Frequently Asked Questions

I'd like to try kendo. What equipment do I need?

In the beginning, the only equipment you're required to purchase is a shinai. You can purchase shinai from the dojo office for about $40 (price depends on size). Men usually get a "39" and women a "38" while children will use smaller sizes appropriate to their height. Please see the shinai information in the Basics page for more information. Light and comfortable clothing for strenuous exercise is a must and sweatpants are recommended for increased comfort during kneeling.

Can I come and watch a class?

Absolutely. Just drop in.

What can I expect during my first class?

If you're curious about kendo, please feel free to try a class or two to find out if it's right for you before committing to a membership. You'll be participating in the warmup and doing lots of footwork drills. In addition, you will receive instruction in the proper technique for holding a shinai. Footwork is the foundation of kendo and beginners will be intensely drilled on this aspect before they advance to other techniques.

What's the uniform about? How much does it cost?

There's no rush to get the uniform. The uniform is composed of a blue or white cotton top called a keikogi and pleated trousers called hakama. The hakama are the trousers traditionally worn by samurai and were designed to be comfortable for someone riding on horseback. In reality they're comfortable everywhere, just be careful not to trip on them! A uniform will be around $85 and up, depending on the quality and the weight. Because of the intense heat during summer, a single-layered keikogi and a lighter grade of hakama is recommended. Feel free to wear quick-drying fabrics underneath if you feel they are helpful and not distracting. The dojo is kept warm enough during winter that a heavier uniform is not required. Hakama are made of cotton or polyester. Although a polyester hakama is less expensive and less weight, it is much harder to keep the pleats in good order. If you wear hakama at the beginning, you will be asked to tuck them so your feet are exposed in order for others to evaluate your footwork. Please see the Basics page on how to take care of your uniform. Taking care of your gear is just as important as any other aspect of kendo!

When can I wear armour? How much does it cost?

Being granted the privilege of wearing bogu during practise means that you've reached a sufficient level of expertise and discipline to begin sparring with others. If the instructor and the senior members feel that you are ready, they will let you know. (It usually takes at least several months of consistent practice before someone is ready for bogu. Longer for children.) The term 'Bogu' refers to 4 pieces: Men (helmet), Kote (gloves), Do (chest protector) and Tare (hip/groin protector). Bogu can run anywhere from $350 on up, but a good serviceable adult set will be between $500 and $1000. Children's bogu can be purchased for around $350. Please note that, unlike hockey equipment, it takes a long time for both children and adults to outgrow their gear! After getting a set you can buy separate components if they wear out prematurely and upgrade as you see fit. Please see the Basics page on how to take care of your new set of bogu so it will last a long time.

What about competing in tournaments?

Tournaments are an important part of anyone's kendo career. In the Ontario/Quebec area, there are at least three tournaments each year for participants 16 years old and up and there are one or two tournaments for children. Most tournaments are held in the Toronto area. Participation in tournaments is always encouraged because tournaments are an excellent way of learning how to deal with new situations under pressure. Scoring during matches is based on several factors: striking a valid target, projecting a vigorous spirit through kiai as the strike is made, coordinating the body so the body and sword strike as one and following through with purpose and continual awareness of the opponent. Points can be taken away because of stepping out of bounds, losing one's shinai, grabbing an opponent's shinai or poor behavior. Judging can be a complicated affair! Tournaments are also a great way to meet up with other kendo practitioners from all over Eastern Canada and often practitioners will come to practice in host city dojo before the tournament. It's a great way to meet new people!

I have a medical condition. Can I still practise?

That will be up to your doctor. Kendo is a strenuous martial art and the dojo is not air-conditioned, so please consult your physician who is familiar with your medical condition before signing up. If you have a chronic condition that can be controlled with medication, please remember to bring the medication with you in case of emergency. Also, please inform the instructors of any medical issues.

You hit each other with bamboo swords? Doesn't it hurt? Do you get bruises?

A great deal of training has to occur before a beginner is allowed to strike a target on a person so the likelihood of sustaining an injury will be as low as possible. Safety awareness is especially acute in the children's class. Fortunately the bogu absorbs most of the impact so you'll know if you've been hit but it should not be painful if the strike is performed properly. The valid target most likely to be painful if struck is the gauntlet (kote) and there are members who wear additional padding underneath their kote. Most people are very receptive to comments as to whether they are hitting too hard, so please feel free to let them know in a constructive manner after class. The children with bogu in our children's class tend to hit quite softly! We all want to continue practicing kendo for a long time and so all members, big and small, have an vested interest in ensuring no one gets hurt.