Skip to main content

Beginner Class is essential

I just got an email from a very experienced martial artist who is interested in taking up Kendo with us. However, due to his busy schedule, he can only come to join our 7.00pm training.

I feel awful to kind of saying "no" to him or anyone who is interested in Kendo.

However, the beginner class is really essential! It is essential for both beginners and seniors in our club.

I hope that we can have our own dojo one day soon. Then, we can train as much as we want to and teach as many beginners as they want!

Below is my mail:

Hi XXX

It's glad to know that you are interested to start Kendo.

I respect all your martial arts experiences and achievements. However, I feel bad to tell you that the beginner class is essential for you to "understand" and "enjoy" Kendo.


As a martial art instructor, I believe that you also put members' safety as the first priority. Fighting with the bamboo sword actually is very dangerous, especially for beginners. We had some "unpleasant" experiences before. Therefore, we require all the beginners need to take the beginner class.

In addition to the safety issue, you won't enjoy Kendo unless you know how to have a successful cut, e.g. get a point from your opponent. No one like to "lose" all thr time, right? :)

I know your busy timetable is a problem. However, we are also confined by the availability of venue and time. So far, we can only take beginners on Thursday evening, from 6.00 to 7.30pm. Once a week.

And, it takes about 4 months time (minimum) to help a beginners learn to start enjoying the art.

As for the Tuesday and Saturdays, we need to take care of the intermediate Kendoists. We are working very hard to lift up their levels. Therefore, we don't have any resource to help beginners on these days.

I do hope that you can understand the situation.

Feel free to pop in any time to see our training. You are welcome to do so.

We will try to find more time and venue for more beginner class. Please keep in touch and I will keep you informed.

Kind regards with respects,
Sam Tsai

Comments

Popular Posts

2025 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and  start your New Year resolutions as a  Modern Samurai .  --- Information for Year 2025 Beginners --- Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays  Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays Intermediate and Advanced Class : 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates: Term 1: Saturday 25 January Term 2: Saturday 10 May  We will be accepting new students all Saturdays of May, but the earlier you can start, the better. Term 3: Saturday 19 July   Term 4: Saturday 11 October Join our 2025 Beginners Facebook Group  now to get updates. Or, email us for more information.  Course Information: No previous experience required. Regardless of gender,  ages from 6 to 60  are all welcome. First lesson  is your Free trial. Membership Fees:  Kids and School students: 50.00 per month Tertiary students and adults: 80.00 per month Family discounts : the 2nd family member is 50...

Kendo Journey: A "Travel Guide" from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half

Waikato Kendo Association Grading (2009)   Kendo Journey: A Travel Guide from Shodan to Godan-and-a-Half ( 中文 ) by Sam Tsai December 27, 2017 Those that know me should know that back in 1998, Marleen and I moved to Hamilton, New Zealand and ended up being the only two people that practiced kendo within the 100 kilometers radius. In the following year, the stars were aligned as we formed the Waikato Kendo Association and I found myself shouldering the responsibility of being a kendo instructor. Practicing kendo myself and teaching others how to do kendo are totally different things! About half a year after we established the dojo, Hsu Heng-Hsiung sensei , coach of Team Taiwan, led a delegation of more than 20 kenshi to come visit us in New Zealand. About a year after their visit, I was in Taiwan visiting sensei. The first thing he said to me was, “Tell me, what are you having trouble teaching?” I could not help myself but laugh out loud as I replied, “Coach you are ...

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades

Kendo Dōjo basic etiquette & commands for beginner & kyu grades Thanks to Janet for organising this article. When entering & leaving the Dōjo (道場, training hall), we need to bow respectfully from the waist, first towards the direction of Joseki (上席), in our case this is the Waikato Kendo Club WKC banner.  (But in Japanese dōjo there is often a Kamiza (上座) with a small Shinto shrine or altar displayed with religious significance). And then bow towards Sensei & Senpai on your way in before neatly organising your belongings on the side & getting ready quietly. At beginning of each Keiko( 稽古), Sensei(先生)or Senpai(先輩) will say: Line up -  Seiretsu (整列) :  We will need to quickly find our position along a horizontal line facing Sensei (in the middle) in order of our experience/ rank with Senpai (Seniors) on the right and Kōhai (Juniors, 後輩 ) & Shoshinsha (Beginners,  初心者 ) on the left. Standing straight facing the front, holding Shinai firmly...