Gulf Coast Kendo Dojo Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in learning Kendo, how can I get started?

Gulf Coast Kendo Dojo has an ongoing enrollment program. All those interested in learning more about Kendo are welcome to come in and watch one of our practices. By observing the practice, you will get a feel for what Kendo is and the atmosphere of Gulf Coast Kendo Dojo.

Sarasota is too far from Tampa. Are there any kendo dojos near Tampa or Clearwater ?

Yes, Gulf Coast Kendo dojo is the only Kendo Dojo in the Tampa Bay and Clearwater area. The next closest kendo dojo is located in Orlando. We are currently holding class in Brandon on Tuesdays for beginners only and we continue to search for an additional dojo location in the Tampa Bay area.

I am Very Interested in Kendo Because I just saw..(select movie)..Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill or The Last Samurai. When will we be working on fancy sword work like that? Will Kendo be just as exciting as the movie?

Gulf Coast Kendo Dojo is a traditional Kendo Dojo strictly focusing on the fundamentals of Kendo. As a beginner, you will be performing the same fundamental drills to learn etiquette, footwork, and how to correctly swing the shinai and bokuto. Please be advised that you will not be wearing bogu (armor) for at least 4-6 months. Please note that YOU WILL NOT BE practicing in a field or practicing forms against a sunset background. Additionally, THERE WILL NOT BE flashy sword work such as spinning the sword, two sword techniques or flying kicks taught. We do not teach that type of swordmanship that you see on the movie screen. It is entertaining and we enjoy those movies too, but that type of swordsmanship is based on cinematic stunt choreography and has little to do with the actual practice and lifelong study in the art of Kendo.

Do you have Age or Health Restrictions?

If you are in good health, you can learn and practice kendo at any age. However, we recommend that children wait until they are 6 or 7 years old before starting. This is due to the inability of younger children to concentrate for extended periods of time. If you have any health problems or concerns (i.e. asthma, heart condition, high blood pressure, etc.), as with any exercise program, please consult a doctor prior to starting Kendo. Currently our students range in age from 6 to 64.

Legendary 10th dan, Mojita Sensei was 80 years old and still practicing daily!

Henry Smalls, 4th Dan, Hawaii

As a beginner, what will I learn?

For the first few months you will be given basic instruction in Kendo. An instructor will teach you the etiquette used in Kendo, basic footwork and swinging of the Shinai.

As a beginner, what should I wear to practice?

We suggest you wear comfortable loose fitting clothing such as sweats and a t-shirt. There are some people who re-use their Karate or Tae Kwon Do gi-bottoms (pants). However, you do not need to wear the gi top and belt. A T-shirt without "badging" is preferable.

When should I purchase and wear the Keikogi and Hakama?

During the beginner phase, we suggest wearing sweats. This is to avoid any extra investment by the student should they wish to discontinue studying kendo soon after they enroll due to work schedules, relocation, change of heart, etc.

When can I put on the Bogu? Why does it take so long to get into Bogu (armor)?

Our Head Instructor or sempai will make the determination on when a new student will move into the advanced class, and when they shall put on bogu. The fundamentals of Kendo must first be learned and the muscles used in Kendo must be developed and become strong enough to withstand the rigors of practice.

What are the costs involved?

Gulf Coast Kendo Dojo is part of the Southeast United States Kendo Federation (SEUSKF), which is itself part of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) and International Kendo Federation (IKF). Membership in the Southeast United States Kendo federations cost $60 a year for adults and $35 a year for children under the age of 18. Because the Federation provides the insurance coverage, membership in the federation is mandatory.

Monthly dues for the club are $25 for children 17 years and younger, and $35 for individuals 18 years and older. Payment of tuition is due on the first practice of each month. *Prices subject to change. By becoming a member of Gulf Coast Kendo Dojo and joining SEUSKF and AUSKF, you will be entitled to participate in all of the organization's events, tournaments, seminars and promotional examinations.

How much is the equipment?

