Peachtree City Kendo Club

What is Kendo?
Two words - Japanese Fencing. For a better in-depth definition than we could possibly provide, please go here.

 

I've never done Kendo, can I join the club?
Absolutely. The club has a very strong beginner program. No prior experience is necessary. The best time to join is the very first class of the quarter, usually the first Wednesday of the quarter. Please arrive at least fifteen minutes early as we begin at 7pm sharp. The class progresses very quickly and all the early basic instruction is necessary to be successful. We will accept new members during the first two weeks of the quarter. After that, no new beginners will be accepted. Also, if you think you will be lonely as the only beginner, fear not! Depending on which quarter you join in, at least 20 other people will be in the beginner class with you awkwardly learning how to yell at the tops of their lungs too. You can make friends with them if you think the higher-ups are intimidating or something.

 

How old do you have to be to join?

We welcome everyone from the ages of 5 - 105.

 

What should I expect on the first day?
For the first day, you should be registered at the Peachtree City Recreation Department and bring

 $25 to purchase a wooden sword (shinai) and show up in comfortable clothes to exercise in.

 

For the most part, you will be taught basics to prepare you for armored practice. You will learn things like footwork, swinging, and how to yell like a crazed banshee. If you tend to be shy and don't think you can yell a lot, Kendo will definately bring out that inner beast in you.

 

I've done Kendo before, can I join the club?
Anyone with previous Kendo experience is welcome to join the club anytime. It is assumed that you know all the basics of Kendo and will fit in with existing class groups. If you're feeling rusty, let us know and you can stay out of bogu until you're comfortable.

 

Do I have to be in good shape?
No. While it certainly does help to be in good physical shape, it certainly isn't necessary.

 

Does it hurt?
A little. The most common injuries for beginners is a blistered left foot. This injury becomes less and less common as footwork improves.
 

The most common injury that intermediate practitioners suffer is a bruised right wrist or hand. In general, the chance of suffering injury as a result of diligently practicing proper Kendo is very low.

 

Does the club participate in tournaments?
Yes. The club participates in several regional tournaments throughout the year. Participation is encouraged but not mandatory.

 

Does the club sell all of the necessary equipment?

No, however we can provide you with a shinai (cost $25). We do loan out bogu sets to use but these are limited. If you wish to purchase armor or other Kendo-related equipment, we can recommend some websites.

 

Compared to other martial arts, Kendo is relatively cheap. The major cost is in equipment purchases. However, many of these purchases are one-time only. The first purchase a beginner is required to make is a shinai (split bamboo sword used for striking) which costs $25. After a month or so, it is recommended that students purchase uniforms. A complete set consisting of keikogi (light jacket) and hakama (pleated trousers) starts at $70.

Easily the most expensive purchase in Kendo is the bogu (armor). A decent set costs anywhere from $500-$1000. However, the club loans out sets to qualified members for free (free is good).

Keep in mind that much of this equipment will last for several years-- making the overall expense far less than what many different arts charge in monthly dues alone.

 

I have more questions. Who can I contact?
For questions/issues regarding the club or this site, please send us an email, visit one of our practices or visit our Facebook Page.