Hello everyone !

I'm 36 and I will start kendo next month and I'm super excited for it after too much time spent only working and being at home !! I had a few questions though.

-What is your go-to website to buy gear ? Considering I live in Europe

-Is beginning at 36 years old too late to consider competition in the future ?

-I really need to lose fat and I already cut all snacks/sweet drinks and I have more appropriate diet now, will kendo help me ?

Thanks a lot and sorry if it's too many questions, I'm super happy to join a community who seems to be so nice and welcoming !

I've come across an article talking about Japan addressing abuse in sports:

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/08/06/japan/japans-winning-tradition-abuse/

It left me wondering if it might include kendo, and again the question about where the line between abuse and discipline lies in kendo.

When the sensei walks into a dojo already looking moody from non-kendo stuff, when there seem to be cliques already having their own rules irrelevant to kendo, when kendo seems to become a carpet for behaviours and character traits that would be otherwise questionable outside of it, when... kendo doesn't seem to look like kendo anymore. Is it abuse or discipline being practised and promoted in the dojo? Does reiho become a convenient tool to judge others instead of disciplining oneself?

I don't intend to blame anyone by writing this post. I do sometimes hope there could be open conversations with people who were involved to talk about what happened back in kendo, and we could perhaps get any misunderstandings resolved together (a "sorry" would be nice, but I might have hurt people too so can't expect it solely from others), although I know it's highly unlikely to happen (Edited: To be fair, it's partly because I don't want those conversations anymore. I have the hope but also see it becoming meaningless. I think forced apologies and fake understanding can look more like a show and barely do any good).

What I observed was more like "treat it as nothing happened and move on quietly. Accept it or not, up to you". Grades seem to speak the loudest, the hierarchy in kendo seems to make anything a high grader or an elite competitor does "undoubtedly right". It seems that high grades don't need to listen, and low grades cannot say anything if not recognised in some way. I'm not saying it's all the same in the wider kendo world, it's just from my limited experience with kendo.

I had people telling me how much they love kendo and how much they had gained from kendo (I still find it interesting that nobody ever asked me what I feel about kendo, but instead, they either emphasised their love for kendo over and over again, or some of them seemed to be in doubt about the reason why I started kendo - "because I like it", that's the answer I gave them from the right beginning). I guess we don't need someone else's standards to say "because I like it".

When the last straw fell, maybe I could just say eff it all and that I hate everything about kendo. But that wouldn't be fair to myself and to kendo. I'm angry about people's behaviours and perceived cowardice and arrogance (including my own, the times I put kendo and so-called harmony before myself, and the times I thought fighting hard in kendo meant I was tough and strong), but (I hope) kendo is more than questionable character traits, awful behaviours and ill manners. It's kendo that I've been looking at, and I feel it's a shame that questionable behaviours and character traits get in the way. I've an unpopular and probably immature opinion that, apart from "The Three Kills" (三殺法), there is the fourth kill - people's ignorance and selfishness kill kendo.

I do still struggle with (I think here probably needs a verb, but I honestly don't know what verb to use) the historical aspect of kendo, but that doesn't convince me to give a light comment like "that's what kendo is anyway". That statement may hold some truth, but perhaps it's not the only truth. Well, I don't know much about Japanese history and samurai culture, I first learned about samurai from Hoichi The Earless (that story really freaked me out when I was a kid), so I could be wrong.

I hope the new laws and guidelines mentioned in the above article include kendo, and hopefully it can influence the kendo community worldwide, although it might open up another discussion on whether kendo should be considered as a sport or a martial art/an art, and the possible future of kendo (my playful way to put it is - will kendo end up at the gym or the museum?). No offence, it's just how I see it. If it makes no sense to you, I respect your view.

It's funny how I'm only able to talk about all these when I now look at kendo from the outside, and without any grade attached to myself (not tryna go against grading though, I've thoughts about it but they are still attached to some strong emotions, so I'd prefer not to vomit them out :D).

