Beginner Info
Join Our Club
The Vancouver Kendo Club accepts new members All Year Round.
We encourage everyone to come and watch one of our practices, and speak with one of the sensei before the start of the class.
Regular practice days are Thursdays from 8pm-10pm and Fridays from 7:30pm-9:30pm at the Charles Rummel Centre in Burnaby. Practices are open to all ages and experience levels.
Please see our membership page for additional information about becoming a member and membership fees involved. It does not cover equipment and tournament registration fees.
Club Etiquette
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.
As a member of the Vancouver Kendo Club, you must follow the rules:
- Always arrive on time.
- Respect your sensei (teachers) and senpai (seniors).
- Keep your belongings tidy in the change room.
- Always pay attention to your sensei when they give instructions.
- Everyone must contribute to setup, cleanup, and running of the practice.
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 Canadian Internet vendors such as Aoi Bogu, Budogu Zen, Bogu Shop
Student Progress Guideline
Beginners are encouraged to practice as much as possible. The following table outlines the progress of an average student:
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Progress of an Average Student
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Time from Start
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Equipment Needed (accumulated) | Skills Taught |
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2 months
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shinai | manners and etiquette, basic foot work, and basic shinai handling |
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6 months
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hakama and keiko-gi | foot work and shinai handling |
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12 months
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bogu | basic drills |
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18 months
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sparring with senior sensei, and drills | |
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24 months
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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.
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Cost of Equipment
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Equipment
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Minimum cost
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Average cost
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shinai
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$35
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$50
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hakama
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$80
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$150
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keiko-gi
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$60
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$100
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bogu
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$500
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$1000
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