[jobsfancy]

Hi folks,

I have been wanting to take up Kendo for some time now, and I'm visiting a local dojo next Wed. for the first time. I'm 30 years old with lots of athletics under my belt, a few years of fencing and a bit of traditional Taekwondo as well (second degree green belt back in high school).

Anyway, I've seen Kendo sparring and while that interests me a little bit, I'm mostly interested in the slower, more meditative aspects of Kendo such as the katas.

Realizing that Kendo probably varies a lot from dojo to dojo, I'm wondering what I can expect? I'm certainly looking forward to a bit of sparring, but using a metal sword in a slow and methodical kata is more what I'm after.

How much of Kendo is sparring with the bogu, and how much of it is kata, sword technique and meditation?

Thanks in advance.

[Redys]

Anyway, I've seen Kendo sparring and while that interests me a little bit, I'm mostly interested in the slower, more meditative aspects of Kendo such as the katas.

If this is more your cup of tea, you might consider taking up iaido instead of kendo. Iaido is the more meditative flip side of kendo and consists almost entirely of katas against an imaginary opponent, except for occasional paired practices to illuminate why certain waza are executed the way they are.

[pipittujbk]

Some dojo won't do any kata at all, or it will feel that way. Some dojo do kata every practice so you have a nice mix of calm kata and then the active sparring for the other part of class. The ones that don't do it will suddenly start teaching and practicing it closer to a grading. Iaido is all kata. If you have the desire to have both active sparring and calm kata, just find a dojo that does both. If you only need the calm, the iaido advice is better.

[sensation]

Thanks for the advice, folks. I'm really not sure if there is a dojo that practices iaido or not in my area. The Kendo dojo is literally 10 minutes away from my doorstep, so it was appealing for that reason.

Is iaido a form of Kendo, or are they really entirely different systems?

[arriplify]

I'm 30 years old with lots of athletics under my belt, a few years of fencing and a bit of traditional Taekwondo as well (second degree green belt back in high school).

The general athleticism will help, as will having learned how to learn a physical activity. Other than that fencing and taekwondo experience won’t be much more beneficial than any other physical activity.

Anyway, I've seen Kendo sparring and while that interests me a little bit, I'm mostly interested in the slower, more meditative aspects of Kendo such as the katas. Kendo kata isn’t much slower than sparring, if it’s done right, though there is less running around. I’ve also never found any part of kendo “meditative,” other than mokuso. But maybe I’m doing it wrong.

Realizing that Kendo probably varies a lot from dojo to dojo, I'm wondering what I can expect? This varies tremendously. However, as a beginner you probably won’t be doing either kata or sparring. You’ll be doing lots of suburi, footwork practice, some striking of simple targets, and maybe some Bokuto Kihon (superficially like kata, but very different underneath). But, again, this varies by dojo. As to practice for non-beginners, this varies quite a lot. Even whether beginners are separated out or thrown in the deep end varies.

At my club, kendo practice is two hours long. We spend about 10 – 15 minutes on suburi, about 10 minutes or so on solo (footwork) drills. After this, we split into beginners and non-beginners. The non-beginners work on Bokuto Kihon and kata. The beginners might work on more footwork or suburi or might work on strikes with a partner. Or they might work on Bokuto Kihon with the non-beginners. This goes on for the rest of the first hour, at which point we bow out the beginners. Then the rest of us do bogu practice: kirikaeshi, basic strikes, maybe some waza for about 30 minutes. Then kakari geiko for 5 or 10 minutes. Then the last bit (15 – 25 minutes) is spent doing jigeiko.

But, we seem to be on the bokuto-geiko heavy end of the spectrum. There are (apparently, I’ve never been to one) dojo that only break out their bokuto a few weeks before a shinsa.

I'm certainly looking forward to a bit of sparring, but using a metal sword in a slow and methodical kata is more what I'm after. That sounds like iaido may be more what your after. Metal swords are usually used only for demonstrations in kendo, and then not all the time.

