“ Determine that today you will overcome yourself of the day before, tomorrow you will win over those of lesser skill , and later you will win over those of greater skill”

Kendo is a Japanese martial art focused on learning principles of fencing with a samurai sword.  Instruction is focused on studying techniques derived from traditional concepts used by the samurai in combat.  However, modern kendo has evolved these techniques into a fast-paced sport.  Practitioners use swords made of split bamboo called “shinai” and wear padded armor called “bogu”.  Strikes are limited to the head, hand, and upper torso.  Points are awarded by judges during a match for the proper execution of a technique.  Kendo students also learn a series of prearranged strikes and blocks called “kata” which are practiced with a partner.

Kendo is for anyone interested and willing to train hard in a traditional martial art.  In Japan, children begin studying from an early age in elementary school and may continue practicing for life.  Nashville Kendo Club trains children and adults alike within a wide range of ages.  The minimum age to begin instruction for children varies depending on their ability to pay attention and follow instructions. Minors must have a parent or guardian in attendance for each class.  Adults may begin practicing at any age.

Practice is held on Sunday afternoons in the gymnasium at McCabe Park Community Center located at 101 46th Avenue North in Nashville.  Class begins at 3:00pm and lasts until 5:00pm.  On the first weekend of the month class starts an hour earlier (2:00pm). Students should arrive early and warm up prior to the start of practice. We start beginners classes every three months – in January, April, July and October. It is recommended that you arrange to visit our regular class as an observer prior to joining the beginner’s classes.

A typical practice session involves students working in pairs to execute various strikes and other techniques in rotating sequences.  Training is intense for more advanced practitioners, who wear full protective gear to absorb the impact of partner strikes.  Practice can also get quite noisy as students give spirited shouts known as “kiai” to help project their techniques.  Beginning students (without protective gear) focus on building basic skills and learning etiquette.

During the first few months, practitioners do not wear armor.  However, they should acquire a practice uniform “keikogi” and “hakama” and a bamboo sword “shinai”.  Such equipment can be purchased online from a number of recommended suppliers usually for less than $100.  Repetition is the primary word to describe kendo training for beginners at this stage.  As a traditional martial art, kendo practitioners must learn to execute techniques with a high level of precision.  Training focuses mainly on etiquette and on drills that isolate the various components of striking and footwork.

How much does it cost to train?

The Nashville Kendo Club (NKC) is operated as a non-profit organization.  The primary goal of NKC is to promote the spread of kendo as a martial art form and not to generate revenue.  Instructors and club administrators are unpaid.  As such, monthly dues are set at $30 per month.  Families (two or more individuals) may join for $40 per month.  Dues are collected at the beginning of each quarter Jan, Apr, Jul, and Oct.  No contracts are required to join.  The only other financial requirement is a $100 annual dues payment for adults ($60 children) to the AUSKF.  It is required for all NKC members to join the AUSKF for insurance purposes and for rank testing requirements.  Fees for testing are set by the AUSKF and vary according to rank and age.

Beginners are typically given permission by the instructor to wear armor in practice after training for 3-6 months.  However, there is no precise timeline for when students may be given permission or for when they must purchase armor.  Each individual progresses differently and may have extenuating financial circumstances that dictates when it is possible to get their equipment.  A reasonable set of bogu goes for around $200 – $300 and can range much higher for better quality.  Students should consult the instructor or other senior members of the club for assistance with selecting armor before purchasing anything from an online kendo supplier.

Yes.  Most kendo practitioners earn rank at some point in their training.  Students are given the opportunity to test for rank in kendo at various annual events held across the Southeast and other regions by the All U.S. Kendo Federation (AUSKF).   The AUSKF is the governing body for kendo in the United States and is affiliated with the International Kendo Federation.   Unlike other martial arts, kendo practitioners do not wear colored belts or any other markings to denote their rank.  Skill in the training hall (dojo) is the most important determinant of rank.