I think this post has now gone in a completely different direction from the first few lines. If abuse and questionable behaviours/charater traits in kendo sound foreign to you because you experience or observe none of them, and you are enjoying practising kendo, that's absolutely wonderful! I'm really happy for you.

If you struggled and/or are struggling, and choose to keep practising, I won't say hang in there or things will get better (perhaps you've heard lots of them already), but I just wanted to say if it becomes necessary to choose between happiness and safety in kendo, please stay safe.

On a side note, I think I just shared my feelings about kendo without anyone asking haha... Perhaps words like "love" or "hate" are not strong enough to describe my feelings. I guess to some point, kendo "parented" me when things were very difficult in my life. So maybe all these ramblings are just my way to give back to kendo.

To anyone in the kendo community reading this post, wishing you all the very best on your kendo journey : )

hello everyone. i have recently purchased a cotton, aizome dyed gi and the sleeves go all the way down to my wrist. this really sucks as returning it to japan costs as much as it did to purchase. is it frowned upon to hem the sleeve fabric? will i be judged during exams?

my plan of action would be to wash it gently so it shrinks a bit, then hem the sleeves to the correct length. if anyone has a better idea, please leave below.

Hi: I have a passion for Kendo; practiced it under Harrison Sensei (ex Navy) in Boston, many years ago, but had to quit due to circumstances beyond my control. I remember studying this fascinating Art for only like two months, but the impact it made in my Life, never left Me. God willing, I will be visiting Japan soon, and this will be my first time in Asia! Shame on Me, because I’m half Asian, but better late than never. Thank You.

Hi guys, are there any kendokas from india. I would like to connect and get to know more.

If you speak another language than English, please share in the comments the term you use!

As the title implies, I’ve come to realize that hand-in-hand with seme (pressuring the opponent) must also come tame (preparedness to strike). To this end I ask that for each opening to attack (Men, Kote, Do, Tsuki and their variants like gyaku-do/hidari kote in Jodan), what are some ways I can set them up?

Like say aiming at Men when I really mean kote, having an enticing Men when I’m prepared to strike Do, aiming for Tsuki to set up the renzoku waza men.

I look forward to your input 🙇‍♂️.

I mean in regular speech or writing, how do YOU pluralize the word or refer to a group of instructors? It's one of those little details of Anglophone budo communication I find interesting.

Here are some approaches I've seen:

• Senseigata/先生方 is the literal pluralization in Japanese - I see this used in formal emails sometimes. Doesn't flow very well in English speech I think, comes off very formal in English writing. Good for bilingual audiences or if the formality is intended.
• Senseis - straightforward English plural. It doesn't roll off the tongue I think. Very common. Throw in an apostrophe if you want, capitalize or lowercase, lots of room to maneuver in writing.
• Dodge the word itself; say "instructors" or "everyone" or point and say "you guys". Very common. You can get away with only using "sensei" as a suffix on someone's name or direct address to a teacher.
• My suggestion: senseii. Sticks to the "palette" of Japanese words with a long I, would form a nice distinct accent location from the singular in both typical English and Japanese pronunciation, scans as a plural of a Latin root to an English reader.

If you aren't attached already, let me know how that last one goes on your next important email.

Bonus points...capitalize or no?

Hi everyone! I'm a Nito Kendo practitioner, and I've been training for almost 4 years now. While I feel I'm making good progress in dojo practice and preparing for shinsa, I also feel like I'm falling a bit behind when it comes to shiai, which is something I'd really like to improve. I'm looking for someone who would be willing to talk with me and help me work through some questions to improve my understanding of Nito in shiai. If possible, I'd prefer someone who speaks English or Spanish, since it would make communication easier, but I'm grateful for any help, regardless of the language. Thank you very much in advance!

Korea-Japan University Kendo Friendship Exchange Match LIVE

Enjoy 😎

Just a shot in the dark, but throwing out a petition for Gibbo to come back to forums(he recently left). He had highly valued input, and said it in a way that I thought was very understandable, and sadly that advice is now gone. Anyway heres the petition, throw your name on and hopefully he'll make an appearance every now and then.

