Macomb Kendo Dojo

Courses

Beginner Course

Beginner Courses are expected to take 8 weeks* on average.  

Course Objectives: 

  • Understanding of etiquette (reigi) 
  • Understanding and demonstrating basic Kamae
  • Establishing a solid foundation in basics of ashisabaki (footwork) 
  • Establishing a cut utilizing the proper techniques in basic suburi
  • Can correctly wear and fold their Keikogi and Hakama
    • In addition to Youtube tutorials, senior members are expected to assist with this objective

You do not need to bring any equipment to your first class. Just wear loose fitting clothing appropriate for exercise ( e.g., sweats).  We will provide wooden practice sword (bokken) and bamboo practice sword (shinai) to borrow.  By the end of this course, we recommend that the members purchase their own Keikogi, Hakama, Bokken, and Shinai. 

Intermediate Course

Beginner Course is a prerequisite for this Intermediate Course. Members taking the Beginner Course will be evaluated and informed by the head instructors when it is appropriate to transition to the Intermediate Course. 

Intermediate classes are expected to take 8 weeks* on average.  

Course Objectives:

  • Understanding the concepts of Ki-Ken-Tai-Ichi 
  • Establishing and incorporating fumikomi 
  • Understanding of all basic drills (Men-uchi, Kote-uchi, Do-uchi, and Kiri-kaeshi) and Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho (BKKK)
  • During the 2nd half of this course, members are expected to learn how to properly put on their Do and Tare
    • In addition to the Youtube tutorials, the senior members are also expected to help members in the Intermediate Course for this objective

Advanced Course

Intermediate Kendo is a prerequisite for this class. Members taking Intermediate Kendo will be informed by the head instructors when it is appropriate to transition for this class. 

Members with previous kendo experience should contact the instructor for approval to register for this class.

Bogu (armor) is required prior to registration for Advanced Kendo.  The members will be included with the Advanced rotation.  

They will start out with Tare, Dou, and Kote.  Once they get used to the movement, then they will transition into wearing Men. 

We require all bogu members to purchase the MWKF and AUSKF membership to continue.  More information will be below. 

Federation Membership

All members who wish to go beyond the Macomb Kendo Dojo programs (basic kendo class) will need to join the regional, national, and international kendo organizations. The membership fees for the Midwest Kendo Federation (MWKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) are a combined cost of $100/year for adults and $50/year for juniors aged 17 and under. Membership provides access to all MWKF and AUSKF sanctioned events, including seminars, demonstrations, tournaments (taikai), and testing for rank (shinsa).  It also provides secondary health and liability insurance. 

If you have further questions, feel free to contact us here.

**Timeframe for each course is not set.  That timeframe is the average and it could be longer or shorter depending on the individuals’ progress and consistency.  The head instructors will evaluate each member after 4 weeks of continuous practice to determine if they should advance to stay in the course. 

**Depending on the number of members in the Intermediate Course vs the Advanced Course, we may integrate members from the Intermediate Course to the Advance Course.  The criteria between the courses will still apply.