Practice Information

Kendo classes are conducted in a traditional manner. Terminology is usually in Japanese, although instruction is in English or by demonstration. Beginners are instructed separately until they have learned enough of the basics to train with the advanced students. Although there is special clothing and equipment involved with kendo, beginners need not worry about that initially. Wear some comfortable clothing you don't mind sweating into - we will provide the rest. Beginners can expect to spend most of their early classes practising basic footwork, posture and strokes. After a few months (six is about average) the student is ready to start practising in armour.

Qualifications

Qualified instruction in Kendo in Saskatoon has been provided since 1981 by the Saskatoon Kendo Club. The head instructor, Ken Miyaoka, is a 7th degree black belt with over 40 years of experience. The other instructors include Neil Gendzwill, 6th degree, Takako Matisz, 5th degree, Lance Wall and Juhachi Asai, both 4th degree. The club is a member of the Canadian Kendo Federation. The club is non-profit and instruction is on a volunteer basis.

New students

New students are accepted at the start of the fall and winter terms, but not in the summer term. Registration is now closed for the winter term. Beginners may register again in Fall 2010.

Equipment Costs

You will be expected to purchase a shinai (practise sword) for $40.00. After a month or so, you will be expected to purchase a uniform for about $120 (kids $80). You will begin to wear armour sometime in the first year. The armour is available for rent from the club at a rate of $20/term (kids $10/term).

2009/2010 Schedule and Fees

The calendar year is divided up into three terms:
Fall term: early September to mid December
Winter term: early January to late April
Summer term: early May to late August

Note that we are currently on the summer schedule, and classes are held only on Wednesday nights.

Times:       Youth (8-13) Sundays    2:00 to 3:00 pm
             Adults (14+) Sundays    3:00 to 5:00 pm
             Mixed        Wednesdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Location:    Saskatoon YMCA, corner of 22nd and Idylwyld
Term Fees:                  Fall    Winter   Summer
             Adults         $90     $90      $60
             Students       $75     $75      $50
             12 and under   $45     $45      $30
             YMCA members   free    free     free