5 Things You NEED to Know Before Starting KENDO!

In this video Andy talks you through 5 things you NEED to know before taking up the Japanese Martial Art - KENDO.
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#kendo #kendoislife #kendostar #thekendoshow #japan #martialarts

[@benverringer4117]

Just took my first class today and the shouting is definitely something I will have to get used to 😂

[@JaejoongPrincess]

I start kendo next week! I feel the same way about the screaming too. I'm a quiet person.

[@bigpapaboomboom9735]

It's probably the easiest part to get used too.

[@jyessiterriaynt1131]

If I ever duel with a kendo practitioner I have to try my best not to lose focus and laugh when he does the yell

[@sleepingturtle32]

@@JaejoongPrincess how was it? I am probably gonna try it

[@JaejoongPrincess]

@@sleepingturtle32 I'm not doing kendo. I was gonna take kendo because it's free in my city but then I decided to do Kenjitsu since it's more of a fighting style. I decided to take Kenjitsu. I'm learning Kenjitsu, iaijitsu, battojitsu I think and a few other styles. In Kenjitsu, you still got to do the Kiai but my sensei hasn't been having me and others do kiai due to covid. Only sensei and one of my senpai who has been training for years in Kenjitsu do kiai. I've been doing Kenjitsu over a month so far and I love it! Next September, my sensei and my class will be studying kenjistu with a practitioner in Tokyo. Not sure if I will be able to do it though. I'm supposed to be in a program teaching English during that time.

[@-blank-4766]

I was taught Akai no Tsurugi Kenjutsu by my master, sadly, he passed away a few years ago. I started go to Niten Ichi Ryu Kendo to keep practicing sword way, but it is hard to not apply Akai no Tsurugi tecniques in middle of sparring. I must set my mind and body to only use the three basic kendo hits, or I will get scolded. (Sorry for my english)

[@SuperCasualPleb]

If it's not in competition i don't see the problem but that is my opinion

[@philiphorup7625]

Sensei ;-;

[@bigpapaboomboom9735]

Need more Practice

[@anilalaf7482]

There is a kenDO school for Niten-Ichi-Ryu? I can only imagine that it must be Jutsu. I havent heard of Akai no Tsurugi Kendo but is it 2 swords or 1 sword? If it is 1 Sword, how was the transition to Niten Ichi Ryu because you had to use 2 swords?

[@ethannewell732]

Difference between combat and competition - no rules

[@666mariska]

I remember I was so excited about kendo that I ended up training 3 times a week! and I'm so glad my dad gave me a bogu for my birthday I got my bogu from kendostar and it's amazing!

[@kamasu4222]

You started kendo because of SAO lol?

[@dogukanengin6388]

@@kamasu4222 I was thinking start kendo for SAO and I Think I'm gonna start for this :S

[@ruz01_7]

Well I mean.... fair enough

[@sleepingturtle32]

@@dogukanengin6388 sao would also be a little bit of HEMA since not all of the characters use katanas, some use longswords...

[@MrConna6]

@@sleepingturtle32 the main character is a kendo or iaido practitioner iirc

[@kaptenlemper]

Something I'd like to add - the importance of proper stretching and correct movement, especially if you have flat feet. Ended up taking four months off training because of plantar fasciitis on my right foot, have heard horror stories of achilles tendons rupturing.

[@poolboyinla]

My dad has had a sinai in the closet my whole life but I never thought about kendo until tonight when I saw the movie Mukoku.

[@Quintcy]

Shinai :)

[@ignis9265]

Oh its travis kraft! How is that adowbong manacc doing?

[@bnt7526]

When your opponent is your crush every hit is "tsuki!"

[@chelsey5349]

So true XD

[@azrielackerman4659]

The moon? The throat? I presume you mean Suki lol, which means "to like"

[@2youn8]

@@azrielackerman4659 It’s tsuki

[@ash-lm4ob]

@@2youn8 its suki

[@optie5]

@@2youn8 It's suki not tsuki. Tsuki means moon

[@Filfaeril]

General Hux teaching me what the kendo is. Does the Emperor know about it, sir? Anyway, very nice introducement- just started my joruney with kendo few weeks ago and hoping to stay.

[@lkfh1]

How did it go? :)

[@donaldguntner622]

Great advice for anyone contemplating entering Kendo Andy’s!!

