What is Kendo?

Kendo translates as “The Way of the sword”.  It is a traditional Japanese martial art (Budo in Japanese) which incorporates modern sport elements (competition).   Kendo is the descendant of Japanese swordsmanship (kenjutsu).

Why kendo and not another martial art?

The answer will be different for each person.   Kendo has a depth of simplicity, elegance, and dignity not found in many martial arts.  Courtesy and etiquette are paramount.  Respect is given and earned.  Rank and accomplishments are earned through practice.

Who can join Colorado Springs Kendo Kai (CSKK)?

Anyone.  Any age, fitness level, gender, race, religion.  Anyone.  If you want to practice kendo with us, we will gladly practice with you.

I have never done a martial art.  What should I expect?

Some of the first lessons focus on the etiquette, vocabulary, our basic stance (feet position), and footwork (movement patterns).  Like in school, these are skills we repeat and build upon until they are second nature.  Without solid fundamentals, one cannot develop more advanced skills.

I have done a martial art.  What should I expect that is different from my other martial art?

We have all seen martial artists with their various-colored belts signifying their rank.  In Kendo, we do not wear belts.  In fact, the best way to determine their rank is to simply ask them.  There are likely many reasons for not wearing rank belts - think of it as "checking your ego at the door" for practice. 

Also, the Kendo footwork is different from other martial arts - quite linear as a beginner and the movements tend to be larger developing greater commitment to the actions.  

Why all the yelling?

Kendo uses kiai (translation: "spirited shout") much more than other martial arts.  The kiai is usually described as a “spirited shout” and the emphasis is typically the shout.  However, it is the spirit that fills the shout transforms it from yelling to a true battlecry.

With all the hitting, how safe is kendo really? 

Safety is the most important consideration in training. 

It is not enough to simply train hard; training must be done safely.  Kendoka understand we strike each other, so before a beginner is allowed to strike another kendoka, they must demonstrate they can strike with proper control and in a safe manner. 

Should a kendoka in our dojo show lack of control or strike too hard, this situation is addressed immediately by the sensei or acting instructor.  No one is allowed to practice at Colorado Springs Kendo if they are unable or unwilling to do in a safe manner.   This also shows a lack of respect for the other kendoka practicing and is not tolerated.

All things considered, kendo is actually quite safe.  Most injuries are those we do to ourselves and not because of another kendoka.

What kind of equipment do you use?

The equipment we use in Kendo is called the shinai (bamboo sword), bogu (body armor), and dogi (uniform).   The shinai is comprised of four bamboo slats bound together with leather pieces which form the hand grip (tsuka), kensen (sword tip), and nakayui (middle piece).  The string designates the back of the sword (non-blade).

Bogu refers to the set of body armor.  The set is made up of the men (helmet), kote (gloves), do (breastplate), and tare (waist protector).

The dogi includes the keikogi (uniform top/practice uniform) and the hakama (traditional split-skirt).  Traditionally, children will wear a black hakama and a cream with black-checkered keikogi and adults wear both in dark navy blue (indigo).  

Am I allowed to visit and watch a practice?  Can I participate then?

Of course, you may visit and watch a practice.  In fact, we encourage visitors to ask questions; many of which we have right here.  Also, if you are interested in participating with any beginners we have, that is fine too.  All we ask is that you fill out some paperwork (so we know who you are) and a waiver (safety takes many forms).

Kendo seems very demanding.  I am not sure if I am fit enough for kendo.  Is this addressed in class?

Kendo can be physically demanding.  However, we will not ask to do anything you are not physically prepared for.  If you try to go beyond your capabilities, you can expect sensei or an instructor to slow you down.  We want you to come back next practice, not injure yourself and give up all together.

It is more important to practice correctly than practice fast.  Speed is a result of efficiency and efficiency is the culmination of clean technique and relaxation.  This is my kendo version of the military phrase:  Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

Is Kendo expensive?

Kendo is as expensive as someone wants to make it.  It does not need to be.  Kendo bogu and dogi last so they can be thought of as an investment.  Shinai, when properly maintained, will last for 1 to 1.5 years.  In fact, there are many sets of bogu on various second-hand markets (such as eBay) for significantly less than retail.  However, buyer beware - fit and wear and tear may be an issue since you are likely the second (or more) owner.

What are monthly (club) dues?  Any federation fees?

Monthly fees for CSKK are $45. There is no initiation or startup fee.   In time, there will be fees for our regional and national federations. 

The national federation is the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) and our regional federation is the Southwest Kendo and Iaido Federation (SWKIF).  Joining the federations is not mandatory until a later date.  Dojo leadership will provide more information at that time.

How many classes a week do you offer?

CSKK currently trains once a week.

When and where do you practice?

CSKK trains on Tuesday from 6:30 pm until 8 pm.  Our location is at Meadows Park Community Center, 1943 S El Paso Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.  The Center has a nice, half-size basketball court which allows for lots of movement and people.

What do I need to start practicing?  How should I dress?

All you need to start is enthusiasm and an open mind!

What do my dues pay for?

Our monthly fees (and we all pay them) go to the cost of renting our space at the Community Center.

Asking again to be sure - what do I really need to start practicing (how should I dress)?

Okay, a more practical answer - no equipment is needed (unless you use a knee brace or something similar).  Dress comfortably - loose athletic wear is best and (baggy) shorts even better.  Loose clothing allows freedom of movement and shorts allows us to see your footwork (and prevents tripping on overly, long pants - seen it!).

If you have a shinai or bokuto/bokken, or even a replica katana, please leave them at home.  When it is time for shinai, we will check it to ensure it is suitable (safe) for use.