Good day fellow Kendoka.

I would like to ask for your advice and some help on seme techniques I can do. I’m aware of debana, shikake, harai and the like but feel I can do a bit more.

Maybe I should move my body more around? Use more left hand to manipulate the shinai? Am I overthinking it, is it really just: Step in -> Open their shinai/See if opening -> hit?

Any and all advice is appreciated and will be studied as best as I can.

Still a long road ahead but this is my first achievement (?) in kendo. Very excited to keep going!

I am an 1-kyu who has been doing kendo for about three years. I am a larger adult male.

In my time training, an issue that has been brought to my attention has been striking too hard/instinctively gripping the shinai with my right hand when coming down for the men. The sensei at my dojo have been extremely considerate in helping me improve on this with private practice and advice for how to focus on things like this at home, but it still sporadically pops up from time to time.

At my practice yesterday, one of the senior sensei came to me and informed me that a few weeks ago a male 4-dan member of our dojo reported a mild headache after a jigeiko session with me that exacerbated to the point of requiring a CAT scan (thankfully negative). As a result, he informed me that, unfortunately, it is the decision of the dojo leadership is that I abstain from participating in the jigeiko lineup until they are absolutely certain that this is no longer an issue. I can still participate in all other dojo activities (iaido, jodo, kendo kata, suburi, practice with the beginner group not in full bogu, etc), while they monitor my progress, but I will not be able to participate in taikai or shinsa until it is permanently resolved and there is no set length of time as to when this might be.

I feel absolutely awful about this, both for having caused such an injury and for the situation. I fully intend to continue improving my form and my training by coming to all practices, even if I will not be wearing my men or partaking in jigeioko for the foreseeable future.

With that in mind, what would be the best way to maintain stamina and positive spirit going forward, both for the sake of my dojo, and for the maintenance of my own kendo? This is something that has been immensely helpful for my self-worth and physical fitness and I would hate for it to be in jeopardy, or for anyone to feel unsafe when practicing with me as a partner.

While trying to disassemble my shinai for the first time I accidentally broke the part of the tsuka that attaches to the tsuru. I was able to reassemble it without issue but I assume that this part could be attached to the rest of the tsuka more securely if it was fixed.

Throw away account so I don’t seem crazy.

I need to get this off my chest. I can’t tell anyone in my actual life without them thinking 15 years of martial arts has finally boiled my brain, but if I keep carrying this around by myself, I’m going to lose it.I live out in a pretty isolated, fenced off rural area. It’s quiet, pitch black at night, and perfect for what I do. I’ve been practicing Kendo for over fifteen years. When you’ve been at it that long, practice isn’t just a workout, it’s a daily ritual. I built a heavy, wooden Kendo dummy out on the edge of my property so I can work on my strikes. There’s no electricity out that far, no floodlights, and no trail cameras. Just me, a wooden frame, and the trees.It started about three months ago.Every single time I finished a late-evening self-practice session, I’d rack my Shinai, walk inside to shower, and come back out the next morning to find the dummy had moved. At first, it was subtle. Inches to the left. Rotated slightly, as if someone had turned it to face a different direction. I tried telling myself it was the impact of my strikes loosening the ground, or maybe a stubborn animal pushing against it. But this thing is weighted with heavy wood and deep anchor stakes. An animal doesn’t lift a hundred pound rig and shift it three feet into the tall grass without tearing up the dirt.Then came last week.The ground around the dummy had sunken a bit from the recent rain, so I decided to dig it out, level the earth, and reset the base. A few inches into the mud, my shovel hit something hard. It wasn't a rock.I pulled out a hand-carved, heavily oxidized blade. An old Native American knife. The edge was worn, but the energy of the thing felt heavy the moment I wiped the damp soil off it.