[@darylwilkinson9882]

Thanks for this video! I've signed up for a beginners class at a local kendo club to see if it's something I'd enjoy and I'm looking forward to it :)

[@yeeeessssssssss]

I get blisters on the bottom of my feet and toes and hands every training. The skin never hardens but the blisters became painless after the first times I get them which was really painful and had to borrow medical supplies from the dojo Edit: referring to 5:37

[@Notarealgirl92]

I'm just starting on kendo and iaido and these videos are very useful, thank you!

[@psysoul]

Thank you for sharing! It's good that you mention the goal, the aim of kendo! Coming from an iaido "background" I found this interesting.

[@musashi1562]

Great video from Andy as always. I don´t understand how somebody can dislike it... He is the best non asian sensei here on youtube. I appreciate what he does for all kendoka.

[@doffyslave]

Im so glad i watched this Im starting kendo next month And im so excited I just couldn't sit still and not do anything so i was looking for a sport hobby and i saw a kendo in Fb so i applied to join im just so glad my mom was so supportive And i learned that kendo is very respectful so I didn't want to be disrespectful so i searched more about kendo So thank you for this video

[@treycoleman5199]

this was a very helpful video and appreciate the candor. thank you!!!!

[@kornelhuppert5654]

Excellent information!

[@Fonkemman]

Hey man! I am really enjoying your videos and I am considering to start Kendo now! Please update your playlist so I can watch more. 🙂

[@frednapier3347]

This I really interesting wish I could try it

[@nomdeplume6189]

I got into kendo hoping to learn swordsmanship in the dueling/historical sense. Found out quickly that it wasn't, but fell in love with the sport anyway. Might get back into kendo again. It's been over 15 years

[@Ironowl2]

Good stuff and the intro was good.

[@syang1116]

Yes the kendo practice is very rewarding. Superb!

[@cookiesncreed1487]

some guys walked up to me asking if I wanted to learn kendo while I was running at the park... yesterday I watched bleach when kenpachi mentioned kendo and how the sword is stronger with 2 hands than one... life is tryna tell me something here... and it’s free

[@TheCreaTaur]

Beware of a stranger in the park offering you free sword classes

[@rolandmousaa3110]

Thanks for the info..

[@jonben7244]

Thank you for this video I'm going to try kendo now originally when I looked into martial arts I was just wanting to learn how to fight like a samurai but kendo sounds like something that's up my alley it sounds like it's competitive but fun and it still has the fighting spirit in it just in its own way

[@lewisb85]

The shouting actually took me a while to get used to because I came from fencing which I did at uni to kendo.

[@user-se6ni5gl8e]

Llegó 3 meses tarde, pero igual, amo el kendo, es lo mejor que me pasó en la visa, no me arrepiento de nada ni me arrepentiré ❤️❤️❤️

[@TSPH1992]

There's a small Dojo near my home. Maybe I will take a free class in the upcoming months. Costs are €23,50 a month and ironically it's in the same building as my former highschool so their would be a certain irony to it

[@jaslint6252]

Andy would you please set up like a beginner kendo whole package in kendostar, like the bogu, clothing, Shinai, bags, etc? I like to shop from you and just 1 click has everything in. Thanks

[@petsitter78]

I became interested in Kendo while going to the gym. Next to gym they practiced, shouted and beat each other with sticks and it was funny, later it started to fascinate me. What I can unleash my emotions and aggression without using violence. I think I'll sign up for these classes, i love it !!! I'm not worried about blisters on my hands, I already have them from lifting weights :)

[@whyareyougay4090]

Muito obrigado ☺️

[@Rusya-P]

5:07 my experience on the bogu: the kote hurts the most if I didn't buy a wrist buffer (of some sort), and the men/head gear if I don't put it on properly.

[@MartynStanleyAuthor]

I got a 2nd Dan in Taekwondo years ago. I trained off and on for a long time. It's been over 10 years since I trained now. I found a local Kendo club and I'm really excited about trying something completely new. Went to meet the instructor and hoping to start soon.

