[ElisasAUG]

(I didnt see any other appropriate forum to post this)

Im not going to lie, im completely and utterly new to this. as in, I havnt even started to look for a dojo to train, nor do I have any back ground in martial arts.
Im just a girl who has admired Kendo from afar....way afar.

Turning 20, and being kicked out of my ballet company, I feel myself needing, i dont know...something more i guess? My interest in Kendo has always been there, but logging 8-9 hours a day with co...well, there just isnt any time for things like this. Now i have that time and figured i would presue another crazy dream.

I have a few questions, that i know have probably been posted before. I know from being a long term member on a dance forum that re-writting answers to questions like these gets tireing after awhile. So even if someone will link me to their previous answers they gave, to helpful stickys, faqs and other things of this nature-i will be truly greatful.

Ok-off with the blabbering, on with the questions!

-Is previous martial arts training required to learn Kendo?

-Is a shinai required apon first starting? I know that a bogu isnt. I know that it takes time, training, and skill to work up to bogu. (its like that with pointe shoes, believe me, i can deffiently wait ^_^)

-Im a very small framed girl, will this be a problem at all? also-do alot of girls practice kendo? I might feel a tad odd in the changing room... = D

-Where should/could i look up a place to train in, say, the yellow book? Under martial arts? If i can not find a place, would calling a reptuable martial arts center help?

-When first starting, what kind of clothing is usually worn to class? Things that are loose or tight fitted to where they can see your placement and form?

-What are the general basic ideas in Kendo? How does it work exactly?


Thank you so much for putting up with this beginners questions. I really appreciate it.

Oh and if i put this in the wrong forum, let me know. Thank you. Looking forward to replies

Elizabeth