[Jalieteplalry]

Well as of right now...I would feel very uncomfortable teaching. Not that I can't relay some of the basics to a noob....but I am still getting the hang of the basics myself! So as of right now my Kendo is nowhere good enough to teach, I think. That is why I am hooooping to find someone else who is of a higher rank than me who can teach.

Hi Phorest

No matter how good you get that wont really change (its just that the level will improve

In any case what you are potentially talking about here is a study group rather than a 'traditional' dojo and the outside worlds expectations would be slightly different. Go for it ! - if you dont its unlikely anyone else will

I do feel pretty good about just getting together to practice though...which brings up another question. If its just me and 1-5 other people getting together twice a week, how formal should it be? What I mean is, should we still adhere to strict dojo rules, etc.

It's your dojo so you get to choose. However I think it would be a good idea to work hard on the small points even when together as it will show up when you travel outside. You might consider a relatively democratic system for dojo admin / decisions / drinking but then opt for full on reigei during practise time

Another thing I've thought about....if this club gets going, and I am the main organizing force behind it....it will be strange that once I step into the dojo, I'm the lowest/one of the lowest ranked kendoka....yet outside I'm the President? Should I defer to a higher ranking student to act as the President outside the dojo? How should that work? I mean, they would be my senior...*sigh*.

You could juggle about with job title a bit. We often use the term 'Dojo Leader' when the dojo is being run by a more junior grade (us than might otherwise be typical. Bottom line is that you dont have to combine the role of sensei with dojo administration - this being avery good point for a university dojo. Its common for them to spring up because of an enterprising individual such as yourself an then die off again when that person leaves. If you can clearly set up a regime with an instructor (sensei) and a dojo leader then the dojo has a better chance

From your earlier posts it also sound slike your sensei is supportive of the idea - so much so that if you were to ask him for help and guidance in finding a senior you might get lucky

From my acadmic life I think the biggest likely problems are going to be organisational and logistical. Universities often have policies on exactly who can be a member of a university club ( which could scupper any plans for an outside senior or even outside kenshhi) and where you can train (at sensible times)

be careful about insurances and instructor accreditations - the US style personal claims culture has hit the UK and the BKA now has to prove that it has taken all possible steps to avoid risks etc and that is a monumental pain

These hassle might want you to give up the struggle but plug away and youll do well. You may end up outside the university itself but go for it anyway.

Lots of well established dojos in the west have started out just as you are proposing so im sure you will be able to find help (just like this thread)

I wish you the very best of luck with the new dojo and your studies (if you can fit any in around your beer and kendo :-)

cheers