My child is interested.  How young is too young?  How is practice for her/his age group?

We have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old.  However, it is more a matter of maturity and attention span.  For example, a 10-year-old with a short attention span may not be well-suited for kendo yet.  It is important the child be able to listen and focus on the drill being performed.  Practices for young children will be geared to drills with a heavy emphasis on fun.  Ideally, the drill will be more fun than serious, and the skills learned will come easily with minimum additional instructions (or corrections).

My teenager is interested.  How is practice for her/his age group?

A teenager may be grouped with children or adults depending on their natural aptitude.  Please bear in mind that kendo is a lifelong activity and not a race to achieve a particular skill or rank.   (There are instances where less gifted students surpassed fellow students simply because they applied what they were taught).  Practice for teenagers may be at a higher level of activity and intensity.

I am an adult.  I am not as fit as I think I should be for kendo.  How is practice for my age group?

As an adult (again, age dependent) the emphasis is on doing what you can.  Sensei and instructors will gauge your fitness level and do our best to keep you at a level that does not exceed it.

However, as a responsible adult, if you have any concerns about your health and fitness level, it is imperative you consult with your physician before starting any exercise regimen.

Who teaches the classes?

Classes at CSKK are currently taught by Koizumi Sensei (a visiting yondan, 4th dan) and other advanced students as needed (none below dan rank, “black belt” rank).

How is kendo taught at CSKK?

Classes follow a traditional format (not all of the following drills may be performed during any given practice):

1. junbi taiso (warm-up exercises)

2. suburi (swinging drills)

3. ashi sabaki (footwork)

4.  kihon (basic striking)

5. waza-geiko (technique practice)

6. ji-keiko (free practice, sparring)

7. kata (forms)

What should I expect on the first day?

Your first day could be either a visit to simply to watch or to participate.  Either way, we suggest you know in advance if you wish to participate.  If so, then we ask you dress appropriately (see some questions and answers above please).

Whether you join in or not, expect noise.  We are loud.  We yell a lot during practice, even during drills.  We shout before we strike and during.  Also, when we block a strike, it is typically shinai on shinai - bamboo on bamboo - which will frequently be loud also.

Also, if we have a group of beginners, a visitor can expect to see the dojo split up into two groups - beginners and advanced students.  Each group will work on the appropriate skills for their skill levels.

Why do you guys yell so much during practice?

During drills, as a courtesy, the attacker (kakarite) will kiai to let the receiver (being struck, motodachi) know they are ready to strike and then, in turn, the motodachi will kiai to acknowledge the attacker and indicate they are ready.

During ji-keiko, we kiai to intimidate our opponents, psyche ourselves up, and indicate our target.  A visitor may also hear various vocalizations (kakegoe) which kendoka may use during keiko as a means of communication without actually using words.

Do I have to go to all the practices?

No.  It is strongly recommended, especially when first starting, but we recognize that everyone has their commitments.  We want kendo to be a part of our lives, and for our lives to have the balance which makes us better people.

How long before I get to wear armor?

Easy answer:  3-6 months.  

Hard answer:  This is a question best asked of sensei after practicing for “a while”.  This is based on progression and improvement.

Point to Ponder:  Everything changes when you wear men.  Don’t be in a hurry to get there.

How fast should I expect to progress?

This depends on attendance, effort, and listening.  We want everyone to progress and improve.  We all also need to be open to comments, suggestions, and criticism, and know these are given to help not hurt.

Does getting hit hurt?

It can.  If it does, it is acceptable to point to your opponent/partner that they may be hitting harder than they think.  If they won’t listen, it is also acceptable to discuss this sense and/or an advanced student.

Safety is our top priority.  If you feel your safety is at risk, it is acceptable to say so.  If absolutely needed it is acceptable to not practice with someone (although this may require explanation).

How does the kendo ranking system work?  How is the ranking system? Do you wear colored belts?

Kendo uses the kyu-dan ranking system.  Kyu ranks start at 8-kyu (hachikyu) and go up to 1-kyu (ikkyu).  The ranks transition from kyu to dan between 1-kyu and 1-dan (shodan).  Dan ranks start at 1-dan (shodan) and go up to hachidan (8-dan).

Kyu ranks up to gokyu (5-kyu) are typically awarded within your dojo (if it is done).  For yonkyu and up (4-kyu through dan ranks), this requires testing at a federation shinsa (testing program), typically in conjunction with a tournament (taikai).

The ranking system and testing is straightforward - if the kendoka has practiced diligently and learned the skills required for the requested rank and demonstrates their proficiency with those skills will likely be promoted.  The judges (senior dan-ranked instructors) can see if the student is ready by watching their kendo.

And no, kendoka wear no colored belts or outward signs of rank.  

How do the ranking promotion exams work?

For kyu ranks, there are a series of basic strikes and drills a kendoka will perform.  At higher level kyu and dan ranks, a shinsa (test) will consist of two two-minute shinsa-geiko during which the kendoka testing demonstrates their skill.  In addition, if the kendoka passes the shinsa-geiko portion, they will then need to demonstrate their proficiency in kendo kata.

Do you go to tournaments and seminars?

Yes, our dojo participates in tournaments and seminars as best we can.  Unfortunately, our federation is geographically very large, which occasionally makes participation difficult - financial costs associated with driving (and long drive times) and hotel stays.

Do you have Kendo in the Summer?

Kendo is all year round.  For holidays and weather-related cancellations, we make sure everyone is notified in advance.

Who should I contact to ask other questions?

For additional information, there is an email contact form on our Contact Us webpage.