Kendo

Kendo is the martial art of the Samurai that has been transmitted through a formal set of schools over hundreds of years in the East Asia. Literally "Ken" means "sword," and "do" means "way." Kendo is the philosophy of the sword. Seidokai kendo students are scholars of the sword (kenshi, 劍士). The purpose of kendo is to develope and cultivate a pure, strong heart and to experience that the power of the sword comes from the power of the heart.





Class Schedule | Download (PDF)

  • Introduction to Kendo: Wed 5:00-6:00pm, Sat 12:00-1:00pm.
    Beginning students are required to take this class for a few weeks to begin their kendo study.
    ** This class is offered free of charge to the prospective students.)
  • Teen/Adult (*for both men and women) Class : Mon/Thur 6:30-7:50pm.
  • Women's Kendo: Mon/Thur 5:30-6:30pm.

Instructor: Sang W. Chi.


Prerequisite and Registration Process: Seidokai accepts only a limited number of students. Contact the staff for an interview appointment. No prior knowledge or experience needed. Read carefully the following document: SEIDOKAI KENDO. Download, print, sign and submit this form to the Director of Seidokai when you visit the dojo (道場, school) for an interview: Download SEIDOKAI KENDO. There is a one- to two-week-long testing period following an interview, and free trial lessons are provided for the prospective students through Introduction to Kendo class.

Required Attire and Equipment for Class: Kendo equipment consists of the swords, uniform and armor. There are two types of wooden sword used ("shinai" and "bokuto"). The shinai made up of four bamboo staves and leather is used for full contact sparring practice. The bokuto, a solid wood sword made of oak or another suitable hardwood, is used for basics and forms practice (kata). The uniform ("dogi") consists of woven cotton top called a "keikogi" and pleated skirt-like trousers called a "hakama." Beginner students need only a shinai for practice and they practice in the keikogi and hakama which can be purchased at the Institute. Eventually, students need a set of bogu.

Tuition (one month): $90 (Student Mudansha: Beginners to 1st Kyu), $120 (Non-Student Mudansha: Beginners to 1st Kyu), $40 (Yudansha: 1st Dan - 3rd Dan), Free (Sensei: 4th Dan and above): Beginners begin to test with 6th Kyu. There are 6 Kyus in all, and the rankings for the Kyu are numbered backwards. Beyond 1st Kyu, the studnet moves on to the Dan levels. Dan holders are called Yudansha, and the rest Mudansha.