CLASSES
Beginner Classes: Friday, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Intermediate Class: Friday, 6:30pm - 8:00pm.
Advanced Class: Friday, 7:30pm - 9:30pm.
To register: go to Bellevue Parks Catalog and search for keyword "Kendo".
NEW TO KENDO
Classes are taught to a set 10 week curriculum with each week consisting of a new unit covering the lesson for that week. The class moves as fast or as slow as the students can manage and class content is adjusted as required. The beginning class is taught by David Yotsuuye Sensei, a Kendo 6th Dan black belt. There are several other black belt instructors who help to team-teach the beginning class.
You do not need to bring any equipment to your first class. Just wear loose fitting clothing appropriate for exercise ( e.g., sweats).
At the first class, beginners will need to purchase the following items in addition to class registration fee:
a wooden practice sword (bokken) $30
a bamboo practice sword (shinai) $30
(Optional) shinai bag to carry the practice swords $20
Students may purchase a Beginner Kit (bokken, shinai and shinai bag) for $70
Review the Beginning Class Info Sheet by clicking on the button below.
INTERMEDIATE CLASS
Intermediate Kendo classes are offered year round. Beginning Kendo is a prerequisite for this class. Students who have completed Beginning Kendo should register for this class the following quarter.
Students who pursue Kendo training are expected to purchase a set of the clothing traditionally worn by Kendoists, the keikogi (a thick, loose-fitting coat) and hakama (loose, pleated pants). A set of keikogi and hakama for an adult costs approximately $100.
ADVANCED CLASS
Advanced Kendo classes are available year round. Intermediate Kendo is a prerequisite for this class. Students taking Intermediate Kendo will be informed when it is appropriate to register register for this class. Bogu (armor) is required prior to registration for Advanced Kendo; it is available for rental through the club. Students with previous kendo experience should contact the instructor for approval to register for this class.
After a few quarters, new students progress to the point where they are ready to wear protective armor (bogu) and begin fencing with their instructors and fellow students. Used armor may be rented through the class at a cost of $40 per quarter. In the long term, serious Kendo students are expected to invest in their own armor. New armor can be purchased through the club at discounts or off the internet. Used armor is also occasionally available for purchase. The kendo clubs will gladly assist in these purchases and should be consulted to save money and obtain high quality equipment.
Refer to the Bogu Rental & Membership document for more information.
The Advanced class is taught by Harry Samkange, a Kendo Renshi 6th Dan.
