Instructing a Club

by Chris
(Rochester)

So the kendo club at my college is pretty much dying. There is no real instructor, but there is a 3rd dan graduate who comes and teaches. However, he is moving away in the coming spring. The next highest grade member is me, a shodan.

How would I go about teaching over the next years? Am I even qualified to do so? Any general tips to help me and the college club?

Answer: Thank you for your question.

First of all, stay strong. When you stop, that is the end of everything. Kendō dies at your college. As long as you keep the club going, there will be a time that someone comes in.

What you must do is to train and polish up the basics of all of your members. I know it could be boring but you should concentrate on building strong foundation of the basics.

Then once or twice a month, you and your members should go and see someone with high grade. And ask for teachings. You may have to travel a few hours but many of us have to do so in order to get teachings from senseis with higher grade.

Do your best to keep the club going.

When you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I am sorry that it took me a long time to answer this time but usually I answer more quickly.

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