JCCC Kendo Club: Information for New Students

Welcome to the JCCC Kendo Club! We are glad that you have decided to learn the martial art of kendo. There are some important notes that we would like to communicate to you in order to help with the transition into our club. Here are some of the key points:

• Punctuality: Please arrive to the JCCC 15 minutes ahead of the practice start time. This is to ensure that there is enough time to change and to help with the practice area clean-up. Late arrival will not be acceptable, and the student may not be allowed to participate in that day’s practice.
• What To Wear: For the first several lessons, please wear loose clothing such as a plain T-shirt and shorts or appropriate athletic pants. Kendo requires sliding footwork technique so pants that are too long will not be appropriate. You will be expected to purchase a kendo uniform within the first month.
• What Not To Wear: Please do not wear watches and any jewelry such as rings, bracelets, large necklaces and large earrings. Stud earrings and small necklace chains are acceptable.
• Shinai: New students are allowed to borrow the kendo club’s shinai for the first two weeks of practice. Afterwards, it is expected that each student will purchase their own shinai. This is your “sword” so it is important to have and to take care of your own. The kendo club does sell the shinai, but the student may purchase it from anywhere. However, please confirm what size shinai should be purchased if you decide to buy your own from somewhere else.
• Proper Manners/Etiquette: The dojo is a place of respect; for the dojo space itself, your fellow students and for yourself. Please bow into the dojo space when entering or leaving. Please greet other students and sensei (instructors) clearly and politely. The shinai is your “sword” and as such, it must also be treated respectfully and not as a walking stick or a bat.
• Fees: You will be required to join the JCCC as well as to pay the kendo lesson charge at the front reception desk. In addition, there are two other annual fees: the JCCC Kendo Club annual membership fee and the CKF (Canadian Kendo Federation) membership fee. The Kendo Club fee is used to raise funds to help the kendo club host special events throughout the year. Please speak with one of the sensei (instructors) about these annual fees. The JCCC Kendo Club does not receive any of the lesson payment money from the JCCC so we need the financial support of the annual club fee.