[@yuxitai5639]

hows it going? im also doing tkd right now and im thinking of starting kendo

[@MartynStanleyAuthor]

@@yuxitai5639 I’ve done LOTS of martial arts. Kendo feels very different to anything else I’ve done. I think there are only about 1500 members of the BKA and there’s probably a reason for that. It’s awesome if it’s for you, but it’s not for everyone. Go to class, borrow a shinai and see how it feels!

[@yuxitai5639]

@@MartynStanleyAuthor Thanks! Went to a kendo class that my friend goes to yesterday, and I have to say, the atmosphere of the place is really different than tkd. Defintley way more strict. Also, I think that kendo place that I went to is associated with the Korean Kendo Association. Thanks for the reply!

[@MartynStanleyAuthor]

@@yuxitai5639 Korean Kendo is called Haidong Gumdo. It is a strict more serious atmosphere. That might be logical because you're training with weapons. Even though a bokken is just wood, you could easily seriously injure someone with one. You should watch the Zero to Shodan videos on the Kendo Show on You Tube to get an idea of what you need to learn to get through the first couple of gradings.

[@yuxitai5639]

@@MartynStanleyAuthor lots of thanks! ill hopefully let you know hows it going in a couple of months!

[@masak-1516]

very nice!

[@vasiliki_R]

I want to start Kendo there wasn't any club in my town but I am moving into a city in one month, which has a kendo club near the area I am going to live. I can't wait to see how it it.

[@parisindy]

I have done martial arts most of my life but a couple of years ago and it stopped me from doing most of it. I have gotten out of shape and really feel like I need to start something new. Would kendo be low impact on my knee? Love this video thank you

[@Anathmatician]

Question for Kendo rants - do people ever wear elbow guards or other protection under the gi? Don’t think they are used as much as they used to be, but Olympic rules sabre fencers sometimes wear an elbow guard over the bony end , and looking at Kendo, it looks like there’s a reasonable chance of being hit on the elbow if your opponent misses, particularly if they are striking to Do.

[@humanperson9443]

Nope

[@kirasenpaiamv]

saw a kendo tournament and got in interest

[@mateichiscop9450]

I. Miself practice kendo it a beautiful art at first i was cringing miself about shouting but now it totaly ok and last night i wear a kendo armour and it felt cool af

[@hart1871]

When i eas younger running in the road barefoot was a must since the possibility of slipping lower, and the roads was usually empty, win win for me wahahaha

[@MotherOfCameras]

Definitely made me more interested in wanting to do Kendo. I’ve been saving for the starter classes during lockdown. Just gotta wait for my local club to open again. (Really made me laugh that it sounds like he’s saying Kendall)

[@thkun33]

nice interpretation

[@natefromthestates5822]

SENSEI, I WOULD RECOMMEND A DISTANT #6. PEOPLE NEED TO UDERSTAND THE SEMPAI/KOIHI RELATIONSHIP. THERE IS ALOT MORE TO THIS YET I DONT WANT TO SHARE IT ON THE PUBLIC FORUM.

[@rodrigorodriguez509]

Thank you for putting the points in text at the bottom, I could not have handled more than a few seconds otherwise

[@kevinstapp328]

Has the barefoot thing changed at all in like, the last year? I've just learned about Kendo and I'm very interested now, it looks like a fascinating physical and spiritual exercise, working on my discipline has been my goal during all of this and it's helped me a lot.

[@TheKendoShow]

No, Kendo continues to be practiced as a barefoot activity despite the happenings of 2020. Kendo is fantastic and has a lot to offer! I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@marijajovovic6767]

It's not just blisters, I had a competition last weekend and I got injured, but I'm okay now it was a small injury

[@Mxnarch_VFX]

I'm going to be taking kendo soon shouting is not hard for me since I took a couple of years of taekwondo so thats nice

[@woody_fromda6ix206]

I really respect the fact you came here and was straight up when you said kendo is not teaching you how to sword fight for example like tai chi where they act like if you practice tai chi and master it you will have the ability to kill anyone with just a glance if you so wish. To then get into a real life situation and get punched in the mouth so you give the guy the glance and before you know it your waking up from a coma a week later and realize you quite yet haven’t got to the glance death level yet and in reality you can’t even throw a basic jab so I respect you deal in reality

[@markod7662]

Great explanation! I would argue that one could practice something else to become a better person. Like mandolin or maybe cooking. :)

[@everclouds6576]

I am brand new to Kendo and the only reason I wanted to do Kendo was to... officially call myself a samurai but not i kinda wanna do kendo for fun (I am not sure why I feel embarrassed saying this)

[@hozierenthusiast]

I’m so sad that I have Agoraphobia and social anxiety cus I really want to try this. When I’m 18 and have a more stable economy I’m gonna pay for private classes because I really want to learn this.

