Kodokan 2012 - Kodokan Kendo

Beginners

If you are interested in learning Kendo, please try to come and watch a class, we can then answer any questions you may have at that time.

Beginners induction courses are held throughout the year. To attend one of these courses please register with us so that you can be advised of the commencement day/date of the next available course. If there is one scheduled it will highlighted below. Fill in the form at the bottom of the page or e-mail  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  to show an interest.

The cost is £70 for seven introductory sessions, including: tuition, NAKMAS membership/insurance cover, shinai and carrying bag. (student rate: £60 for the course)
After this induction you are eligible to join the regular practice as an intermediary.

Private tuition can also be arranged, prices are available on application.

Next Induction course starting : To Be Announced...

If you decide to join after the induction course as an intermediary, the Adult monthly membership fee is £44. This enables you to practice up to 10 times in a 5 week month or 8 times in a 4 week month. If you only practice once a month, the cost is still the same. A Junior membership is £27 per month. A Student membership is £34 per month. A Family membership with 1 Adult and 1 Junior member or more is £60. A Junior membership with 2 Junior’s or more is £44 - for further junior information please click here

Payments are accepted by bank direct debit or standing order only.

The club pays for entry into competitions. Introductory booklet, club tenugui, do kamon (badge), usage of club armour are also provided and there are no charges for club gradings.

At Kodokan we operate a kyu grade system at club level: beginners and intermediary, Adults from 7th Kyu to 2nd Kyu and Juniors 12th kyu to 2nd kyu. This consists of learning the fundamentals of shinai and bokuto, practicing kata, uchikomi-geiko and Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon-waza Keiko-ho, the latest method for teaching basics from Japan utilising a bokuto in shinai techniques. There is an explanation here on the website of:  Mushinkan Kendo Dojo of Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA and there are also useful instructional videos on our 'Video Gallery'

To take part in BKA events - seminars, competitions and grading - examinations 1st kyu to 7th Dan, Kodokan members are required be registered members of the BKA (details on how to join are available on request).

The BKA National grading level applies from 1st Kyu and above (Dan grades) the syllabus for all BKA gradings can be found here

A booklet written by Holt sensei of valuable assistance to 'Beginners' is available here: Beginners Guide

If you would like to register an interest in starting Kendo, Joining Kodokan or just want to ask a question about Kodokan or Kendo, then please fill in the form below and we will be happy to answer your questions.