What's Kendo?
- Interview / Yukiko Takami 7) Be attentive; listen carefully to instructions, and respond promptly by saying “Hi” (it
https://www.hsskkendo.org/beginner-information/
What can I expect?
At HSSK, beginner courses are offered every 2-3 months in each location. Beginners
spend the first 8-10 weeks being instructed in the proper stance, footwork, and basic
strikes using a bamboo sword (Shinai). Once you complete the beginner course, you
may advance through the next stages, which include striking with Shinai, wearing the
uniform, and finally donning the protective equipment. At each stage, students will be
evaluated to determine if they are ready for advancement. 
Beginner class objectives
• Learn the fundamental body movements
• Be able to start and end Kendo with proper manners
• Be able to do basic strikes with proper footwork
• Be able to do some basic practice drills
• Understand the characteristics of KENDO
• Understand the commonly used KENDO terms
• Be able to dress GI/HAKAMA (Kendo clothes) and put on BOGU (protective gear) by
oneself
• Be able to fold GI/HAKAMA and store BOGU properly
• Be ready to join BOGU Beginner class
Conduct in Dojo
1) Arrive early and be prepared to start practice on time.
2) Shoes must be removed prior to entering the dojo, and neatly arranged so as not to
create a hazard or kept in one's equipment bag.
3) Stop and bow when entering or leaving the dojo.
4) Greet everyone at the first opportunity, especially the sensei and your seniors.
Examples: Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening.
5) Pay respect to everyone when departing, especially to the sensei and your seniors.
Examples: Good night, Goodbye.
6) When addressing instructors, use the title Sensei.
means yes in Japanese) clearly and loudly.
8) Always sit or stand properly when in dojo. Do not slouch or lean against anything.
9) Always handle your Shinai respectfully. Do not lean on it, rest it on the floor, twirl it,
or drag it. 
10) Avoid walking in front of Sensei and other people . If you have to, make sure to
show one of your hands and show attention.
11) If you need to move more than 3 steps, run. Do not walk, letting Sensei and other
people wait. 
Rei-Gi (Etiquette)
  
Kendo begins and ends with Rei.
As Kendo is a form of combat in which two opponents actively attempt to strike and
thrust at each other, it is important to line this with feelings of respect. Practitioners
cooperate by engaging in rigorous training together to strengthen their bodies, develop
their technical ability, and cultivate their minds. There must always be genuine
sentiments of gratitude and esteem for opponents, and these sentiments are
demonstrated through strict observance of protocols of courtesy. 
Furthermore, as Kendo involves aggressively attacking each other, it is possible to get
carried away and lose control of one's emotions. By observing correct etiquette in
training, the practitioner learns to subdue any antagonistic thoughts. 
Dojo is a place for study in the quest for self-cultivation. It is a clean and pure
environment where the practitioner must demonstrate a dignified manner and
exemplary attitude, always acting with restraint and looking after all equipment. The
self-control and discipline expected in the Dojo helps the practitioner achieve
coalescence in body and mind and learn to curb selfish desires. This is why the
concept of Rei is so important in Kendo. 
Watch the video below made by Mr. Andy Fisher who explains manners and etiquette.
Kendo Basics : Manners & Etiquette
Fighting Stance, or KAMAE and SONKYO
Kamae (stance) can be separated into the two general categories of Mi-Gamae
(physical) and Ki-Gamae (mental). Generally speaking, Kamae usually refers to Mi-
Gamae, although both are inseparably linked and are of equal importance.
In modern Kendo, the most commonly utilized Kamae is Chudan (central stance) that
beginners will learn first.
Sonkyo is the squatting posture assumed before and after Keiko (practice) and Shiai
(match).
Watch the video below made by Mr. Andy Fisher who explains how Kamae and
Sonkyo should be performed.
Kendo Basics : Fighting Stance, or Kamae and Sonkyo
Ashi -Sabaki (Footwork)
Ashi-Sabaki refers to the movements of the feet to strike the opponent or avoid
attacks.  25:45 - Sa-Yu-Men-Uchi (Strike on the temples)
Ayumi-Ashi : Ayumi-ashi is used to move long distances either backwards or forwards.
It is
essentially normal walking – moving backwards or
forwards by alternating the right and left feet.
Okuri-Ashi : Okuri-ashi is used to move distances of one or two steps quickly in any
direction, and for making attacks from the right distance. It is the most
common type of footwork utilized in Kendo.
Watch the video below made by Mr. Andy Fisher who explains how Ashi-Sabaki
should be performed.
Kendo Basics: Kendo Footwork (Ashi Sabaki)
Suburi (Swing practice)
Suburi is the act of swinging Shinai or Bokuto up and down, vertically or diagonally,
and is a fundamental exercise for acquiring the skills needed in Kendo. You will:
 