[@chubzgg7336]

trying to self learn kendo so im learning through online

[@angeliquegse928]

i wanted to know what's the difference between kendo and kenjutsu it's the same but one is more modern no??

[@kennethgarland6145]

I understand Sensei

[@haxan2565]

I'm so excited to get into kendo, i'm going through a rough time and the only thing that makes me calm down a little is watching and learning about kendo. I hope it goes well, any recomendations? I have a mild injury in my ankle, is wearing something to keep it stable allowed while training?

[@user-qb4ke6gm5b]

Me too!!

[@lain7971]

I'm turning 14 this year and I'm a girl. I've done Wushu and Taekwondo when I was around 8/9. Will it be worth it learning Kendo?

[@TheKendoShow]

Yes! kendo is fantastic, the best thing to do is to give it a try!

[@endermanmasterhome7105]

Yes! You can never learn everything in kendo and you don’t need to be that that good to go to other country’s for tournament, at least if you live in a country where kendo isn’t that big. I love in the Netherlands and I have been to Germany and Belgium and some more country’s for tournaments.

[@reef4519]

Fucking jump in there, go and be happy and try everything! We can't live forever, neither can we do everything. But we can try things we want to while we can

[@craigberube9890]

Did you try it ?

[@Andra1150]

Great video, thanks) I have a question: can I practice kendo carefully if I have had retinal detachment in the past? I am still recovering (though I see good), and I ask for the long-term future, but still: can I do this? Is the helmet strong enough that I don't have to worry about an eye injury?

[@ricardogabrielromano7712]

Los golpes usualmente van directo a la parte superior de la cabeza o Aceves estocadas al cuello, muy rara vez es posible que un shinai se rompa y una astilla salte a tu ojo pero quitando esa minina posibilidad no creo que halla problema. Eso sí consulta con tu médico por si acaso

[@hristopenev5954]

Ich mache Training jeden Tag.Thank you, but I musst with musik relax machen und Koffee drinking. I see this,das, dass bin du bist vernünftig Mensch. Ich kann schreiben, aber nicht reden.Thank you.

[@thedarkcrusader7945]

If ur from the uk go onto the BKA (British kendo association) website

[@tohrutokota3005]

Tbh the way i started doing kendo was when i was 7 and i wanted to join cuz it looked fun and also my dad was doing it and i wanted to join him (i think, i don't remember that)

[@erschrizzy3202]

I wanted to learn to fight with a sword since I was little but we have no dojos near where I live unfortunately. Now I decided to learn it myself with a book. For me it's also about the way, the spiritual development. Do you think this is a good idea to learn it by myself? Also, very good video thank you 💪

[@AD-tg6vu]

I guess it's extremely difficult to learn it by yourself, as it is almost impossible to find what is wrong with you actions on your own. I think the best way to learn kendo is to find a teacher. But I think it is worth doing!!! I'm so glad that you got interested in Kendo.

[@freedeliveryafter8]

If there's no Kendo near you, try HEMA. They use Western Swords like Longsword, Rapier, etc, so it's different but still sword fighting, and you'll get in-person instruction and sparring with real opponents, which you won't get from a book.

[@chaboiseann]

I've done boxing kickboxing and even got my blue belt in bjj but after my acl injury I cannot train like I used to. Would yall say that kendo is less intense than mma and boxing?? I've been doing combat sports since I was 15 I'm 28 now and haven't trained in 2 years

[@andresgallego5727]

My sensei says the most common point in people's Kendo journey where they completely abandone or start to have second thoughts about it, is when they start wearing a bogu, In my case I can say wearing a bogu is very demanding on my body, it's like 2 weeks since I started wearing one and I can see why people defect at this stage, I feel out of breath at my first strike and I cannot even stand a whole match, granted I don't have the best stamina or physique, but I'm still motivated to improve and be competitive eventually. So basically that is one of the things I would add to the list, wearing a Bogu will be extremely uncomfortable and claustrophobic, you will get used to it with time I guess, but it's not ez to put that armor on and be normal.