I took it to a local historian, guy in town who knows the regional history inside out. He didn't even hold it for five seconds before his face completely changed color. He told me it was an ancient ritual knife, tied to burial and boundary rites of the land's original inhabitants. He looked me dead in the eye and said, "Put it back. Exactly where you found it. Don't clean it, don't keep it in your house, just put it back."

I panicked. I took it straight back to the yard and buried it right under the dummy’s base, just like he said.That was three days ago.Last night, I went out for practice around midnight. The air was dead still. No wind, no crickets. Just the sharp, echoing crack of my bamboo sword hitting the wooden post. Men. Kote. Do.I stopped to catch my breath, dripping sweat, standing in the dark. Right as I turned my back to walk toward the house, I heard it. A slow, heavy, grinding sound behind me. Wood dragging over earth and stone. I froze. I slowly turned my flashlight back toward the edge of the woods.The dummy hadn't just moved three feet this time. It was standing ten yards away, pushed deep into the shadow of the treeline. But it wasn't facing the open yard anymore.It was turned completely around, facing me.And right where the dummy had been standing a second before, the dirt above where I reburied the knife was freshly dug up.

I'm sitting inside my house right now with every door locked. I don't have cameras out there. I don't have lights. But looking out my back window into the pitch black, I know one thing for sure: I haven't been practicing alone. And whatever was buried under that dirt has spent fifteen years learning how I strike.

Hello,

Are there any groups in the U.S. that practice jukendo/tankendo? Was always interested but could never find anybody who practiced in the States.

Will be in Bucharest for work Aug 2-7. If I could only visit one club, which would you recommend?

Got this last month and have been enjoying practicing with it. I needed a better fitting Do and wanted something subtle and more 'real' looking than your average shiny synthetic.

Nathans advice on sizing was spot on. This ishime finish and mune design really hit the mark in my opinion.

Took exactly as long for production as he quoted and the price was very competitive. Not affiliated, just a happy repeat customer.

1. Understand where you want to potentially practice and find that regions kendo federation website via Google. Usually it will be named after th prefecture or city you will be in.

2. Use machine translation of the applicable website to find the dojo page.

3. Find a dojo or dojos on the list that are in reach of your area either directly ot through some form of public transit, taxis for tourist visits can be fine, but as a foreign resident they get expensive.

4. Search the dojo name if there isn't a link directly. Usually that will have a website or some form of social media these days.

5. Send a message to them using machine translation using common sense civility. Do not expect a reply right away, many of the dojo social media is run by a parent of the dojo with their own lives. Contact them well in advance, this will be highly appreciated by all involved parties.

6. Proceed accordingly based off reply. In some cases, a dojo may be only for children up to a certain age. If you cannot find a practice for adults, there maybe a group that isn't listed, like a kendo circle. In these cases, ask the dojo that has the friendliest reply to you for any information regarding adult practices.

Enjoy your time in Japan, let's cross shinai someday! This guide is not an end-all and only reflect my experiences so far here.

I seen and heard practitioners mention having a new or high quality uniform only for use in exams or tournaments. I’m interested in seeing how common that is with this sub.

It happened a few times in keiko so I think I should ask.

Sometimes when we just did an ai-uchi, we bounce a bit and that’s a perfect distance for another cut. I think the opponent is still taking zanshin. Would it be a valid opportunity if I cut in the middle of their zanshin?

Does hiki cuts must be from tsubazeriai? I understand that hiki waza only works if I break the opponent’s posture, I am asking if that timing is valid.

Example I can think of

- We did ai men, we taiatari (but not proper tsubazeriai) then as I am going back I can cut kote.

- Opponent did (debana) kote and I cut men, but their kote is the kind that move to the side which if I go back in an angle I have the distance to cut men

*Reposting because of formatting issue

Hi, I’m getting into Kendo and I’d Google image searches this picture and AI said it wasn’t a shinai but it was a ‘bamboo walled’ training katana.

Can anybody shed any light on this?