Things to know for your first day of kendo practice

It is said, kendo begins and ends with rei. Reiho or respect is of the utmost importance when practicing kendo. If you’ve never been exposed to kendo before this, here are some pointers that will help you to avoid some of the embarrassing mistakes that many first time practitioners make:

1.Always be sure to let the sensei know that you are interested in starting kendo.

2.When at the dojo, be sure to introduce yourself to the instructors and students.

3.Remember to remove your shoes before entering the dojo. (a.)If there are cubby holes for shoes, place your shoes in them. (b.)If not, make sure the toes of your shoes are facing outwards.

4.When leaving or entering the dojo, always face the kamiza (symbolized by a flag or a shrine) and bow at a 45 degree angle from the hips. (a.)When entering the dojo, enter with the right foot, then bow. (b.)When exiting the dojo, bow, than exit with the left foot.

5.Turn your cell phone and beeper off or put them in silent mode.

6.If you are asked to sit and watch for the first few practices, do just that. It may be a couple practices before you will be allowed to hold a shinai, or it may be a few minutes.

7.If you are told to sit and watch for the first few practices, observe quietly.

8.If you are told to sit and watch for the first few practices, don’t fall asleep. Not only is this insulting to the instructor and the school, but it looks bad and happens all too often.

9.If you are lent a shinai or bokken, remember which side represents the cutting edge. When holding the shinai or bokken, always keep the cutting edge pointed upwards toward you. (a.)The back of the shinai is represented by the tsuru or string (b.)The back of the bokken is the opposite side of the curve.

10. Do not mistreat the shinai. Don't lean on it like a cane, or step over it, or rest it on your shoulder. When not practicing hold it in the sagetou position (grasped in your left hand by the hilt with the cutting edge upwards).

11. Once the command to draw is given, or nuke-tou, keep the sword held in both hands by the hilt. Once drawn, the sword or shinai must stay drawn and the kenshi must stay ready till the order to sheath the shinai is given (osame-tou).

12. During the stretches, warm-ups, and basics, count or kiai loudly. Have no fear or shame of doing it wrong. It takes time to get the body used to kendo. Till then, do your best and be confident!

13. Learn how to count in Japanese:

Ichi One, Ni Two, San Three, Shi Four, Go Five, Roku Six, Shichi Seven, Hachi Eight, Kyu (Ku) Nine, Jyu Ten.

14. Be confident in yourself. It takes a while to get used to kendo. If you find that it is too stressful on your body in the beginning, take a break! Know your limits. As long as you make an honest effort to learn you will learn.

15. Look over the basic commands of kendo so you have more or less of an idea what they teachers are yelling at you about.

16. Above all, enjoy yourself! In the beginning, kendo is hard, but it is also meant to be fun! As you get better, it will only get more fun and enjoyable.