About my Kendo - Philipp, Rasmus and Rebecca

2006 Beginner Class A Grading

Philipp

I have always been interested in learning Kendo, ever since I was a kid.

Back then, it was all about the fact that I would've been able to whack people hard.

Now, though, I realise it is more about the communal experience of learning how to kill (with beauty and efficiency), among other things.

I am actually really glad that I decided to give Kendo a go, and am eager to continue it in the future.

Rasmus

Why I go to kendo is because I find it to be easier and more interesting than all the other sports on offer. It’s interesting to me because when training with the shinai it’s not just about the strongest or biggest hit.

What I also like about kendo is the fact that it has chosen to use brains over brawn, precision and skill over brutality and strength. Kendo is easy and fun and I would vouch that almost anyone would like it if they try it.

Rebecca

I found Kendo online when I was looking for something interesting and new to try. I'm interested in Japanese culture and I hope to do an exchange visit when I am at high school. I like the fighting aspect and the structure.

Comments

How do you practice seme?

Kobayashi Hideo Sensei – How to Seme (w/English CC) 小林英雄先生 - 攻め方 How do you practice S eme ? Very early on, I have heard of the “Three Opportunities to Strike”: strike when your opponent’s technique is about to start, strike when your opponent’s technique ends, and when the opponent is mentally and physically depleted. Since then, this line of thinking has given me a direction in how to train. In 2017, Utsunomiya sensei, 7-dan kyoshi, came to visit us and taught me the concept of “okori”. That reminds me of the conversation that happened 8 years before that in 2009 with Morioka sensei, also 7-dan kyoshi, who asked me: “What is the timing or reason of your strike?” I think most people are familiar with the idea that you should “ seme then strike ”. However, when do you strike after seme has been a source of struggle for most kenyu. That’s why when I saw the video from Kobayashi Hanshi where you seme for the purposes of creating “okori” , I felt this added a whol...

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...

Day 1 Kendo Beginners – FAQ

What is Kendo? Kendo is a modern Japanese martial art based on traditional swordsmanship. It is both physical training and a cultural practice , emphasising discipline, respect, etiquette, and personal development alongside technique. Do I need previous martial arts or sports experience? No. Kendo beginners start from the very basics, and no prior experience is required. Am I fit enough to start Kendo? Yes. You do not need a high fitness level to begin. Training intensity increases gradually and improves fitness over time. What should I wear to my first class? Please wear comfortable sports clothing such as a T‑shirt and track pants or shorts. Training is done barefoot. Do I need to buy equipment before starting? No. All beginner equipment is provided. Your instructor will advise you later if and when equipment purchase is needed. What will I learn in the beginner class? Beginners learn etiquette, posture, footwork, shinai handling, ...

Ben - restoring balance to my spirit via Kendo

Ben Albany – Kendo reflections Grading Day 10 July 2021 Well, my second grading day has come and gone, and I now think back on the things I have learned and at the same time I think forward to my next steps in my kendo journey. Since the last grading day around three months ago many suburi have been cut , footwork has been worked on, and a balance in my life has been sought out. As usual the hectic pace of work-related life and study have meant stress levels increase. I find that kendo is continuing to help restore balance to my spirit, I have not been simply looking at YouTube videos as much these days (although there are lots of good ones to watch) I have been focusing on the physical aspects of training. I have still been watching what I eat, increasing my exercise and trying the best I can to sleep (not much success there yet) I also seek advice from sensei and senpai at the dojo so that I may improve myself. I have started to explore forms of mediation and relaxation, it doe...

Kendo and Rototuna Junior and Senio High Schools 2025

Rototuna High School Kendo Club 2025 Our 2025 Kendo program at Rototuna High School has now come to an end, and I want to say how proud I am of all the students for their effort and commitment this year. Every Friday afternoon has been something I’ve looked forward to — not just for the practice, but for the energy, enthusiasm, and fun you all bring. It has been wonderful to see you challenge yourselves, support each other, and grow through Kendo. I’ve really enjoyed spending this time with you, and I wish each of you all the very best in whatever comes next — whether that’s continuing with Kendo or simply carrying the lessons you’ve learned into your everyday life. A special thank-you also goes to Rototuna High Schools for supporting this program and giving us the chance to share Kendo together. Sam Tsai Renshi 6 Dan Waikato Kendo Club

2026 Beginners Information

You are warmly invited to join us and begin your New Year’s journey as a Modern Samurai. Beginners Class (age 14 and above): 1.30 - 2.30pm, Saturdays Little Samurai Class (age under 14): 2.30 - 3.30pm, Saturdays Intermediate and Advanced Class: 3.30 - 6.00pm, Saturdays Starting Dates Term 1: Saturday 17 and 31 January ( no training on 24 January ) Term 2: Saturday 7 and 14 March Term 3: Saturday 25 July and 1 August Term 4: Saturday 31 October and 7 November Course Information No previous experience required. Open to all genders, ages 6 to 60 . Your first lesson is free (trial lesson). Day 1 Kendo Beginners – FAQ Little Samurai Kendo – Parents’ Information Monthly Membership Fees Primary school students: $50.00 Intermediate & high school students: $60.00 Tertiary students: $80.00 Adults: $100.00 Family Discounts Second family member: 50% off Third family member and beyond: free Learning Objectives By the end of the course, you will be ready to put on Bogu (armour)...

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