: Is Kendo dangerous? A: click here for answer Q: What do I need to start? A: When first beginning, a shinai (bamboo fencing stave) and bokkuto (wooden practice sword) are all that is needed. A basic shinai costs around $35. A basic bokkuto costs around $25. (Having a spare shinai is recommended in case one breaks during practice. Or, there is the option of getting a carbon-graphite shinai, which is considerably more durable but is also considerably more expensive. Also, check some of the import stores for bokkuto; we have found reasonable quality bokkuto at Pear One Imports for as little as $10.) Q: Do I need to have the uniform before I can start? A: The uniform consists of the Keiko-gi and Hakama. These items are not required to start kendo training; however, Mushinkan students are required to have the keiko-gi and hakama within a reasonable time-period after completing their fourth month of training. Students may elect to purchase the uniform anytime earlier, if they desire. Q: Do you provide/rent equipment? A: Each student is responsible for providing their own shinai, bokkuto, keiko-gi, and hakama. Mushinkan has a limited number of armor-sets (bogu). These bogu are for general use and are available on a first come, first serve basis at a monthly fee of $10.00. Since the number is limited, school bogu may not always be available for use. Additionally, students assigned school bogu may be required to share the equipment with one or several other students. We, therefore, highly recommend students to purchase their own bogu. Bogu may be purchased as a set or by individual component over a period of time. Students who elect to purchase by component may use parts from a school armor to substitute components yet to be purchased. Q: How much does the equipment cost? A: This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables: bamboo or carbon-graphite? double or single weave? tetron or cotton? machine or hand stitched? stitch size? bamboo, bamboo look-a-like or fiberglass? etc, etc, etc. You get the idea. To best address this question, we direct you to the web site of Eguchi Kendo Equipment Co. There, you can see and price the entire range of possibilities. Q: Where can I purchase equipment? A: There are many reputable suppliers of kendo equipment. The company Mushinkan students deal with mostly is Eguchi Kendo Equipment Co. Eguchi has always provided us with excellent service and quality goods. However, students are free to order form other venders if they desire. (Be aware that there may be equipment regulations you will need to consider before purchasing any equipment. Consult with an instructor or supplier for specifics.) Q: Do you know of any used equipment for sale? A: Unfortunately, no. Used equipment is very difficult to find. Usually, equipment is used until it is no longer serviceable, in which case you don't even want to bother with it. On occasion, you can find someone who no longer practices kendo, but still has the equipment. However, we have found that, for some unknown reason, people do not want to part with their equipment even though they no longer practice. Nevertheless, if you find an ex-kendoist with equipment, it doesn't hurt to ask. Also, e-bay has been known to post some very reasonable, used sets of armor, from time to time. However, buying sight unseen can be risky. Q: Are there any membership dues or lesson fees? A: There are Mushinkan dojo dues collected monthly. Dues are $35 with applicable equipment rental fees being additional. Monthly dues cover kendo lessons held during the given month. There are no refunds, discounts, or makeup classes if a class is missed or canceled. As a member dojo of the Southwestern United States Kendo & Iaido Federation (SWKIF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), the regional and national governing bodies, all Mushinkan members are required to pay the annual dues for both federations. Federation dues are collected upon joining Mushinkan and at the beginning of each year thereafter. If both regional and national federation dues are paid in the same month, dojo dues are waived for that month. Typically, SWKIF dues are about $35 and ASUKF dues are approximately $50. Mushinkan, SWKIF and AUSKF dues are subject to change. Q: What are the dues used for? A: Uchida sensei travels form his home in Denver to teach kendo to the students in Colorado Springs. This is a 134-mile round-trip, three times a week commitment he has voluntarily undertaken to share his knowledge and skill. Therefore, a small portion of Mushinkan dues goes towards offsetting Uchida sensei's travel expense - auto fuel expense to be specific. The majority of the dues, however, are recycled back into the dojo. For example, dojo dues pay the monthly service fee for this web site; dues are used to pay for facility rental; dues are used to help ease dojo member's travel and expenses for kendo events; and Ota sensei's visits from Japan have been funded by the dojo treasury. These are just a few examples of how dues are recycled back into the dojo. Regional and national dues go towards the administration and functions of the federations. On the national level, dues pay for the insurance policy that all member dojos are covered under. National dues pay for the national championship, seminars, and mentoring program. They also go toward sponsoring board meetings and our national team for the world championship. Regional federation dues go towards much the same, only on a regional level. So when you pay your dues, you are investing in your training. Q: Do you teach children? A: Yes, but we ask that the child be of a mature enough age where they are attentive and can follow the instruction through the entire class. Q: Do you teach Iaido? A: No, not currently. However, there is a possibility of an Iaido class in the future. Keep checking the announcement section of our homepage for Iaido class information. Q: Will kendo enhance my other martial arts training? A: Students are expected to participate fully with total focus and sincerity for learning kendo. If your interest in kendo is for secondary purposes, please don't waste our time. |
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