Tateyama Kendo and Iaido Club

Frequently Asked Questions

General club questions

What are the club fees?

The Tateyama Kendo and Iaido Club dues are $50.00 per month for Regular Members, and $30.00 per month for Students/Kids. The fees are the same regardless of the number of practices attended per month. Registration at Tateyama entitles you to participate in all three martial arts programs we offer.

The only other mandatory dues which a Tateyama member must pay are to the Canadian Kendo Federation. At this time, these CKF dues are $50 per year.

How do I apply to become a member?
Any person interested in becoming a member of Tateyama must first contact a dojo representative and express their intention to begin the application process. Once this is done, arrangements will be made with the dojo representative, to begin the following process:

Observe an entire regular practice. This will give you an idea of what typical training entails and the physical demands required.
Attend 3 trial practices free of any charge. During these practices you will be introduced to the basic concepts and fundamental techniques of the discipline and will allow you the chance to experience the budo first-hand. These practices take place on Sunday (3:00 pm-4:00 p.m.)
If you are still interested you can apply to become a member.

When I become a member do I have to agree to a contract of any kind?
No. We do not have contracts, however our registration is structured around 3 month period, so fees are paid quarterly.

Is instruction in French available?
Not at this time. However there are Francophone members within the club who can help clarify and explain further any aspect of practice.

Does the club attend gradings, training seminars and competitive tournaments?
Yes, our dojo is a member of the Canadian Kendo Federation and thus able to take part in the annual gradings held in Toronto and Montreal. We're also a member of Kendo Ontario and regularly send a delegation to tournaments and seminars held in Ontario, Quebec and the Untied States.

Kendo questions

Once I am accepted as a member what happens next?
If your application to become a member is accepted then the following is required:

You must begin paying your registration fee. Initially you are required to pay for 3 months membership ($50 x 3 = $150 for regular members, $30.00 x 3 = $90.00 for students / Kids). Membership fees are due at the BEGINNING of each registration period.
You must purchase your own shinai (bamboo practice sword) to use during practice. This can either be purchased from the club (typical price $40) or various Internet suppliers.
You are required to read, understand and sign the club waiver form.
You are required to read, understand and agree to follow without exception, the dojo rules.
Pay an annual membership fee of $50 to the Canadian Kendo Federation.

You'll start with Fundamentals Classes until you have achieved an adequate level in the basic techniques. Once you and the instructor are comfortable, you can join regular practices too.

We offer three types of kendo practice:

Fundamentals Classes :

These are geared toward beginners and focus on the core fundamentals of Kendo. Practice mainly consists of footwork and drills to help build endurance and learn the techniques. All members are welcome.

Bogu Classes:

These focus more on the application of fencing techniques, while wearing protective equipment (bogu). These practices are for experienced members only.

Mixed Classes:

Although these are geared to all members, the half is devoted to fundamentals. Practice during the second half is usually a faster pace with more emphasis on application.

Initial equipment cost?
As a beginner the only essential item you are required to have in order to practice is a shinai (bamboo practice sword). These typically cost $40. This is the only piece of equipment you will need for the first year of practice.

There are other items you may wish to purchase (i.e. shinai carrying bag, keiko-gi, hakama, bokuto), but these are strictly optional and entirely up to you as to whether you wish to purchase them or not.

Does the club have equipment available for me to rent?
No. Each member is responsible for supplying and maintaining their own equipment.

Where can I purchase equipment?
The club typically keeps a supply of shinai (bamboo practice swords) on hand to be purchased by members (generally priced around $40). Other equipment can be purchased from Internet suppliers such as:

Is there a difference between Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday practices?

The 2:45 to 4:00pm practice on Sunday will focus on the basic and fundamental aspect of Kendo. More time is taken to offer instruction and explanation.

Tuesday practices are mixed levels, emphasizing both basic and intermediate.practice methods, techniques and understanding.

Practices on Sunday after 4:15pm and on Thursdays at 9:45pm are faster paced, emphasizing more intermediate and advanced practice methods, techniques and understanding. Less time is taken for instruction and explanation. Practitioners must rely more on what they've learned previously in order to improve.

The Thursday practice at 8:30pm is an "open budo" timeslot where members are encouraged to practice the Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho, or the Nihon Kendo Kata. Please note: the space is sometimes shared by Iaido and Jodo members as well.

How long will it take for me to be able to wear Kendo bogu (protective armour)?
In general, a new Kendo member will not practice in bogu for at least 6 months. Regardless of ability to learn fast, or athletic prowess. The factors involved depends on as student's ability to exhibit an understanding and application of fundamental Kendo techniques.

Members with prior experience from another dojo may join the bogu practice at any time.

Is there a weekly practice specifically for children?
Not at this time. Currently children are welcomed as members of the club, but they must be prepared to practice with all other members in the regular practice regime.

There are plans to start a childrens progam soon, so please stay tuned!