What can I do if there are no kendo dojo near me?

by Brooklyn
(Rantoul, Illinois, US)

What can I do if there are no kendo dojos near me?

I have heard learning through DVD is not the best. And I would also like to be able to compete. The only place possible for me to go to is at the University of Illinois, which is rather close to me, but I emailed them and asked if there was an age requirement (I am a sophomore in high school), and they said no but, it would be 10 dollars per practice... Now that seemed like a bit much plus the 30 dollars a month to be a part of the kendo federation.

Answer: Thank you for your question. Here is a rank of a way that I think you should learn kendo in.

1. Learning from a GOOD teacher

2. Learning from a GOOD teacher as much as you can (once a month) and video the lessons

3. Learning from videos of GOOD kendo instructions and have a good teacher to check you once a month

4. Learning from videos of good kendo instructions

Big No No.

1. Learning from random “kendo instruction books”

2. Learning from random youtube videos

The key here is GOOD instruction. If you learn “fake” kendo, then you never learn the right kendo. I am sure it is not what you want.

I am not sure how many times they practice kendo a month, how long they practice per training and how many times you can actually go there. But it is important for you to know that if it is good instruction, you should get that.

Now one thing that I think you should double check with them, the federation fee. Are you sure it is $30/month? It is too much. $30/year sounds about right.

Anyway, however you learn kendo, you should choose a good instructor and stick to his/her teachings.

If you want to know how to know a good instructor, “How can you tell about good instructors” might be helpful.

You might find these articles helpful too.

• Find a Kendo Dojo Near You


• 3 Things You Must Know until You Find a Dojo

Hope this helps.

I don't have a dojo in my area and want to learn kendo.

by Rebecca
(California)

I don't have a dojo in my area and want to learn kendo, what should I do?

Answer: It is very important for you to get the correct information of kendo. Since kendo is not well-known, many people say a lot of different things about kendo.

Kendo-Guide.Com promotes kihon (basics) based kendo so as long as you come here and read the articles and subscribe to the Kendo-Guide.Com Newsletter, you will not get wrong information.

Also Kendo-World magazine is great resource. I recommend everyone to subscribe to the magazine.

The correct knowledge will lead you to the right path.

You might find these articles helpful too.

• Find a Kendo Dojo Near You


• 3 Things You Must Know until You Find a Dojo

Kendo without a dojo?

I have become very interested in kendo and want to learn the art. However, I live in South Carolina, and the closest dojo is more than an hour away. Is it possible for me to learn and train without a dojo?

Answer: Thanks for asking. I have been working hard for people like you who do not have an easy access to dojo so you can learn kendo at home. But… I always suggest

Going to see an instructor periodically

Reasons:

To get checked to prevent you from developing bad habits

To practice what you learned at the dojo including etiquette/manner and kendo teachings

To practice with others (there is limitation of studying alone)

I am not sure your situation so I cannot tell you “1 hour is not that far”. If you can attend that dojo once a week or once every two weeks, you should go.

You are always welcome to join in Earth Level Membership of Kendo For Life. This is design to help people like you to study kendo. But do not forget that you need an instructor so he/she can correct you.

Hope this helps.

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