• What is kendo?
• I've never done kendo, can I join the club?
• What should I expect on the first day?
• I've done kendo before, can I join the club?
• Do I have to be in good shape?
• Does it hurt?
• Does the club participate in tournaments?
• Does the club sell all of the necessary equipment?
• How much does it all cost?
• I am not a current UW student, can I still practice at UW?
• Is Kendo like the Boffing Club?
• I have more questions, who can I contact?

What is kendo?
In two words, Kendo is Japanese Fencing. For a better in-depth definition than we could possibly provide, please go here.

I've never done kendo, can I join the club?
Absolutely. The club has a very strong beginner program. No prior experience is necessary. The best time to join is the very first class of the quarter, usually the first Wednesday of the quarter. Please arrive at least five minutes early as we begin at 7pm sharp. The class progresses very quickly and all the early basic instruction is necessary to be successful. We will accept new members during the first two weeks of the quarter. After that, no new beginners will be accepted.

What should I expect on the first day?
For the first day, you should bring $40 ($15 for club dues, $25 to purchase a wooden sword) and show up in comfortable clothes to exercise in.
If you would like to read up on routine basics before you show up, you can find them Here

I've done kendo before, can I join the club?
Anyone with previous kendo experience is welcome to join the club anytime during the quarter. It is assumed that you know all the basics of kendo and will fit in with existing class groups.

Do I have to be in good shape?
No. While it certainly does help to be in good physical shape, it certainly isn't necessary. The act of training conditions the body to do the art.

Does it hurt?
A little. The most common injuries for beginners is a blistered left foot. This injury becomes less and less common as footwork improves.
The most common injury that intermediate practitioners suffer is a bruised right wrist or hand. In general, the chance of suffering injury as a result of diligently practicing proper kendo is very low.

Does the club participate in tournaments?
Yes. The club participates in several regional tournaments throughout the year. These range from local tournaments, such as the Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation Annual Taikai in November to tournaments in Canada such as the Steveston Taikai in February. The club also hosts the University of Washington Invitational Kendo Taikai every April.

Does the club sell all of the necessary equipment?
Yes. We sell shinai, bokken, and uniforms. It is also possible to get armor through the club, though we loan out sets to use. If you wish to purchase armor or other kendo-related equipment, that can also be done through the club.

How much does it all cost?
Club dues are $15/quarter. PNKF membership dues are $30/year. AUSKF membership dues are $40/year. Regional federation membership entitles members to participate in tournaments, promotional exams, and seminars. Membership in the PNKF also entitles members to take advantage of the "open door" policy, which allows all PNKF members to practice at other PNKF member dojos free of charge.

Compared to other martial arts, this is relatively cheap. The major cost is in equipment purchases. However, many of these purchases are one-time only. The first purchase a beginner is required to make is a bokken (solid wooden sword used for swinging/form practice) which costs about $20-25. After a month or so, students must purchase a shinai (split bamboo sword used for striking) which costs anywhere from $20-$25. Sometime in the first two quarters, it is recommended that students purchase uniforms. A complete set consisting of keikogi (light jacket) and hakama (pleated trousers) starts at $60.

This may seem expensive at first, but keep in mind that these costs can be distributed over the period of two or three quarters. Easily the most expensive purchase in kendo is the bogu (armor). A decent set costs anywhere from $500-$1000. However, the club loans out sets to qualified members for free (free is good).

Keep in mind that much of this equipment will last for several years-- making the overall expense far less than what many different arts charge in monthly dues alone. For a more indepth breakdown of costs, please refer to the Kendo Cost Sheet.

I am not a current UW student, can I still practice at UW?
At this time, only students/staff/faculty may practice with the club. The Seattle area boasts a number of excellent dojos, if you are simply interested in learning Kendo and are not affiliated with UW then please see our links page to find out about other local dojos.

Is Kendo like the Boffing Club?
While both clubs may have enthusiastic practices, the similarities end there. Kendo may seem at first to be too restrictive on "swordplay" and movement, but the rewards come from dedication and patience through the practices over time. The discipline and mindset that evolves from kendo is representative of the points we emphasize--not spontaneous whacking with bamboo sticks. If there is one thing kendo isn't, it's instant gratification.

I have more questions. Who can I contact?
For questions/issues regarding the club or this site, please visit the forum.