 1) Learn how to control the Shinai especially with regards to the correct angle of the
blade (Hasuji).
 2) Learn the importance of correct grip (Tenouchi) for making strikes.
 3) Understand the relevance of footwork in relation to striking.
Click here to see most popular Suburi and how to do each of them correctly. The
following shows the contents and timestamps of the video.
2:35 - Benefits of SUBURI
4:35 - Joge-Buri 
8:55 - Naname-Buri
11:40 - Kuukan-Datotsu 
18:40 - Nidan-Waza / Renzoku-Waza (Continuous strikes)
24:25 - Shomen-Uchi (Strike on the central head)
27: 35 - Haya-Suburi (Quick swing practice)
Fumikomi
Fumikomi (stamping) is a very important technique in order to make a good strike
quickly, get away from the opponent, and be ready for the next motion. Making a big
sound is not the objective here.
Watch the video below made by Mr. Andy Fisher to see how it works and how you can
practice it.
Kendo Basics: How to Improve Fumikomi (Stamping) Footwork
Kirikaeshi
Kirikaeshi is a comprehensive basic exercise which involves continuous Men attacks,
starting with Shomen followed by a series of Sayu-Men strikes. It is a crucial part of
training for all Kenshi. Kirikaeshi develops Kamae (stance and posture), correct
striking technique (Hasuji and Tenouchi), footwork, distance, and breathing. Kirikaeshi
also helps build physical strength, nurtures a vigorous spirit, and improves the ability to
make strikes with Ki-Ken-Tai-Ichi (vocalized spirit - sword - body - together as one).
At the begignner level, Kirikaeshi should be done slowly with large, accurate strikes.
Tai-Atari (tackle) and other elements may be introduced in accordance with the level of
the students to develop other aspects of their Kendo. Kirikaeshi is particularly useful
for correcting and preventing bad habits.
Watch the video below made by Mr. Andy Fisher who explains not only the basic
Kirikaeshi but different forms of Kirikaeshi. In HSSK, we normally practice regular
Kirikaeshi (Sayu-Men 4 times forward, 5 times backwards), Do Kirikaeshi (Sayu-Do 4
times forward, 5 times backwards), Men-Do combo Kirikaeshi, and Jumping Kirikaeshi.
Kendo Techniques: Basic Cutting Exercise - Kirikaeshi
Gi / Hakama (Kendo uniform)
Refer to the following links to learn how to wear, fold, and wash Gi and Hakama. You
can also refer to the Kendo Equipment Manual in the "Links" section of this website.
At HSSK, beginners are not required to wear Gi and Hakama. You can join the class
with your comfortable exercise clothes. Once you complete the beginner course and
move on to the next level, you will be asked to purchase them.
How to wear Gi and Hakama
How to fold Hakama
How to wash your hakama quickly and safely
*You do not have to wash Hakama frequently. Perhaps, once a month or so
depending on how often you practice. Gi can be washed using a regular washing
machine. I turn them inside out to protect the dye. Also, make sure you DO NOT wash
the gi with any other clothing. They will get dyed!
Kendo-gu / Bogu (Protective gear)
Once you feel you are ready to join the advanced class, start considering to purchase
your own Kendo-gu. There are many Kendo suppliers and the prices for a set usually
start from around $350. You should be able to use Kendo-gu for quite a long time. So
make sure to talk to Sensei and other senior students, understand options, and make
a good decision.
The following shows how to put on Kendo-gu for your reference.
How to wear Bogu 
Tying upper DOH HIMO properly *This method is the one I recommend. Very secure.
Shaping Kendo amour
How to put away your bogu for carrying
https://www.hsskkendo.org/how-to-watch-a-kendo-match/
How to watch a Kendo Match (Shiai)
Normally, Kendo matches are played two out of three points which is called “SAN-
BON-SHOBU”. The time limit is usually three minutes for children and non-blackbelt
adults, and 4 or 5 minutes for adult blackbelt holders. 
In case of a scoreless or tied match, the match could be extended for a specified time
(the extension period is called “ENCHO”) or the winner may be declared at the
referees’ discretion (“HANTEI”).
In order to score a point, a player needs to perform “YUKO-DATOTSU” or a valid
strike. YUKO-DATOTSU is defined as follows in the IKF (International Kendo
Federation)’s rulebook.
YUKO-DATOTSU is defined as (1) an accurate strike or thrust made onto (2)
DATOTSU-BUI of the opponent’s KENDO-GU (protective gears) with (3) SHINAI at its
DATOTSU-BU in (4) high spirits and (5) correct posture, being (6) followed by
ZANSHIN.
Let me explain the definition in a bit more detail.

1) Accurate strike - The accurate strike means a strike made in the same direction as
the blade side of the Shinai. So, the strike has to be made using the opposite side of
the cord of Shinai.

2) DATOTSU-BUI - This means the designated target areas. There are strikes to the
head (“MEN”), the wrist (“KOTE”), the torso (“DOH”) and a thrust to the throat
(“TSUKI”). KOTE is allowed only at the right hand’s wrist in case of CHUDAN (central
fighting stance). TSUKI is allowed only for blackbelt holders.

3) DATOTSU-BU - This means the right part of Shinai. Not only using the blade side,
you also need to use the area where the leather tie is and its neighboring part. The
area is knows as “MONOUCHI” which means sweet spot. The idea behind this is if you
strike too deep or too shallow, you will not be able to cut the target with the sword.
Thus, you are required to use the right part of the Shinai.

4) ZANSHIN - ZANSHIN is the continued state of spirit, mental alertness, and physical
readiness to confront the situation such as an opposing attack, and it must be
maintained when you return to KAMAE (the proper fighting stance) after attacking.

YUKO-DATOTSU is often referred to as a strike with “KI-KEN-TAI-ICCHI” which

describes the condition when your spirit, sword, and body are unified in a single strike.
Fulfilling KI-KEN-TAI-ICCHI means you can meet all of the requirements of YUKO-
DATOTSU as defined above.

There will be 3 referees (“SHINPAN”) with red and white flags, corresponding to the
red or white ribbon worn by each competitor. You need to have at least 2 referees
agree to be rewarded with a point.

When a competitor gets two penalties (“HANSOKU”), the other competitor earns one
point. Some examples of penalties are: if a competitor steps out of bounds with the
entire foot or drops his/her Shinai.