- All new members are expected to practice at LEAST 90% of practice days (both the Friday and Sunday) each week. Expect to stay for the complete practice session (see the Event Calendar for schedule). Attendance is imperative in order to learn kendo, especially for beginners. These beginner practices will encompass a 6-8 week period that will go over everything you will need to know to begin your journey in kendo.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes early in order to help with cleaning and setting up the dojo. See our location details so that you know how to get to the Esporta Fitness studio.
- As a beginner, you will NOT be required to purchase all of the equipment for kendo– only the practice bamboo sword called ‘shinai.’ The shinai cost is included in the first month’s fee as a member.
- Be dressed to sweat for a workout. Please remove all jewelry including rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.
- You will want to bring your own bottle of water.
- There are showers and locker rooms on site! Please bring your own towel if you would like to shower. Day lockers are available (do not leave items overnight!), as well. If you would like to keep your items in a locker, please bring a lock.
- In practice, we will use Japanese terms for both the exercises and counting. For a list of terms to look over (though you will no doubt learn by exposure) go to our kendo terms page.
- Attendance is the most important part factor in your advancement in kendo. Remember, as Miyamoto Musashi says, “it may seem difficult at first, but everything is difficult at first.”