Frequently Asked Questions

1) How do I join the C.K.A?        

Just show up. But please email us first so that we know you will be coming. You will also need to print and fill out this waiver form. Participants under the age of 18 will need the signature of a parent or guardian.

 2) How much does it cost?

The Cleveland Kendo Club is a non-profit group and does not charge for the classes.   It is  instructed and run by people who enjoy the art of kendo and seek to share it with others. That being said, there are equipment cost and Federation Dues that will come up over the course of the year. Additionally, certain practice locations may require and entrance fee.
       
Within the first month you will need to purchase a shinai. A practice shinai cost about $20-$30 from  most online retailers. Between the 3-6 month point, you will need to purchase a Hakama and Keikogi which run $100-$300 (this will last you a number of years).  Sometime around months 6-12 you will be  asked to purchase a bogu which you can usually find for $300 - ????? (this will last you many years, if not forever).  

There are also annual dues that are payed to the AUSKF (~$45) and GNEUSF(~$15). These are generally collected at the beginning of every year.

NOTE:   Rules and associated costs for practice at the CSU and CWRU locations are dictated by the respective Universities.   Please go the Schedule page for specific information.  

3) What should I bring to the first practice?
       
You do not need to bring anything other than yourself to your first practice.  The only requirement is that you wear clothes that you can move about in comfortably.  

 4)   What kind of injuries occur in kendo?
       
Kendo probably has a lower rate of injury than most martial arts. The most common "injury" that almost all people starting out kendo will develop are blisters on the feet and hands.   Once calluses build and the correct form is learned, this should no longer happen. The only other occasional injury is a bruise caused by an off target hit.   But like all physical activities, please consult a physician before starting kendo, if prior health conditions exist.  
     
 5)   Does it hurt?
       
A correct shinai blow which lands on target, i.e. on the armor, doesn't hurt. You know you've been  hit, but there is no pain. A heavy handed cut driven by too much muscle, a typical beginner's stroke, can hurt a bit, more so if the armor is old and soft. The shinai itself is designed to flex and  absorb the blow. A cut which misses the armor causes no worse than a bruise, although it certainly   can hurt at the time.

 6)   What are the Ranks?        

 7)   How long does it take to achieve a rank?

These practice times are minimum times from the previous test. It is expected that students will be practicing two or three times a week. Once a month practice will not give enough skill to pass in the minimum time requirements. All students are reminded that grade is given, not taken. Accumulating the required time does not automatically ensure that you will pass the grading examination  

Dan/Kyu Challenged Minimum Practice Time Minimum Age
1 Kyu None None
1 (Sho)dan Over 3 Months after granting of 1 Kyu 14 years old
2 (Ni)dan Over 1 Years after granting of 1st Dan 16 years old
3 (San) dan Over 2 Years after granting of 2 Dan 18 years old
4 (Yon) dan Over 3 Years after granting of 3 Dan 21 years old
5 (Go) dan Over 4 Years after granting of 4 Dan 25 years old
6 (Roku) dan Over 5 Years after granting of 5 Dan 30 years old
7 (Nana) dan Over 6 Years after granting of 6 Dan 36 years old
8 (Hachi) dan Over 10 Years after granting of 7 Dan 48 years old

 8) When do we start sparring with real swords?
       
Sparing with real swords starts shortly after a student masters the technique of shooting fireballs from their hands and emitting lasers from there eyes.   I.E. Never.
       
 9) Any other questions?
       
If you have any other questions about the Cleveland Kendo Club not answered above, please feel free to contact us.   For answers to any questions about kendo in general, check out JAPANESE  SWORD ARTS FAQ or the AUSKF homepage.