Joining the Vancouver Kendo Club

Beginners Intake Period

The Vancouver Kendo Club accepts new students in March and September of each year to ensure that all beginning students are given the necessary instruction during the crucial starting stages.

Requirements

To become a member of the Vancouver Kendo Club, you must agree to and obey the following rules:

You must always arrive on time.
You must always greet your senseis and superiors.
You must keep your belongings well maintained and tidy.
You must not talk with others during practice.
Everyone must contribute to setup, cleanup, or running of the practice.

Vancouver Kendo Club strives to provide its members with physical and mental challenges that will help them grow into strong kendoka. We encourage our members to push themselves and challenge their limits. We emphasize the importance of courtesy, dedication and team spirit to kendo, and help fosters these ideals in the dojo and by organizing both kendo and non-kendo events.

Membership Process

If you agree with theses terms please drop-by one of our practices, and speak with one of the sensei before the start of the class. Please see or club calendar for regular practice days.

During your first visit you will be asked to sit and watch a full practice. If you feel that you are physically and mentally able to handle the rigors of Kendo training, then you can decide whether or not you want to join the Vancouver Kendo Club.

If you are still interested in joining, you will be told when your first practice is (usually the next practice date). You will also be given a registration form to fill-out and bring to the next session. Fees cover one full year's registration. It does not cover equipment and tournament registration fees.

Your First Practice

For your first practice you must wear comfortable clothing (t-shirts and sweatpants). You should also purchase a shinai (bamboo sword). They are available at Aoi Budogu Co. at #28-8980 Fraserwood Court, Burnaby (TEL: 604-437-6750). You can also get equipment from North American Internet vendours such as Equchi, e-bogu or Aoi Bogu.

Student Progress

Beginners are encouraged to practice as much as possible. The folowing table outlines the prgress of the average student:

Progress of an Average Student
Time from Start	Equipment Needed (accumulated)	Skills Taught
2 months	shinai (see chart for size)	manners and etiquette, basic foot work, and basic shinai handling
6 months	hakama and keiko-gi	foot work and shinai handling
12 months	bogu	basic drills
18 months		sparring with senior sensei, and drills
24 months		sparring and drills

Cost of equipment varies by maker, country of origin, material, and quality. For your first shinai, hakama, keiko-gi, and bogu, here is a run-down of approximate prices. Aoi Budogu sells equipment at reasonable prices and have economical shinai (which you may need to be replaced two or three times a year). If you take good care of your bogu it should last you at least 10 years.

Cost of Equipment
Equipment	Minimum cost	Average cost
shinai	$35	$50
hakama	$80	$150
keiko-gi	$60	$100
bogu	$500	$1000

Contact Us for More Information

If you have any further questions or concerns, please drop-by our practice, or contact us at info@vancouverkendoclub.com.