Want to Join Kendo?
The best way to start kendo before you go and jump right in would be to observe one of the practice session first. Afterall, you need to know what to expect and what will be expected of you.
The head instructor (John Yamamoto) is generally present at the Tuesday session and the Saturday session. It is recommended that you observe one of these sessions first. (See Practice Info for time and location).
Try to stay through the entire session if you would like to get a good understanding of the full spectrum of practices. If you arrive late or leave early, you may miss out on some of the important aspects or etiquettes required. Practice will roughly go according to the following format:
1. Via UCSD (Recommended for beginners)
Sign up via the UCSD REC Department. Attend the Saturday class only. Take down the class #, then complete the REGISTRATION FORM (pdf), following the instructions provided. Once registered, mark the first day of class on your calendar and be ready to begin your training in kendo.
There are 4 opportunities to join per year as dictated by the UCSD quarter system. The benefit to this class is that you will begin as novices along with a group of other beginners. Yamamoto sensei personally leads the beginner instructions and the class progresses at a very fast pace. Additionally, the UCSD fees covers you as a Rec Class student of UCSD so you don't need to pay dojo dues or federation membership if you are only practicing at the Saturday session.
For your first day at practice, you can wear regular street clothing as you would wear to the gym. (Do not wear hakama yet -- this will hide your footwork and prevent the instructor from pointing out techniques you need to work on). If you have a shinai, you can bring it... If not, bring $20 to purchase one on the spot (e-bogu has a representative at the class on the first day of each quarter to supply necessary equipment at a good price).
Continue to sign up via UCSD for subsequent quarters until the head instructor deem you ready to attend the Tuesday practice for the intermediate/advanced students (will usually take anywhere between 2 to 4 quarters)...
2. Via the Dojo (Tuesdays - Intermediate/Advanced only 8-10pm; Thursdays - Beginners class 8-9pm & Free Session 9-10pm)
To sign up as a member of the dojo, it is generally recommended that you have already received training enough such that you are approved to practice in bogu (armour) by an instructor recognized via AUSKF or AJKF (or at least very close to it).
Be ready to attend the Tuesday practice as your first practice.. and arrive early. You will need to pay a monthly dojo due ($25 per month or $240 annually), collected at the Tuesday practice. Additionally, you will need to sign a facility liability waiver, as well as join the SCKF as a federation member to receive required insurance coverage (Federation due is approx $60 to $70 per year).
By joining via the Dojo, you will be expected to join the flow of practice without much additional instructions.
However, as a member of the dojo and the federation, you will also be allowed to attend competitions, rank testing, and will also have the liberty to attend the informal free practice at the Thursday session. Thursdays also offer a small strictly beginner class (Children allowed speak to Yamamoto Sensei about your childs age)
