His techniques and strength are no less than any Hachidan, and his influence in the Kendo community is immense, so why is he not called Hanshi and only referred to as Kyoshi?

Hello dear kendokas !

I'm a beginner in iai but i feel like you guys will probably be the best people to ask while i can't see my teacher : i've been practicing for a few months now and i really struggle to have a correct te-no-uchi, which also imply i struggle to do correctly most of my cuts and kamae.

I feel something is off, i don't have the right feeling when cutting, my shoulders are tense and my cut doesn't feel natural. I think it's because of my left hand not doing it's job properly (I'm right-handed), but i can't figure out exactly what's wrong, aside from my te-no-uchi, where i know i'm not placing my left hand correctly but I'm not sure what's the problem on it, even with some explanations of my teacher on what is the right way to hold a sword.

I don't think I'll correct it by simply reading some advice online, but since i won't see my teacher until some weeks, could you guys tell me what are the things i should pay attention on while trying to improve my te-no-uchi (and eventually while doing a simple shomen uchi) ?

Thank you in advance !

Hello, I have just started practicing this sport for half a year. What criteria do you consider when choosing a Bogu for yourself? Why are there two colors, blue and black, for Bogu?

I know this question has been asked pretty often and I apologize if this is the umpteenth time that it comes out, but even after having had a look at previous threads, I'm still confused!

I am looking to get a kendogi + hakama set. My budget is not so high so I have eyed this one: https://www.kendo24.com/hakama-and-gi/sets/hakama-and-gi-for-beginner?number=HG-01.175

I previously did judo and a 180 judogi worked fine with my size (179cm x 74kg). However, my sensei was mentioning how sometimes in kendo it is better to get a smaller size (that would be 175): he's 1.81 and I think that's the case with him.

The point is that I am worried a 175 would shrink too much after being washed, and that I have a somewhat specific physique (very long arms and broad shoulders, but thin torso: usually I have an issue with sleeve length even when the size is right), which makes me fear that would be too small (same applies to hakama, I watched one of Andy Fisher's videos where he explains how the ankle shouldn't be left uncovered if I am not mistaken).

What should I do? Thanks a lot as always for your help!

Edit: thanks for the nice responses! I will aim at 180 then. Also, TIL that Gi is not a standalone term (despite being used as such even in that link I have shared). Will go for Kendogi from now on :)

Context: We live in Norway, he is 11, he has always laughed at kendo (the yelling). He has always been a football jock (for the US people here, in europe football is something else). I have never pushed my interests on him, ever. But after the national championship, which he was forced to spectate as he is not old enough to stay home alone for an entire weekend, he surprisingly got really invested.

So to build on his interest in kendo i wonder if anyone on here knows about a weekend seminary/camp or the like aimed at kids and beginners in Europe? He doesn't particularly want to start his first lessons with only 16-30 year olds. And he doesn't want to be the only beginner.

Traveling to another continent for this is sadly out of the question.

I've tried to google this in various ways with little success.

May your body be healthy,
Your shinai strike true.
And your do himo not come undone.

May your footwork be stealthy,
Your zenshin follow through.
May kendo be vigorous and fun!

I'm really interested in starting Kendo and came across the pre war Kendo style haga-ha. As far as I understand it, they fight more realistic because they combine sword fighting with hand to hand combat.

Do you guys know if you cas still learn this style? I live in Munich, Germany.

Ever wondered why so many kendo masters emphasize one-sword (Itto) training, even for those interested in two-sword (Nito-ryu)? In this video, we break down the fundamental reasons why Itto is the essential building block for Nito mastery.

Are you struggling to progress in two-sword (Nito-ryu) kendo? The answer might lie in your one-sword (Itto) practice. In this video, we explore the why behind the importance of Itto for Nito mastery.

• Footwork (Ashisabaki) & Body Movement (Taisabaki): Learn how proper footwork and body movement with one sword create the foundation for fluid two-sword movement.

• Timing (Datotsu no Kikai) & Distance (Maai): Mastering timing and distance with one sword is paramount for managing the complexity of two swords. We explain why.

• Sword Principles (Riai): Understanding the core principles of the sword through Itto practice is crucial for advanced Nito techniques.

• Mental Discipline (Sen): Develop the mental focus and initiative necessary for two-sword combat through rigorous one-sword training.

Discover the often-overlooked connection between one-sword and two-sword kendo and unlock your true potential. This video is a must-watch for any serious kendo practitioner.

Learn why a solid foundation in Itto is essential for passing grading and truly mastering Nito Kendo !!

Hi, everyone.

I started my Kendo journey about three months ago, and I’m really enjoying it so far. There’s definitely a lot of room for improvement in various aspects, but I see each training session as an opportunity to grow and challenge myself.

However, I’m having a hard time with one particular exercise during our warm-up. Unfortunately, I don’t recall its name, and I haven’t been able to find it online, so I’m not sure if it’s specific to my dojo. It’s the one where we perform men strikes while moving in a "+" pattern on the floor—forward, backward, left, and right.

Whenever we practice this exercise, I find myself overwhelmed, trying to focus on too many things at once. As a result, I lose my rhythm and often get confused about which direction to step next.

Does anyone know the name of this exercise? I’d like to look it up and practice it at home to improve.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Update; Thank you greatly for all the advice and tips! It's good for me to read about the experiences of others, I am going to keep doing my best and not let it get to much to my head.

I am starting an internship in Japan for about 3 months, and I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to start kendo since I've always wanted to learn it.