How much of Kendo is sparring with the bogu, For us, about 10-15% and how much of it is kata about 20-25%
sword technique all of it
and meditation? maybe 3 minutes total.

And while iaido is slower than kendo, I’ve never found it meditative.

Unless repeating the my-thighs-are-not-actually-on-fire mantra counts as meditation.

[Narcodran]

Thanks for the advice, folks. I'm really not sure if there is a dojo that practices iaido or not in my area. The Kendo dojo is literally 10 minutes away from my doorstep, so it was appealing for that reason.

Is iaido a form of Kendo, or are they really entirely different systems?

Where are you located?

[sbrscnds]

Where are you located?

I want to know that too. Just to be sure he's found a good dojo.

Kendo should be the same from dojo to dojo. Just the practice may differ from dojo to dojo.

Kaoru

[Manteiv]

"I’ve also never found any part of kendo “meditative,” other than mokuso. But maybe I’m doing it wrong."

I don't think you are doing it wrong, just differently. Some people apply a lot of thinking to their practice. They think about ways to make their opponent react how they want them to or they try to actively analyze their opponent and practice in this manner. Other people go for the don't think at all and instinct it approach. I think this method is very meditative. Being able to practice something so aggressive and yet maintain a calm mind and just act feels very meditative. I leave practice with the same feeling of peace and calm in my head that I do if I sit and meditate. To me they are very similar in results, but the method of the meditation is different.

I don't think you are doing it wrong, you probably just keiko mentally a little differently than some people or just have a different idea of what you believe "meditative" activities are supposed to be like. Nothing wrong, just different.

[DeronBoltonRen]

Thank you very much for the replies. This is helping me a lot.

For those of you interested, I'm located in Salem, MA. I'm 25 minutes north of Boston on the North Shore.

The dojo that is right down the road from me is Shodokan: http://www.shodokan.org/5kendo/kendo.html.

I'm afraid that in terms of sword work they only do Kendo, which seems a little different than what I'm interested in. I think iaido is what I'm looking for. The emphasis on katas, and solo work without sparring interests me.

Any ideas? I'll probably go to a kendo class next Wed. simply to observe and talk to the sensei.

Thanks again. Your responses have been very informative.

[RIjdrVs3]

I find kendo, and iaido, both to be very meditive, just in different ways. Iaido is slower, focusing on timing and rhythm. Kendo is faster, but as you learn, you'll find much the same timing and rhythm involved, just at a different tempo. Iaido is very internal, focusing inward as you construct the scenario of the form you're working. With kendo, it is more a harmony meditation, as you strive to find balance between yourself, your opponent, and the general surroundings.
These are simply my views of course.
You're unlikely to find a kendo dojo that concentrates exclusively, or even extensively, on kata, as they are only a part of the whole. Kendo is practiced in action and combat. If you're just looking for kata, look for an iaido or batto-do dojo.
Either way, welcome to kendo. I hope you find something fulfilling for you here.

[pitoufsd]

I’ve also never found any part of kendo “meditative,” other than mokuso.

When I do zen-go-sa-yu men suburi in an open space, I like to close my eyes and let the ashi-sabaki settle...to me, that feels somewhat "meditative".

YMMV.

[Catalogov]

Thank you very much for the replies. This is helping me a lot.

For those of you interested, I'm located in Salem, MA. I'm 25 minutes north of Boston on the North Shore.

The dojo that is right down the road from me is Shodokan: http://www.shodokan.org/5kendo/kendo.html.

I'm afraid that in terms of sword work they only do Kendo, which seems a little different than what I'm interested in. I think iaido is what I'm looking for. The emphasis on katas, and solo work without sparring interests me.

Any ideas? I'll probably go to a kendo class next Wed. simply to observe and talk to the sensei.

Thanks again. Your responses have been very informative.

