Kendo- art of the sword

Does anyone here practice kendo? know alot about Kendo?

Do you guys even know what Kendo is?

Im interested in learning it, and theres a kendo group that meets somewhat near me that I could get into, but I was wondering if anyone knows details such as, do I need alot of money for equipment to begin with? Do I need any certain training beforehand?

Come on people let me know what you know

Im out

kendo is a japanese sword fighting martial art but it's been higly ritualized, in it's current form it's as much a form of meditation and controlled breathing as it is a fighting art.

you need protective clothing, a facial mask and a training sword which might need the occasional replacement.
you'll never get to fight with real swords since kendo only uses the bokken training sword.
a typical kendo class would consist out of theory where you all listened followed by sparring where you all line up in two facing lines and the actual combat is very fast, 2 or 3 strikes and it's done.

it's really more about concentration, breath controll, meditation etc than learning to fight.

Try asking your question here.

kendo (the Way of the Sword) is basically the sport version of the martial art kenjutsu (the Art of the Sword). eventually the equipment can get pretty expensive, though some schools may want you to practice the basics for several months before investing in and using armor.
the basic outfit, consisting of a keiko gi (top) and hakama (bottom), will likely run about $120 to $200 depending on quality. the bamboo kendo sword (shinai) can be found for 20 to 30 bucks, and may need replacement once in a while. (They have neat carbon fiber shinai now, but they cost considerably more)
As far as armor, that will probably start around 300 bucks.
I don't know what most school fees are in this area.

For most American schools, you probably won't need any kind of prior training, as most of them will have a program or opportunities for beginners....however, it always helps to work out and be in good shape to enhance martial arts training.

good luck with that, amigo

So Im opening up this thread again. I kendo. I prefer traditional Kendo over the backyard stuff but if i get challenge to a backyard type fight I never back down.
Of course I always strike at the head so I urge people I go againt to not hold back or be scared to hit or get hit. Pain is just a little pressure. In tattooing for example the light burning sensation from the friction is what i feel rather than the pain of the needle. Anyway I tell them to hit me as hard as they want, to ensure that that fight me with everything. Honestly its the only way I would get a challenge.

I've done fencing, but never kendo. My ex-gf used to do it though. Looks like fun.

I have fought a fencer before. When Kendo and Fencing styles are matched up my opinion is that a fencer could be at a disadvantage because his sword is held with one hand, and that person may have a hard time defending against direct attacks. However the horizontal and stabbing strikes are easily on par with kendo's vertical strikes when measured in speed. Two opponents with the same skill level could end the fight with a draw. Not mine of course hah. That is only because I haven't met my match yet.

I'm glad we have true badasses like RogueElephant joining the site.

Lookin' good for 2010 and beyond!!!

You're just jealous cuz you know the ladies love a man who can wave around a large phallic substitute object.

RogueElephant will be very helpful when we challenge the American Family Association to a duel. Until then mock away.

woot