Training With Us

Can I come and take a look ?

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Anyone interested is always welcome to come and see what we do. Ideally contact us first, but by all means just drop in when we are training. It is best to "have a go" yourself and we can provide a practice wooden sword (for a few weeks), a "bokken", which is what all beginners would start with. Your first session is free!

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What should I wear ?

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Whilst practitioners wear traditional Hakama and Gi, as a new starter you need comfortable clothing eg. tracksuit bottoms and top. We do not wear anything on our feet and kneepads are a must once you start training in earnest.

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What could I expect in the first few sessions ?

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Initially you will be shown the basics, training with a "bokken", guided by a more senior student. If you feel that Iaido is for you, then you will need to join the British Kendo association as a member. This provides Insurance cover and as our national organisation, it gives access to seminars and grading opportunities (if you are interested)

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What sort of person does Iaido ?

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Generally Iaido is suitable for adults of all ages, with male and female students practising together on an equal playing field. There is no separation of training or grading/competition between men and women. Whilst a lot of the "kata" are from the kneeling position, students can practice purely from standing if kneeling is a problem.

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Is the equipment expensive ?

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Students can start with minimum of specialist kit, with wooden weapons/kneepads etc available from other members. Buying the appropriate clothing and ultimately a sword is necessary if you wish to take a formal grading with the British Kendo Association. A practice sword (Iaito) can cost from about £200 to £600, with clothing around £100. For more senior practitioners a "Shinken" a forged Japanese blade could cost several thousand pounds.

 

 

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