I think you should visit other dojos besides this one as well for comparison. This dojo have no affiliation with the AUSKF(All US Kendo Federation, which is the governing body of Kendo here in the US.) Though there are dojos that are not AUSKF members yet but are hoping to be affiliated with it that are fine(And are not common since new dojos don't just spring up all over. I'm not aware of any such dojos in MA right now.), there are, however, some dojos who are not AUSKF members that are McDojos, meaning they really do not know Kendo and are NOT seeking affiliation. Any dojo that is McDojo oriented will not be recognised by the AUSKF and no rank you earn will be legit or recognised. I could not find any info on Osamu Sekiguchi, 3rd dan(According to the website) who seems to be the sensei of that dojo. So, I've no idea who they are. Someone else here may know. You really need to ask specific questions of them. They should be happy to tell you what you want to know.

The AUSKF is who gives the Kendo gradings.

Here are the dojos that are currently members of the AUSKF. All sensei are 4th dan or higher:

AEUSKF(All Eastern Kendo Federation-the regional Kendo federation, which is a member of the AUSKF.)
Acton Doshikai Kendo & Iaido Club
138 Main St.
Acton, MA
Mon. 6:30-10:00 Wed. 6:30-9:30pm
Contact: Barry Poitras (978)801-5672

This dojo has 3 locations in MA. Please look at the site for contact information as well. Seems to be different than what's listed on the AUSKF site. But, do try both.

------------------

AEUSKF
Boston Kendo Kyokai
St. Paul's Church
15 St. Paul Street
Brookline, MA
M W 7:00-8:30pm
Contact: David Harrison(617)327-3104

Check the site for accurate location. Seems to have been changed.

------------------

AEUSKF
Sei Zan Kendo Kai
Munson Library
1046 S. East St. Amherst, MA 01002

Practice schedule: Thursday: Iaido 6:30-8:00pm; Kendo 8:00-9:30pm Saturday: Iaido 1:00-3:00pm; Kendo 3:00-5:00pm
Contact: Thomas Hooper (413) 549-3864

I could not find a website for this dojo. You will need to either e-mail or call. This dojo also teaches Iaido.

------------------

There is one more dojo named Boston Shufukai Kendo. This dojo is an AUSKF dojo.

Here is their website:

http://www.shufukai.com/

--------------------

Well, that's all the Kendo dojos I have.

There is a Koryu dojo that only teaches Iaido. You could visit that too.

Boston Iaido dojo

http://www.bostoniaido.com

This dojo teaches Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu(MJER) Iaido. Please see the site for more information.

----------------------

Well, that's all there is. That's more than enough anyway. Please do visit more than one dojo. And, please be aware that a drive is common in getting to a good dojo with a qualified teacher. Many of us drive more than an hour one way to the dojo.

If you visit say, three at least, of the dojos I gave you, besides the one you came up with, you will have the ability to make an educated decision on what you want. Please make an effort to do so. You won't be sorry, I guarantee it.

Please do call ahead. Don't just show up. This is standard etiquette. They will let you know if you may only watch or may participate.

Well, I hope this helps! Good luck and let us know what you end up choosing.

Kaoru

[cargo_brad]

"I could not find any info on Osamu Sekiguchi, 3rd dan(According to the website) who seems to be the sensei of that dojo. So, I've no idea who they are. Someone else here may know."

I have never personally been to this dojo, but I have seen some of their members and Sekiguchi sensei at a few events. From meeting these people at tournaments and gradings, it seems as if they are on the level. They may be a little smaller than some of the other dojo in the area, but I could be wrong on that. I don't know of many people visiting them often, but being in Salem and the other dojos being south of the Mass. Pike or way out in Amherst, the traffic situation and getting back and forth from elsewhere to Salem is probably the factor that discourages more visiting, so not the quality of instruction or the dojo as bad, but just laziness in dealing with annoying traffic when there are other places to practice at that are much closer.

[U2DnBGFE]

Thanks to all for the very detailed responses!

