Q&A: Some Commonly Asked Questions
Questions about Kendo:
Q: How useful is kendo? Is it practical? What's the benefit?
A: As far as we know, we do not live in feudal period Japan, and we do not handle swords on a daily basis. So the sword techniques you learn is not really practical. However, using the fundamental principles stressed in practice, it is quite possible to enhance your understanding of other martial arts. We learn sword art by using the best simulation of a battle, which as a result allows you to learn quickly and effectively the most important parts of a real sword fight. Even so, that is not the true benefit of kendo.
The benefit of kendo is that you become more organized, humble, and calm. If you want to avoid yourself from being sucked into the negative spiral that many college students put themselves into, it is strongly recommended that you do kendo for at least a year with us.
Q: What is the difference between kendo and shinkendo?
A: Kendo is a martial art recognized by the Japanese government with many organizations around the world. It is a mainstream martial art that has been organized since the 1800s and reformed in the early 1950s. It is based in Japan, but regional organizations around the world tend to not lose the connection as interactions through the federations are consistently made. The main form of practice is basics and full contact free sparring with practice sword and armor. Shinkendo is a sword art that has the international HQ in California that was formed in the 1980s. The main form of practice is repeated form work where contact between the swords are made, but not to the opponent. We practice Kendo in our dojo. However, there is a shinkendo club on campus as well.
Questions about our club:
Q: Are there any prerequisites to joining?
A: If you have the will to listen to the instructor and show respect to others then you are good.
Q: When does the club meet? Where does it meet?
A: Our club usually meets on Tuesday and Friday nights at Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE). For details, please click the Practice Time and Location.
Q: Does it cost a lot of money to join the club?
A: Our club charges around $30 per semester for the insurance and club fee. The club fee will be used for seminars, and the insurance fee is for you.
Q: Any extra fees?
A: Most likely the Midwest Kendo Federation fee, which is $80 per year. This is not mandatory, but you should join Midwest Kendo Federation to join the tournament and promotion.
Q: How much does the equipment cost then?
A: This is going to be a long answer. Different stages of your training will require different equipment. So allow me to list these stages.
1. Footwork practice: You hold a shinai, but these will be provided to you.
2. Swinging practice: If you manage to stay in the club until this time, you may consider buying your own shinai. They go around for $30 for the moderate quality ones, but we usually order in bulk, so we can get it a little cheaper. This is also the right time to buy your keikogi (稽古着) and hakama(袴). These are usually $90~$150 as a set. Again, waiting for these until a bulk order through the dojo may be a good idea.
3. Contact practice: Initially, depending on the availability, we will let you rent a bogu. Preferably, you buy them yourself or along with everyone else. These usually start at $400 or so.
For each of these purchases, talk to one of the members about it.
Q: How useful is kendo? Is it practical? What's the benefit?
A: As far as we know, we do not live in feudal period Japan, and we do not handle swords on a daily basis. So the sword techniques you learn is not really practical. However, using the fundamental principles stressed in practice, it is quite possible to enhance your understanding of other martial arts. We learn sword art by using the best simulation of a battle, which as a result allows you to learn quickly and effectively the most important parts of a real sword fight. Even so, that is not the true benefit of kendo.
The benefit of kendo is that you become more organized, humble, and calm. If you want to avoid yourself from being sucked into the negative spiral that many college students put themselves into, it is strongly recommended that you do kendo for at least a year with us.
Q: What is the difference between kendo and shinkendo?
A: Kendo is a martial art recognized by the Japanese government with many organizations around the world. It is a mainstream martial art that has been organized since the 1800s and reformed in the early 1950s. It is based in Japan, but regional organizations around the world tend to not lose the connection as interactions through the federations are consistently made. The main form of practice is basics and full contact free sparring with practice sword and armor. Shinkendo is a sword art that has the international HQ in California that was formed in the 1980s. The main form of practice is repeated form work where contact between the swords are made, but not to the opponent. We practice Kendo in our dojo. However, there is a shinkendo club on campus as well.
Questions about our club:
Q: Are there any prerequisites to joining?
A: If you have the will to listen to the instructor and show respect to others then you are good.
Q: When does the club meet? Where does it meet?
A: Our club usually meets on Tuesday and Friday nights at Campus Recreation Center East (CRCE). For details, please click the Practice Time and Location.
Q: Does it cost a lot of money to join the club?
A: Our club charges around $30 per semester for the insurance and club fee. The club fee will be used for seminars, and the insurance fee is for you.
Q: Any extra fees?
A: Most likely the Midwest Kendo Federation fee, which is $80 per year. This is not mandatory, but you should join Midwest Kendo Federation to join the tournament and promotion.
Q: How much does the equipment cost then?
A: This is going to be a long answer. Different stages of your training will require different equipment. So allow me to list these stages.
1. Footwork practice: You hold a shinai, but these will be provided to you.
2. Swinging practice: If you manage to stay in the club until this time, you may consider buying your own shinai. They go around for $30 for the moderate quality ones, but we usually order in bulk, so we can get it a little cheaper. This is also the right time to buy your keikogi (稽古着) and hakama(袴). These are usually $90~$150 as a set. Again, waiting for these until a bulk order through the dojo may be a good idea.
3. Contact practice: Initially, depending on the availability, we will let you rent a bogu. Preferably, you buy them yourself or along with everyone else. These usually start at $400 or so.
For each of these purchases, talk to one of the members about it.