Niagara Kendo Club Beginner Trial Session - May 15, 2025

The Niagara Kendo Club is accepting new members during the month of May 2025. Kendo is the martial art of Japanese fencing. Kendo helps one develop self-esteem, discipline, and physical fitness, all while having fun. Our club is open to all those 12 years of age and older. We are a positive, supportive, and inclusive club with members of all ages, fitness levels, and genders.

What will you need to start? Just show up wearing comfortable clothes to work out in - t-shirts and track pants are fine. Jeans - not so good... We'll provide you with a bokuto (wooden sword) for your first lesson(s).

Freqently Asked Questions:

1 ) If I decide to join, what are the club fees?

We encourage all new members to try classes during January with no obligation and at no cost. If you'd like to join, the fees are $40 / month. There is a once-yearly fee to the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) of $75 for adults and $30 for children. The CKF covers our club insurance and it is mandatory for all club members to join CKF.

2 ) Do I need a uniform?

Not to start. Just comfortable athletic clothing will do.

3 ) Am I too old to start kendo?

No. We've had primary school students and retirees start on the same day.

4 ) What is the minimum age to start kendo?

At our club, the minimum age is 12. Other clubs may take younger students, but we don't. Not because we don't want to, but because we don't have enough instructors or space for a dedicated child/youth class.

5 ) If I can only commit to one class per week, can I join?

Of course. Your progress may be slower, but you will still progress.

6 ) Is there a limit of how many practices I can attend during the trial sessions?

No. Try us for a month and see what you think. If you like the activity, the people, the teaching style, the facility, then join us!

7 ) Does kendo hurt?

It's not painless. Regular muscle aches and pains from training are common, as are blisters on hands and feet as one's body becomes accustomed to the training. Kendo is a full contact martial art - but full contact does NOT mean full force. Students are required to demonstrate adequate levels of control before starting sparring drills. Still, getting hit is never pain free, but it's no worse than what one would experience in hockey or soccer, or any other contact martial art.

8) How long before I get into armour and start sparring?

Once you have a good grasp of kendo's movement fundamentals, basic strikes with control, and foundational techniques you'll be ready to begin sparring. How long that takes depends on you: your physical condition, your ability to perform techniques, and how often you attend class, among other things. Generally you can say it will take at least four months for someone to be ready to begin sparring drills.

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