2025 Fall Kendo Beginners Class & New Student Enrollment
Schedule
Sun, 19 Oct, 2025 at 11:00 am
UTC-04:00Location
Oswald Durant Rec Center, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria VA, Alexandria, VA, United States, Virginia 22314 | Alexandria, VA
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We have a Beginners Class starting Sunday, October 19th. Reserve your spot today!
Here are all the details:
• Our Beginners Class is typically a 1-month training program for new students with no prior kendo experience. It consists of approximately 8 consecutive sessions that will take place on Sundays and Tuesdays and students are also encouraged to watch the advanced class after each beginner class.
- This course normally starts at the beginning of the month but in this case, we are adjusting to accommodate a major tournament and testing event in our region as well as class cancellations for Election Day on Nov. 4th and Veteran's Day on Nov. 11th.
- This class starts on Sunday, October 19th and continues every Sunday and Tuesday and runs through Sunday, November 23rd.
• Beginning students will study a curriculum designed to provide a basic understanding of kendo and how to participate safely and enjoyably in our regular basic training sessions.
• Training includes basic posture & cutting/striking technique, footwork, tradition & etiquette, kiai (the signature kendo scream), and kirikaeshi (a classic kendo drill).
• There is no need to buy or wear a special uniform for this session. Students should wear loose athletic clothing with pants or shorts that do not go below the ankle.
• Upon successful completion of this introductory course students are allowed to and should wear the basic uniform (keikogi and hakama) as they continue in the regular class. - Wearing bogu/armor comes a few months later.
• This class is only one month, but we recommend that you commit to yourself a minimum of 3 months of kendo in order to experience the regular class.
*Students with prior kendo experience may join at any time without enrolling in the beginner's course subject to instructor approval.
• When:
October 19th through November 23rd
- Sundays 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
~ AND ~
- Tuesdays 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Plus: You should plan to stay and watch the advanced students continue their practice until 1:30 on Sundays and 8:30 on Tuesdays.
• Where:
Oswald Durant Center
1605 Cameron St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
• Cost:
$80 for Adults
$40 for Minors*
We only accept children under the age of 14 in the Beginners Class if an adult family member joins with them.
All you need is 5 Simple Things:
1. Registration/Reservation – please email me and reserve your place in the class.
[email protected]
2. An age appropriate, fully assembled basic/practice shinai (bamboo sword). 39 for adults, 38 or 39 for women, and for children you can refer to the size chart on the vendor website.
- Available at BoguShop.com. e-Bogu.com, or any online Kendo Specialty Retailer
Product Links:
BoguShop
https://www.bogushop.com/proddetail.asp?prod=SHIN-Practice
e-Bogu
https://www.e-bogu.com/RENGI-Standard-Practice-Kendo-Shinai-s/531.htm
Size Charts:
BoguShop
https://www.bogushop.com/images/products/shinai/shinairegulationb1.jpg
e-Bogu
https://www.e-bogu.com/v/vspfiles/images/size_images/shinai_regulation_size_small.jpg
- If you’re order doesn’t arrive by the first day of class, we will have loaners on hand, but order early so you will have one to call your own.
- Please DO NOT order from Amazon or eBay, or you may get one that is unusable and only safe for Cosplay.
3. Loose fitting comfortable workout clothes. Shorts are okay but not recommended. T-shirt and sweatpants are best. After the first month you will graduate to the basic uniform.
4. Bring your willingness to learn. Be prepared – kendo is loud and involves lots of yelling.
*Having fun is required!
5. Everyone needs to sign a liability release, and if you are under 18, you will need your parent or legal guardian there to sign with you.
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Where is it happening?
Oswald Durant Rec Center, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria VA, Alexandria, VA, United States, Virginia 22314Event Location & Nearby Stays:
