kendo AT MEMPHIS KENDO AND IAIDO CLUB

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Kendo 剣道 is the art of Japanese fencing, derived from Samurai swordsmanship. Most of practice involves Kiai, shouting, while hitting with a Shinai, bamboo sword, on Bogu, armor. A Bokuto, wooden sword, is used for Kata, choreographed forms.  There are two of these forms that are currently practiced, one for kyu ranks, people below black belt, and dan ranks, people at the black belt level and above.

The Memphis Kendo and Iaido club is one of only a few Dojos in the entire Southern region of the United States and the only one of a handful in the entire Southeastern United States that practices both Kendo and Iaido. We are also a Dojo that focuses on the teaching of traditional Kendo instead of not modern competition Kendo.  

Iaido is the companion martial art to Kendo and is extremely helpful for improving one's Kendo as the moves and techniques for both correspond to and reinforce one another.  Further, The Memphis Kendo and Iaido club is the only Kendo Dojo with the background to be able to supplement its Kendo and Iaido training with lessons on Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, older forms of Kendo and Iaido, enabling its students to have a more complete understand of Kendo than the general Kendo practitioner.  For Iaido, this is through the teaching of the Koryu, or secret techniques passed down in the Musō Shinden-ryū style.

Instruction at MKIC is curriculum based and all practices are planned and tailored toward the individuals at practice. All of the members are all students who started with no Kendo or Iaido experience and through hard work and dedication, have reached the level that they have today. 

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In addition, our main instructors are based in the Memphis area and are fully devoted to MKIC. This is important for a student's progress because the study of Kendo is a lifetime pursuit and developing a long-term relationship with a good Sensei ensures the student will progress throughout the years. MKIC offers consistent, effective Kendo instruction throughout every practice, every week, every month, and every year. MKIC also partners with other Sensei from other dojos in order broaden their Kendo and Iaido perspective in order to push the upper limits of both themselves and their students so that everyone in the dojo continues to grow in a positive direction.

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To start Kendo, beginners need a Shinai, a bamboo sword, and comfortable workout clothes. Over a period of about 4-6 months with consistent practice, beginners are taught the basic drills needed to go through practice and are transitioned into Bogu, armor. We believe beginners should develop a certain level of basics before getting into armor. Otherwise, rushing into armor is detrimental to one's ability to succeed long term in Kendo.

All basic equipment may be purchased through the Dojo. The only starting equipment that is needed is a Shinai. The equipment cost is as follows.

A Shinai, bamboo sword, is the only piece of equipment needed to start Kendo. A basic one will cost about $30.00 and can be purchased from the club.

A basic uniform, which consists of a Keikogi (top) and Hakama (bottom), will cost around $80. Uniforms that are taken care of well will last forever for those who are adults. Children will need to re-purchase Keikogi and Hakama as they grow out of them.

A basic set of good Bogu (armor) will cost around $400. Bogu that is well maintained will last for many years. Some practitioners use bogu that is decades old.

A basic Bokuto, wooden sword, will cost around $30. Once you reach the rank of 3-Dan, you will also have to buy a Kodachi, or short wooden sword.

The first part of practice consists of a series of stretches and practice swings. The swings include strikes to thh head, Men, Sayu Men, and then Haya Suburi or fast swings.  Then, we work on basic foot work, Ashi Sabaki.

Once this is complete, beginners will go with an experienced Sensei in order to learn Kendo Basics.  These include Kirikaeshi, a fundamental drill with multiple strikes, as well as basic strikes to the target areas: Men, Kote, Do.  Please note that the ones mentioned are the most basic and are an constant at every Kendo practice.

For the last part of practice, those in Bogu will participate in what is known as Jigeikou, a sparring exercises where Kenshi apply the basics used in practice.  Beginners will be able to observe, an important part of practice known as Metsuke Keiko.