Saskatoon Kendo Club Policies

Saskatoon Kendo Club Policies

Attendance Policy

The club takes no formal attendance. Members are encouraged to attend all classes but we understand that this is not always possible. However, fewer practices means slower progress. People with limited practice may take a long time to earn the right to wear bogu. As outlined in the bogu rental policy, renters who miss a month or more of class will be asked to return their armour.

Bogu Rental Policy

The Saskatoon Kendo Club makes bogu (armour) available for rent at a reasonable price to our student club members. Non-student members are permitted to use club sets that we keep in the dojo on a class first-come, first-served basis. We encourage all club members to practice in club bogu for a minimum of one month before committing to purchasing armour. This is to avoid hasty purchases, as many people find kendo in bogu not to their taste

We have a limited number of sets in good condition. The priority is for the good equipment to be put into the student rental sets. Non-students are strongly encouraged to order bogu after their one month trial.

  • Rental fees are charged per 3 month term
  • A deposit is required for all bogu
    • Rental fee is $20/term
    • Deposit is $100
    • Rental is deducted from the deposit
    • When the bogu is returned, any balance from the deposit is refunded
  • Bogu may only be rented for a limited time
    • Non-students may only borrow in-house sets
    • Post-secondary students may rent for two years
    • Elementary and high school students have no limit
  • If the renter misses practice for one month or more, the club may recall the bogu

Grading Policy

Kendo ranks are similar to other Japanese martial arts in that we have kyu and dan. Kyu are the beginner ranks (coloured belts in other martial arts) and go from rokyu (beginner, 6th rank) to ikkyu (1st rank). Dan are the senior degrees (black belts in other martial arts) and go from shodan (1st degree) to hachidan (8th degree). Ranks below ikkyu are awarded within the club. Ranks ikkyu and higher must be awarded by a Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) grading board.

  • Members are tested internally to see if they are ready to wear bogu but otherwise only grade through CKF, starting with ikkyu
  • Members who have either passed the bogu exam or otherwise have permission from sensei may practice in bogu
  • Members who wish to challenge the CKF ikkyu exam must have at least one year of practice
  • Members who wish to challenge CKF dan ranks must comply with the CKF time in grade requirements and have a steady practice
  • Members who pass the CKF shodan exam receive a nafuda (tare-name) as a gift from the club