[i32I7qyH]

I think this Sunday, I'm going to make the 2 hour drive out there, to observe a practice and ask some questions.

I'm really interested in doing kendo, but there is one thing that's making me feel a little queezy. I'm 25 years old, and in the past didn't have the time nor the resources to be able to attend. But now I can easily afford the experience.

I'm just curious, what's the oldest begginer any current kendoka has ever seen. I feel like i'd be an old man.

[Sapremolz]

Much older than 25, don't worry.

[gniewkoit]

I'm 32 and just started and I love it. All the other new guys in my class are way younger and it provides me with MUCH motivation!

[Cydayshosse]

We've had people start in their 40s. I didn't start until I was 23. You'll be fine.

[desmond001]

I started when I was 44. I'd rather look at what kind of shape a person is in, rather than age. I wasn't in a triathelon shape, but I was in pretty good shape.

[KellyMP]

just started at 46 and loving it

[markoiutrfffdsa]

I'd rather look at what kind of shape a person is in, rather than age. I wasn't in a triathelon shape, but I was in pretty good shape.

Eh. We had one guy start in his mid-40s in horrible shape, thought he'd quit but he stuck to it and got nidan before his job took him elsewhere. There's a 6 dan sensei in Vancouver who started in his 40s I believe. His secret to success? Don't miss practice.

If you want it and you're willing to work for it, you can get it.

[dXI9XFOA]

I was 40 when I started and am going on 58 now.

[arrasleds]

Hey, thanks for all of the responses....very encouraging. I feel a lot better now, and am definitely looking forward to watching the practice.

[bredkumanfirst]

Ask lots of questions.

Make sure you want to do this. Then, if you do, jump right in and enjoy!

[sleelverrex]

what are the most important questions to ask?

you know what, I messed up on the location; the one I meant was Indiana University Kendo Club. Perdue is about 3 hours from where i'm at.

[pheelixoss]

Cool, I can merge posts. Bwa-ha-ha!

Anyways, the questions I would ask are all the normal ones: what does it cost, when are the practices, how do you handle equipment purchases, is this dojo AUSKF affiliated, who is the instructor.

[TeveVikep]

cool...thanks

[HitAttetlyTek]

Cool, I can merge posts. Bwa-ha-ha!

Apparently, with great power, comes great responsibility. Thus spake Spider-man's uncle.

Your post was an inspiration. I started three years ago when I was 23, and your experience gives me something great to look forward to.

[plantBanceper]

Bah. I mostly serve as a warning to others.

[seervezex]

The oldest beginner that I know of was somewhere between 50 and 60 when he started kendo. When his body couldn't take it anymore he decided to do iai instead. He is now somewhere in his eighties and 5dan in iaido.

The oldest beginner we've had in our club lately was...52, I think (this was iai). His problems were different from the younger beginners of course, but he is dedicated and rarely misses practise.

I'd say you're definately young enough.

[SeelaypeKet]

I'm a beginner at 36 years.

[VewCoorkPow]

you know what, I messed up on the location; the one I meant was Indiana University Kendo Club. Perdue is about 3 hours from where i'm at.

I just peeked at their website, and I see that Sugawara-sensei is one of the instructors there. So, even without having ever been there, I'd say Indiana University should be a great place to go.

Most of Neil's suggested questions are answered on their website--contact information, $25 club dues per semester, practice schedule, equipment suggestions, and they are an AUSKF member under the ECUSKF (regional federation).

[noingenah]

yea....the only problem i'm facing now is that, the only practice i'll be able to make is the Sunday from 6-9pm; but I live 2 1/2 hours away and have to wake up at 5am every morning for work.

But if I go with Purdue KC, their practice is 1-4pm on Sunday, however it's about 3 1/2 hours away...closer to 4.

This is kind of a tough decision.

[Smittoh]

I'm a little concerned that the latest news posted on the IUKC website is from 2003.

I know for a fact that Sugawara sensei is teaching at the Central Indiana Kendo Club. That info is available here:
http://www.midwestkendo.com/dojo-lis...napolis-in.php

The hours are NOT correct. They have practices on Tues and Thur night (I don't know exact times) and Sun 2-4pm. I was there this past Sun with others from my kendo club.

My suggestion would be to write an e-mail to IUKC and Sugawara sensei to inquire the most up-to-date information.