[@dougsinthailand7176]

At the first kendo dojo I attended, the keikogi color for kyu grades was different from that of dan grades. Is this fairly common?

[@deadswordsman]

Well indigo washes off with time, so dan grades might have lighter color keikogi :)

[@josegregorio9206]

cool

[@kaolq5823]

I'm 13 and did taekwondo between the ages of 5 to 11. Is it worth me trying this sport?

[@bushido007]

is getting CTE from all the head hits a concern?

[@allgoo1990]

Before the protectors were invented, they used the hard wooden sword and without protector but stop the sword an inch to the body but the mishap took place all the time leading to the injury they had to take breaks months before start exercising again. It was very inefficient so the invention was revolutionary.(in Edo period)

[@endermanmasterhome7105]

“it can hurt” well if you go to Germany for an tournament is does. Germans hit so hard when it comes to winning a tourney lol

[@tohrutokota3005]

Watching this video but i already started doing kendo

[@playhrd2446]

Wait I thought 好き(suki) was the word for love in japanese 🤔 Edit: after 1 month I realized that I was going somewhere with this statement but I got it wrong. 好き　actually means like. Ai (愛) means love. Just thought I'd let you know.

[@noahabarca3883]

The word here is 'tsuki' not 'suki'. Different pronunciation.

[@thatonepersonwhoair-dropsy268]

I’ve actually never really felt pain when holding the Shinai, but that may be improper technique. Any ideas on why or is it just that it doesn’t happen? The leather on my Shinai is also quite coarse, soooo

[@megasuperlexa2]

If it is nothing like a real swordfight then can it be practiced with a bat

[@shredwarfare5446]

Woo

[@marijajovovic6767]

I'm 13 and I'm doing kendo for the past 6 years

[@smgb4087]

Lowkey wanna get into kendo so I can shout bankai before each match lnao

[@jsrhedgehog9981]

As someone who has done fencing (Sabre and Epee) and is interested in doing Kendo, it looks like Kendo is going to be far tougher. My question is will kendo hurt more than fencing?

[@humann5682]

Not really, shiai are quite light. They are not the same as a bokken.

[@user-qb4ke6gm5b]

Im new at my university and i was thinking about joining both with no prior experience but i think the practices overlap. Im not sure what to choose

[@craigberube9890]

Will I be able to wear my glasses under helmet?

[@TyroVogel]

Thank you. Going to have my first trial lesson today. Summary: 1. Kendo is practiced barefoot. 2. Kendo is loud. You have shouting. Strikes are the perfect unification of sword, spirit, and body. 3. Kendo is not completely painless. It is a full contact martial art. 4. Kendo will not make you into an expert sword fighter. The purpose of kendo is to improve our character through the application of the principles of the sword. We're not trying to figure out what's the best way to win a swordfight, it exists as a tool for self-improvement. 5. Cost of kendo: a) practice fees. b) you have to be associated with some kind of insurance, and some of the Federations that provide this require fees for memberships. c) equipment -- a *shinai* (bamboo sword), a *bok-to* (soild wood sword used for kata practice) and a bag to put them in, but some clubs can lend them out for the first few weeks. Uniforms, not usually required for the 1st few months. The armor also not necessarily needed for the first few months. The armor is the most expensive, and it's recommended to buy a good quality suit so you don't have to buy twice.

[@kennethgarland6145]

I lived in Britain till age 2 years 10 months old , the God That Saves all Bless You

[@vestige2540]

First point "being barefoot" Me: right I am already hooked , problem I am to young and I hate that.

[@G3minee]

There are kids as young as 4-5 in our dojo. Never too young and generally better to start asap

[@valice_vecs7616]

Mk so I’m 15 and kendo has had my curiosity for a while after I saw an anime about it and started looking at tournament clips. I’d like to try it at some point but I have medical equipment attached to me at all times (insulin pump and libre) because I’m diabetic. Would this be a problem?

[@scheisstag]

I am not an expert for Kendo (but a martial arts instructor and I have a master in sport science) but there is usually a way to practice a sport, even if you are handicapped. And I guess it should be possible to find a technical solution, for example to attach the pump to the back of your body, and you will be totally fine without any disadvantage.