However, I was wondering how strictly attendance is seen in Japanese dojos. My closest dojo has practice 4 times a week and because of my internship I don't know if I'd be able to attend 4 times a week. Is this acceptable or do I have to commit to 4 times a week if I join?

And suggestions for a warmer cold weather dogi?

I started doing bogu back in June 2024 and did my exam back in October 2024 with 1st kyu. Also did my first competition. I wasn’t really that good with shiais because I’m afraid to get hit or just I wasn’t used to it at all. My skills are there but I just don’t know how to execute it in a game. literally that. anyway, there’s this sensei kind of just i think. gave up on me or like just stopped giving me advice or smthn but it’s fine or this sensei would just exclude me in advices now. I’m actually am quite improving though with shiais. i think it wasn’t just up to his standards. however, he kind of said while we were hanging out in a group. he wouldn’t care when there’s full attendance but you’re not improving becuase it’s not his problem. I’m thinking if this is normal or a japanese thing or idk. I kind of felt sorry for myself for not improving fast comparing to other people because of this. I have adhd too which was quite hard for me in the first place to do kendo due to my lack of focus. However my senpais in the dojo don’t agree with his mindset because people grow in different paces. I felt sad about it but it’s okay I can come back up again. This sensei makes me lose interest in kendo or it makes me forget how to have fun. I always feel my efforts are not enough etc. etc. but i can do better still. i just feel really sad.

I've been practicing Kendo for about 5 months now. At the conclusion of the last class, our sensei announced an upcoming tournament in February. He also mentioned that myself and several others would be in Bogu by then and therefore should consider entering.

Now, to be clear, I will NOT be entering. The location is far enough away that it would require one or more nights in a hotel, and with two young children at home, it's not possible.

In regards to Bogu, I'm considering the KendoStar Vanguard with colored Do, but the website says 10-12 weeks.

If I wait until I'm officially given the go-ahead, it'll be a LONG wait. If I order today, even if it arrives before I'm given the nod, I can keep it in the closet, but there's the slim possibility that my sensei could say "black only". I could message him and just explain the situation, but I feel like that is very close to the no-no of asking for permission.

Any thoughts?

Hi all, I’m an undergrad student interested in getting involved and learning a martial art as a complete beginner. However, I have a concussion history (two in the past, recovery lasting a long time for both), and am concerned about concussion risk / safety. I’ve been very interested in Kendo for a while, and, while not a martial art (or similar to kendo in etiquette etc.), maybe fencing if it is ‘safer’.

I will definitely talk to my doctor but was hoping for any of your thoughts on this, or any martial art types / similar practices you’d suggest trying that would have reduced risk of brain injury, if kendo is a concern.

Hey guys, I will be going to Japan next week and my sensei suggested bcs I wanted to buy a bogu and he told me that would be smart to buy it there bcs he said it's cheaper.

My question is, how does is work to bring a new bogu with the plane to Europe.

Thanks for the help already!

We've had this additional room since September.

Our tiny dojo in the suburbs of Paris can now train three times a week. Each training is in a different but we are getting there.

Hi. I am a Japanese returnee who lived in the states for 13+ years. I moved back to Japan in the summer and joined the school kendo club in October. I just got my bogu late last month and I have my first shiai this weekend. How can I strike effectively and catch the opponent off guard? I have been told that my men and kote strikes are excellent for someone with my level of experience. But my form seems to fail under pressure during practice shiais (tbf I had my first one this week). Another thing that I'm concerned about is my men, which almost fell off after I blocked my opponent during the shiai at practice today. I've been told my men is somewhat big for my head, even though it was tight enough for the rest of practice. Is there something wrong with my men or am I just not tightening it enough?

I understand that I can't expect a W on the first match. But if there is anything yall can help me with to increase my odds, that would be greatly appreciated.

I’m looking for a pair of tozando kote, and there is this choice. What does it mean and what’s better?

Hey all I was looking to start kendo. I am currently in South Etobicoke (Ontario). Anybody know any clubs in the GTA. Thanks.

A little step in my kendo journey, yet one I won‘t forget. Thanks to everyone in this subreddit for all the encouragement, posts and kendo wisdom in general!

After getting shodan in uni and taking a 20 year hiatus while dealing with life, I am proud to say that after joining a dojo with my young son this past may, I was able to achieve 2nd dan yesterday.

My hopes weren’t high getting smashed in practice by middle schoolers and my own speed wasn’t what it used to be, but somehow I made it!

This post is for those starting kendo late it life. It’s doable!! Now I gotta up my reaction time to get better at counterattacking. Time for old man kendo.

Today I passed my third dan exam!!!!!

So I don't do kendo and know very little things about the art. I trained martial arts for quite some years and recently began iai, so i don't have an idea outside of the iai point of view of kendo.

I was wondering, what is kendo about ? What is it's purpose, what was it created for, what is meant for ? It looks very competition oriented from the outside, but i saw some people say it's not a combat-oriented martial art, which i could agree, if it was, why wouldn't the art incorporate throws to destabilize opponents when they're close to you and you can't hit them, why not give point for hitting unarmored points like armpits, which are clear weaknesses in the armor, etc. But then, what is kendo about, what is the purpose of kendo, why does it seems so competition oriented while not a combat oriented art ?

The TKD academy that will host the kendo, jodo, iaido and naginata dojo that I train came to talk to us about organizing internal events between practitioners of the two modalities to help integration, including giving presentations of our arts during the end of training by TKD. What are the positive and negative points of this approach in your view?