Comments for Is it right for me to start kendo?

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Apr 28, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Go for it!
by: Tabitha

I'm at the same age as you and also started Kendo recently. I can only say, that it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I made so many new friends and I would not change it for the world.

The beginning is always hard, especially because everything is new and strange. But if you really want to do Kendo and keep going, I'm sure you will make progress faster.

Good luck and give your best (also for exams ;) )
Apr 26, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		I was so moved that I forgot to tell Amy more.
by: Kendo-Guide.Com

I was going to put a link to a page with advice to Amy but I forgot since I was so moved by all the positive comments here.

Some of you left your comments on my Facebook page so I will share the other page with more advice.

Amy, take a look at this page. You are not alone!
https://www.facebook.com/KendoGuideCom/posts/1072130846183291

Best!

Hiro Imafuji
Apr 26, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you for all the advices, guys!
by: Kendo-Guide.Com

Thank you very much for your positive advice to Amy! I had goose bumps all over my arms and legs. I am moved that much from your advice from all over the world.

Amy, you are not alone. Just go for it.

If something happens and want to share your feelings, you have these people who gave you the positive comments.

Good luck!
Apr 26, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		your page provides a useful service.
by: Kyoshi David Nielsen

The only way you'll look stupid is to stand outside, watching others train through the window.
Apr 26, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Go for it!
by: Adri

In my case... I'm 27, not overweight but not fit at all (I haven't done anything physical since high school) and a heavy smoker... I started kendo past september; Yeah, at the beginning I got tired faster than everybody else and I thought mid class that I couldn't keep going, but it was just a matter of weeks to reach their endurance level.

Now I couldn't be happier, I really love kendo and I'm so glad I started then and not later. So, go for it and ganbatte kudasai! Greetings from Spain!
Apr 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Of course it is!
by: From a sixty-year-old woman.

Amy, what you've heard from Mr Imafuji holds true for anybody, all over the world.

You are fortunate to have found a "dojo" - some find it difficult to find one.

I'm Japanese but Kendo is difficult even for us because the body movements are based on those dating back to many centuries ago, and even the Japanese forget about this, but only just over a hundred years ago, Japan decided to scrap all that and walk like you do in the Western world (cf comic scene in the film The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise, new recruits learning to march properly)

- and I'm old enough and have training in Tea Ceremony and all that so I sort of understand but the youngsters, they have to start from scratch, not only the movements but learning how to sit on the (hard, wooden) floor (which not everybody does any more, especially in the cities), how to show respect to others, and how to tie a perfect bow (behind you...) etc etc.

Just as Tea Ceremony is not just about making and drinking tea, Kendo involves a lot more than just enjoying a bout.

And I started really late but I'm practicing with kids who are much better than me, and still love it, so I don't think you should have any problems at all.

Look for your own Kendo, Amy's Kendo - the one and only in this world. All best.
Apr 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		There is no looking foolish, there is just Kendo.
by: Jonathan Anderson

Kendo is so much more a spiritual journey than a physical one. You cannot compare your journey or progress with anyone else's, as everyone begins, and continues in Kendo for their own personal reasons.

As for making mistakes, you will. That guaranteed, and it is a vital part of the experience. I tell my students to be grateful for mistakes and failures, for it is only when we fail that we learn anything.

Besides, it's impossible for you to make a mistake that every other Kendo practitioner hasn't made hundreds of times already. We understand that you will do so, and we want to help you through it, not sit in judgement.

If anyone does smile, or even chuckle, I promise it's because they are recalling ALL the times they have done the same thing.
Apr 25, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Conditioning
by: Anonymous

Running and swimming is good way to build up stamina if you are able. It's really helpful if you do kakarigeiko later on. A little bit everyday and your stamina will increase. It helps a lot.

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