[@valice_vecs7616]

scheisstag ok. Thank you for the info

[@fawx3684]

If you wanna get good at swordsmanship do HEMA

[@ianking2542]

How would one become an expert duelest

[@connornicholson6632]

Ho Andy love your show I'm based in Lancashire and have been wanting to try kendo for a long time now do you have any advice on how to find a dojo

[@TheKendoShow]

Hi Connor, We have a Dojo in Preston - we’re closed for Xmas and New Year - but will be starting again in late January - we’ll be starting up a beginners course probably early February 👍 you’d be welcome to join us!

[@connornicholson6632]

@@TheKendoShow hi Andy that would be brilliant is there anyway I can contact you closer to the time to see when it would be begining ?

[@TheKendoShow]

@@connornicholson6632 yes - [e-mail] 👍

[@connornicholson6632]

@@TheKendoShow thank you !

[@Z3nitsu2k19]

I want to give it a try But i still don't know if my parents will agree

[@Bruh-dr3hz]

Ok i do kendo now

[@PARAMONARIOS]

Can one get a CTE from all these hits to the head after decades of practicing?

[@yagary5025]

1. The protective gear weight about 6kg. 2. You shouldn’t be afraid of dirty In Taiwan we always practice on dirty ground

[@szymonszoltun9317]

i know im 6 months late but looking at your fact number 4 about its not swordsmanship ypur poont are valid but when you look at history kendo was use to practise swordsmanship to stay inform and theres also real life experiances that people learned back then but i certainly think you can use it in a real life encounter but what you say is true about its not all about swordsmanship and learning how to kill btw as off this moment i dont practise but im aiming to start.

[@adamcharlesburke]

I want to get a gift for a friend who does Kendo.. what is a good gift??? Any recommendations? Thanks

[@samuraialfredo]

In regards to #3, can the strike injure you despite the bogu? I'm concerned due to my kidney transplant. Thanks.

[@callmeomega9588]

It’s one of those things that you get used to over time but the bogu does it’s job well of protecting to but also like he said it depends on how hard your opponent strikes you

[@liammannion3141]

i want to do this but idk man, i’m scared. i have never done something like this at all and i’m 15 so i might be too late to start.

[@TheKendoShow]

Liam Mannion it’s definitely not too late to start - I was older than you when I started ;) give it a try, you might find you really like it!

[@HighLevelNinja]

I hope 15 isn't too old! I'm 56 ...

[@volkerhansen8243]

Well I would like to start doing kendo , but there are no clubs in 50 km near me … I’m in Germany :(

[@Marco_Polo2]

Oof that sucks

[@bigjavi2681]

Hey what's up want to ask is there like a certain limit on what type of person they will allow to do this I always wanted to do it most of my life but I didn't live in an area that have it until now they open one down the street from my house but would they be okay with someone who's like 195.58 cm and walking around in 280 pounds

[@TheKendoShow]

No you can definitely go and try Kendo! Should should go and give it a go!

[@weeb6390]

I would love to start kendo my problem: I have a phobia of feet’s 🕳👄🕳

[@nemember2614]

Lol

[@bluegodan]

You did not mention regional federations like the European Kendo Federation EKF- www.ekf-eu.com. Otherwise quite Nice! Dieter

[@Byzantios1]

One more thing: Wooden floor - seiza.

[@andreyshutelov1654]

Couldn’t agree more but it’s even worse when the floor is busted up.

[@johnbradford6875]

+ Byzantisos: That's a really good point - it can take some people a rather painful period to get used to. I've even met veterans of other martial arts who found the LACK of tatami a bit brutal. I practised it at home to stop my legs falling into a dreadful paralysis at the dojo.

[@johnbradford6875]

@@andreyshutelov1654 That's just brutal - 😢

[@donsimons9810]

Could you recommend a starter kendo armor set/brand?

[@TheKendoShow]

The Original VANGUARD Model ;) kendostar.com/products/vanguard-extra-protective-kendostar-bogu-set

[@Sleepybear6032]

nIce, the players do have to worry less about slipping and falling when they are barefoot.

[@Nyluere]

Question: do you use Katana’s or Odachi’s in this sport?

[@lgodproductions9064]

bamboo sticks