There is a broad spectrum of prices for Kendo Equipment. The lower end prices reflect lower to middle quality products. The higher end prices reflect custom made equipment prepared by master craftsmen.

Bokuto (wooden practice sword)-$15.00* and up
Shinai (Bamboo Sword) - $35* and up
Practice Gi/Jacket -$60-$600
Practice Hakama/Skirt - $60-$150
Kendo Bogu (Armor) - $350 - $15,000

*These items can be purchased at our dojo*

What is the difference between a $35 shinai and a more expensive shinai?

Inexpensive shinai are made outside of Japan and constructed with cheaper bamboo and materials. These shinai are mass produced without emphasis on durability or balance. As a student ( kendoka ) becomes more advanced, he or she would like to purchase better balanced shinai that matches their Kendo Style or for use in competition or practice.

What is the difference between lower end Keikogi and Higher end Keikogi?

Keikogi (Practice Jacket) comes in two qualities...There is machine stitched and hand-stitched. Machine stitched jackets can runs from $60 to $200. The lower priced jackets are usually made with thin or light-weight materials. The higher end models are made with a heavier cotton and typically double woven and thicker for durability.

Hand-stitched keikogi are just that. They are created and dyed by hand; usually by a master craftsman. Some hand-stitched keikogi can also have custom embroidery such as a dragon sewn onto the inside. A good hand-stitched keikogi costs between $400-$900.

What is the difference between lower priced hakama and higher end Hakama?

There are different quality levels of hakama. Usually, you will see Hakama come in Nylon (Tetron), 5000#, 7000#, 10000# Selections. Nylon hakama is the cheapest and the advantage is that there is no need to iron it frequently. However, as one becomes more advanced, you will want to purchase a cotton hakama because of its' classic appearance and better feel.

The thread count is higher and material thicker on the higher numbered hakama. Most 10000# Hakama will maintain its thickness and last a long time (5-10 years) if they are taken care of properly. Lower numbered hakama will tend to get thinner and flimsier after several years of use.

I notice that there are white and blue keikogi and hakama. Are there any rules on wearing one or the other?

There currently is no restriction of wearing white or blue keikogi/hakama sets. However, traditionally white is worn by female Kendoka and also by the Imperial Police Department of Japan. However, most people (male and female) prefer blue because it is easier to take care of and does not get stained or dirty as easily. Also, since 90% of the other Kendoka wear blue, a person wearing white stands out tremendously which can be good and bad. At Gulf Coast Kendo children under 18 years of age are required to wear Musashi Stitched Gi-tops.

Why is there such a difference in price for Kendo Bogu?

There are two types of Kendo Bogu. There is hand-stitched (more expensive) and machine-stitched bogu. All parts of the hand-stitched bogu are created/sewn by hand and assembled by hand. The price and quality of Hand-stitched bogus are analogous to a finely tailored suit, such as Brioni. Just like the suit, the bogu is custom measured and made to order with the finest materials by a craftsman.

Also, some custom work can be implemented into the various parts that make up the bogu. For example, there are people who order Custom Do (chest protector) such as Shark Skin, Anaconda Skin, and Custom Colors. They may also request custom Mune (chest protector) such as alligator skin, custom embroidery, or Custom Ago (Chin Protector). Hand-stitched bogu come in size increments called "bu". This is the space/distance between each stitch. 1.0Bu is approximately 3mm between stitches. They usually come in 1.5Bu, 1.2Bu, and 1.0 Bu.

Machine stitched bogu is mass produced and can be considered "off the shelf". A good set of machine made bogu costs between $400 to $2,000. The differences being the materials used and the stitching increments. These days, most machine stitched bogu are made in the range of 5mm and 2mm. The smaller the stitching, the more expensive the bogu. The higher the mm, the more softer and pliable the bogu will be; the lower the mm, the harder the bogu will be. Other factors that may affect the price of bogu is if a Bamboo Do is selected, men-gane (men face) material [Stainless, duralumin, Titanium, IBB Titanium, IBB PRO Titanium]