A: Kendo is the art of Japanese Fencing. Many call it a sport, but it is far more than that! It is the "Way of the Sword" - a way of improving your life and relationships through diligent training in the Sword. For more info, read our General Kendo Info page.

Q: When and where are practices?

A: Currently, we hold practice every Tuesday and Thursday, as well as on Saturday from 11:00 to 1:00, in the Begley building, right under the football stands.

Q: Do I need any equipment to join the EKU Kendo Club?

A: Absolutely not! To join the club, you do not need to previously own any equipment - in fact, it is actually better for you, financially speaking, if you have not previously bought anything. Through our sponsorship under e-mudo.com, Inc., you can buy your equipment at a significant discount if you go through us to do so.

Once you join, you will need some equipment. The equipment used in Kendo include a Bamboo sword, called a shinai, a wooden sword, called a bokken, a set of armor, known as bogu, and a general uniform.

Q: How much does it cost to be in the EKU Kendo Club?

EKU Club Dues amount to $15 per person, while the East Central U.S. Kendo Federation Dues, which are required to participate in tournaments or train at other dojos, amount to $65 for adults or $50 for people under the age of 18, though these will not be required for the first few months of training, until you have reached a high enough level to compete. In addition, if you do not own your equipment, purchasing a shinai will cost $25.

Moreover, once you have progressed enough to have earned the right to wear a Kendo uniform and Armor, you will most likely have to pay $45 fo the purchase of your uniform. We try to handle the armor ourselves through university funding and fundraising opportunities; however, should you wish to actually OWN your armor, they will cost an additional $340-$490, depending on which set you buy. Again, we try to handle all of these with club money.

Q: What should I wear to practice?

A: Eventually, you will have a uniform to wear to practice each day. Initially, however, this will not be the case. We reccommend that you wear something light and comfortable, that won't get too hot. A t-shirt and basketball shorts are generally the best route, but not the only one. However, we reccommend that you do NOT wear jeans or jean shorts. Exercising in denim is generally a bad idea.

Q: How much experience is required to join the EKU Kendo Club?

A: Absolutely zero! We welcome new members of all ages and experience levels - whether this is your first time holding a sword or you've master 14 martial arts, you're welcome to join and practice with us at any time!

Q: I can only attend the club meetings one day a week. Can I still join?

A: Yes! You may join even if you can only come to one meeting a week. However, this doesn't mean you can join and skip one practice a week without a good reason. The one requirement to joining is that you be dedicated to improving yourself, and that means that regular attendance is a must when possible. Of course, injurie and prior obligations are understandable.

Q: I am not an EKU Student! Can I still join the club?

A: Yes! We allow anyone and everyone to join the club, so long as you are able to attend the practices. If you cannot make it to Tuesday and Thursday practices, we now hold a Saturday practice just for your sort of situation. It is perfectly acceptable to come only on Saturdays!

Q: Is the club open to faculty, as well?

A: Of course! We would love to have some EKU Faculty join us!

Q: Nihongo wo hanashimasen!!!

A: It's ok! You don't have to speak Japanese in our club. There are many terms that are Japanese in origin, but these are fairly simple to learn, and it is far easier to use a single Japanese term than to spend five minutes explaining an exersize every time we do it.

Q: I have a high-ranking belt in _____. Can I jump ranks in Kendo?

A: While previous experience in other martial arts will most definitely be helpful in grasping kendo, jumping ranks is neither possible nor sensible simply because of such experience. The ranking process is handled at a bi-annual promotion exam held by the ECUSKF, and promotions are decided by a panel of around 5 judges. However, for the first 5 ranks (Rokkyu through Nikyu, or 6th-2nd Kyu), anyone is free to start in any rank the judges deem you worthy of. It is not unheard of for a beginner to start at Nikyu, but neither is it impossible to start at Rokkyu.

Q: What is with that ranking system?

A: The ranking system of kendo is slightly different than with most martial arts. Whereas other martial arts promote based on a system of colored belts, Kendo promotes purely based on Kyuu and Dan levels, with no outward display of rank whatsoever. However, the general principal remains the same, with Dan level ranks being equivalent to your typical "black belt." Mudansha, or those withou Dan, are ranked in Kyuu, on a rating from 6-1, with 6 being the lowest of the Kyu ranks. Thes ranks are:

6: Rokkyuu
5: Gokyuu
4: Yonkyuu
3: Sankyuu
2: Nikyuu
1: Ikkyuu

1: Shodan
2: Nidan
3: Sandan
4: Yondan
5: Godan
6: Rokudan
7: Nanadan
8: Hachidan
9: Kyudan
10: Juudan

Q: Am I going to get hurt in Kendo?

A: Though the armor we wear is light weight, it offers very good protection, and you will be able to take just about anything without feeling it. Occasionally, if your opponent misses a target, it can sting a bit, but nothing too bad. However, as with any strenuous physical activity, there is always a chance of injury. If you are feeling like you might pull a muscle, it's OK to sit out for a while. However, this can usually be avoided by stretching properly before practice. Injuries inflicted by an opponent, however, are actually quite rare.