Show up to a free practice in a t-shirt and sweatpants. Bow at the door. Say “Onegai shimasu” (please teach me). And begin. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm practice times and fees via official club channels before attending.
Held 2x/year at Carleton (internal examiner, usually 5th dan). Fee ~$20. 7.2 Dan grades (black belt equivalent – shodan to hachidan ) | Dan | Minimum time after previous | Exam venue | |-----|----------------------------|-------------| | Shodan (1st dan) | 1 year (as 1 kyu) | Ottawa or Toronto (KO grading) | | Nidan (2nd dan) | 1 year | KO regional | | Sandan (3rd dan) | 2 years | KO or Kendo Canada | | Yondan+ | 3+ years | Kendo Canada or FIK (Japan) | carleton kendo
Not religious. Bowing to kamiza respects tradition, not deity worship. No meditation or chanting required. Show up to a free practice in a t-shirt and sweatpants
Very safe with bogu . Most injuries are blisters, strained calves, or mild bruises. No concussions typical. Tsuki (throat thrust) is controlled. And begin
Kendo improves fitness, but you should be able to jog lightly for 5 minutes and kneel in seiza (modified sitting allowed for knee issues).