WHO CAN PRACTICE KENDO?
Anyone can practice KENDO. The youngest age is probably around five or six, depending on the maturity of the child. Other than that it's all open. Men and women, boys and girls. You can start at any age.  

WHEN CAN I START KENDO?
You can start KENDO at any time. Our enrollment is always open, so feel free to stop by anytime you feel like starting.

WHAT DO I NEED TO START KENDO? 
All you need to start KENDO is yourself and some comfortable clothes i.e. shorts or sweats. As you get better, however, you will have to buy the uniform and equpment 
For now though, don't worry about that. 

WHAT ABOUT MY UNIFORM  AND EQUIPMENT? 
Initially, when you first begin your study of KENDO, a uniform is not required. Comfortable clothing will suffice. Feet are bare.  

The first thing you will be learning is footwork. Depending on individual ability (and how much you practice at home) this will  take anywhere from 2 to 4+ months. The Head Instructor will determine when you are ready to purchase your uniform. 

Footwork may seem repetitious and boring, but it is a very important and integral part of KENDO. 

The Kendo uniform consists of the keiko-gi (jacket) and the hakama (skirt like trousers). Beginners should were a white keiko-gi and a dark blue or black hakama. The cost of the keiko-gi will be around $50+ depending on size. The hakama will be around $70+ depending on size.  

The first piece of equipment you will need to buy is the shinai (bamboo practice sword). The Head instructor will determine when you are ready to buy one. These can be purchased from the Dojo, or from a martial arts supply store for $20-$40+  

The Kendo armor, called bogu, consists of four pieces of equipment: the men (head gear), kote (gloves), do (chest protector), and tare (hip protector). 

Kendo bogu come in a variety of quality and price ranges. Machine stitched vs. hand stitched. Bamboo do vs. fiberglass do. Japan made vs. Korea made vs. Taiwan made. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!! Expect to spend at least $500- $600 for a decent set of armor. A good set will last at least 20 years. 

Once again the Head Instructor will determine when you are ready for armor. In the meantime you should be putting funds aside to prepare you for your armor purchase. Usually you won't require armor for 6 months to 1 year after you begin Kendo. 

(TO FIND OUT ABOUT CURRENT PRICES FOR UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT YOU CAN VISIT A COUPLE SUPPLIERS FROM OUR LINKS PAGE) 

At first glance Kendo may seem like an exspensive martia art, but when viewed from a long term perspective Kendo is one of the least expensive martial arts to study. At most dodos the monthly tuition is from 10- 30 dollars per month as compared to the 80+ charged by most commercial martial art studios. Most sensei are not paid and all of their instruction and time is voluntary. So even when you consider the cost of the uniform and equipment you still come out ahead. However, after all is said and done, the decision is still up to you.