Junior’s Kendo Classes
The Portland Kendo Club Junior’s program isn’t just about doing kendo. In fact, modern kendo was developed along side the Japanese education system with the goal of helping children to learn and practice perseverance, focus, etiquette, and respect. Kids should grow both physically and mentally.
Juniors 11 years and older that are new to kendo should sign up for the beginner class. There, members will learn:
The etiquette of kendo: how to bow, when to bow, greeting your teachers, responding loudly to questions, and more.
Basic terminology: Counting, kendo vocabulary, commands, etcetera (in Japanese).
How to hold the shinai (practice sword): Basic (chuudan) stance and resting stances.
How to swing the shinai (practice sword): How to cut the three basic targets.
Basic footwork: Slide step, fumikomi (stomping) step.
Basic attacking: Combining cutting and footwork to complete a full attack.
Receiving strikes for a partner: Hitting a partner and receiving for a partner with your shinai.
Upon completion of the above, the student will able to join the regular practices and work their way towards wearing bogu (armor).
Through out the year there are junior specific tournaments, seminars, and practices that include juniors from clubs across Oregon and Washington.
If you are interested in registering your child who is between the ages of 7-10, please contact us first before registering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my child need to bring or wear to the first class?
Please have them wear something that’s easy to move in. Shorts, sweatpants, t-shirt, etc., are all fine. We will provide to them a shinai (practice sword) on their first day.
When do they get a uniform?
After completing the requirements listed above, you will be able to purchase a uniform. We’ll send you some suggestions for where you can purchase a uniform from. We may also have some used uniforms that can be borrowed.
When does my child get bogu (armor)?
We start letting the kids wear armor when they are able to do all the basics well with a partner. That is, they know how to hit properly (so the strikes are safe), and they know how to receive as well. In general, we start outfitting kids with bogu at around 6-12 months, depending on age, ability, and focus. Safety first!
Are there other events?
For members with sufficient experience in bogu (armor) here are 3-4 taikai (tournaments) for junior members that we participate in. There is also shinsa (examination) twice per year, a few seminars, and the occasional party or dinner (for both the kids and the parents).
Is kendo dangerous?
When done correctly, kendo is one of the safest martial arts. To keep kendo safe, we spend extra time on correct cutting and control. We also will partner only those of height. With all martial arts there are risks, of course. We do everything we can to keep our class safe and fun for kids of all skill levels.
I’ll have to miss a class, what should I do?
That’s fine - please let the instructor know which classes you’ll miss. Especially in the beginning, it’s important to come as consistently as possible, though, as it gets more and more difficult to catch up the more classes your child misses.
Will there be homework?
Yes! Your child will be expected to practice at home. Usually this just involves footwork (doing kendo step around the house) and swinging their shinai (outside, or someplace with a high ceiling and no vases, of course!).
Other Questions?
If you have any other questions, please send an email to hello@portlandkendo.com