Last night I found this dojo in Cambridge, which is about a 30 minute drive for me. They are mostly aikido, but they also have iaido classes. I'm going to call them and arrange for a visit next week.

I saw Sekiguchi sensei at an event in Marblehead and I was impressed with him and his students. They are indeed very small, but the quality of instruction and the discipline of the dojo looks very good from what I can tell. I'll also visit that dojo next week.

I will post my findings here. I really appreaciate all of the help.

[cmruloah]

Ooops, forgot to post the link to the Cambridge dojo:

http://www.neaikikai.org/

Anyone know of this dojo?

[Gosxjqum]

There are (apparently, I’ve never been to one) dojo that only break out their bokuto a few weeks before a shinsa.

More the rule than the exception, unfortunately.

Mr. FiveMiles if you aren't interested in sparring and want kata, kendo is not for you plain and simple. The majority of the practice is oriented towards sparring with shinai and the main practice weapon is shinai.

New England Aikikai offers Muso Shinden Ryu iaido, which would probably be right up your alley.

[ssiikmuz]

It certainly seems that iaido is more what I'm looking for. It's just a matter of finding a dojo that does it well.

Perhaps if I can't find a good iaido dojo, I'll try Kendo. Both arts interest me.

[eduptultyt]

Just for the sake of info exchange, im gonna post the percentages of practice in my dojo.

Techniqeu/suburi 30/35%

Kata, after class on your own time with a partner

Sparring 65/70%

This definitly varies on a day to day basis though, sometime we will do basics and techniques for the whole class.

[EspnaConCam]

Hi folks,

I have been wanting to take up Kendo for some time now, and I'm visiting a local dojo next Wed. for the first time. I'm 30 years old with lots of athletics under my belt, a few years of fencing and a bit of traditional Taekwondo as well (second degree green belt back in high school).

Anyway, I've seen Kendo sparring and while that interests me a little bit, I'm mostly interested in the slower, more meditative aspects of Kendo such as the katas.

Wlecome to the forum,

I've you want to keep in shape, kendo is your thing. Iai is a lot slower and some folks have called ZNKR iaido a form of "moving meditation". I don't see it that way, maybe I'm not advaced enough. If you want to meditate, take up Zen. My sensei (both of them go to a Zen meditaion class once in a while) As metioned by other some kendo dojo do a lot of kata, some don't do them at all.

I'm certainly looking forward to a bit of sparring, but using a metal sword in a slow and methodical kata is more what I'm after.

If working with a metal sword is what you want, iai is your thing. You start with a bokuto (also known as bokken) a wooden sword. Once you're sure that it's what you want to continue doing you can buy an iaito and after several years you can use a shinken (a live blade). Iai is all kata, no sparring. Some of the advanced kata are partner based. But it takes a long time before you do these. In the two years I do iai I've done it once. Sometimes you do solo kata in partner form to see why you make certain moves within a kata, but this is also rare.

Ooops, forgot to post the link to the Cambridge dojo:

http://www.neaikikai.org/

Anyone know of this dojo?

A lot of aikidoka also do iaido. So it is not surprising they teach iaido and aikido. Can't tell you if they are the real deal though (haven't visited the USA yet). However, aiki-ken (aikido sword) and iaido are different things. Please keep that in mind.

Good luck on your search.

It’s sad that not more aikidoka do iai, because a lot aikidoka use the bokken like a “glorified bat”. Before some aikidoka get angry, I’m talking from experience here. I may be a beginner but it was pretty easy to spot some of the terrible sword handling. However, that’s a different discussion.

[ceagsoosy]

A lot of aikidoka also do iaido. So it is not surprising they teach iaido and aikido. Can't tell you if they are the real deal though (haven't visited the USA yet). However, aiki-ken (aikido sword) and iaido are different things. Please keep that in mind.

If you'd taken 10 seconds to hit the link, you'd see that what they offer is an MSR class which is seperate from the aikido instruction.