+ Martial arts can look deceptively easy to do as the initial contact with the relative art is usually via a demonstration by an expert or a feature in television or film. In common with most things, experts tend to make the difficult look easy. In Kendo the beginner must learn the basic stances or kamae associated with the use of the sword, the mechanics of the cut itself and basic attack and defence techniques prior to going into armour and taking part in actual contests. This process usually takes about three months assuming training three times per week. This can be longer or shorter depending on the individual.<br />

- These are not hard and fast rules. They are simply there to stop you wasting money needlessly.<br />

+ Frustration about lack of progress or lack of initial coordination is common and is the first obstacle to be overcome by the kendoka (kendo practitioner). From attaining this initial coordination progress is rapid and a reasonable standard of swordsmanship can be attained. Kendo as with all other martial forms utilises the Kyu / Dan system of grading where beginners progress from kyu grade through to shodan (first degree or black belt ) and beyond. Taiseidokai is a member of the British Kendo Association which is affiliated to the ZNKR (All Japan Kendo Federation). The BKA administers the grading process and grades obtained are recognised worldwide by all individual country Kendo Associations.<br />

- <h4 class="showhide_heading" id="When_can_I_start_">When can I start?</h4><br />Shiraoka does not have specific times for beginners to start. Just <a title="Contact Details" href="Contact+Details" class="wiki ">contact Gareth</a> and come along to the next session.<br />

+ Perseverance is everything and a Japanese view on the learning process can be had by reading the Noma Hisashi document on this site.<br />

- <h4 class="showhide_heading" id="How_long_will_it_be_before_I_get_into_armour_">How long will it be before I get into armour?</h4><br />This depends upon the individual. Some may make it into armour within a few months. Whereas others will take half a year or more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><h4 class="showhide_heading" id="How_much_does_it_cost_">How much does it cost?</h4><br />The cost of each session will be £5 to cover the running costs of the Dojo.<br /><br /><br /><br />As for equipment, shinai start at £15. Keikogi and Hakama start at £20 each. Armour starts at around £200.<br /><br /><br /><br />There is also membership to the British Kendo Association to consider, however, they run a temporary 3 month starter membership costing £10 to ease the burden.<br /><br /><br /><br /><h4 class="showhide_heading" id="Are_there_any_age_limits_">Are there any age limits?</h4><br />Kendo is an activity that can be started at any age. One of the teachers in manchester started in his 50's and is still active 30 years later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><h4 class="showhide_heading" id="How_fit_do_I_have_to_be_">How fit do I have to be?</h4><br />Kendo is a very strenuous activity. However, it is accessible to people of all levels of fitness (or unfitness).<br /><br /><br /><br /><h4 class="showhide_heading" id="What_if_I_wear_glasses_">What if I wear glasses?</h4><br /><br /><br />This should not be a problem. A lot of people's glasses will fit under the armour. Some people wear contacts, and some nothing at all. As a last resort it is possible to buy &quot;Kendo Glasses&quot; designed to fit while wearing armour.<br /><br /><br /><br /><h4 class="showhide_heading" id="Is_Kendo_just_for_guys_">Is Kendo just for guys?</h4><br />Absolutely not! Women are very welcome at Shiraoka. They practice the same as the guys and often compete directly with men at competition.<br />

+ Best wishes on your training….<br />

+ Gerry Kincaid, Kendo 5-Dan

+ “Train hard, fight easy”

+ <li>Do not smoke in the dojo.</li><br />

- <li>Generally, beginners and kendoka of lower rank should sit opposite and facing yudansha (higher ranked grades) or to their left.</li><br />

+ <li>Generally, beginners and kendoka of lower rank should sit to the left of yudansha (higher ranked grades).</li><br />

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During the practice of Kihon, Waza, etc.. Sonkyo should be performed at the beginning of the first practice and the end of the last. However, During Jigieko (Free Sparing) Sonkyo should be performed at the beginning and end of every bout.

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+ For example; by going to the News page and clicking the eye, whenever a new piece of news is posted, you will receive an email notification with a link to the new post.

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Scottish Kendo Clubs

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• Taiseidokai - Glasgow's Kendo Club

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Glasgow University Kendo Club

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Edinburgh Kendo Club

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Edinburgh University Kendo Club

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Yugenkai - Kendo in Dunfermline

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St Andrews Kendo Club

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Aberdeen Kendo Club

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Associations

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• British Kendo Association

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European Kendo Association

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Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei - All Japan Kendo Association

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Equipment Stores

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• E-Bogu

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Nine Circles

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Euro Kendo

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Miyako Kendogu

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Euro Bogu

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Tenpudo

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+ Email: <script language="Javascript" type="text/javascript">document.write('<a class="wiki" href="'+unescape('%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a')+'gareth'+unescape('%40')+'lanarkshirekendo.net">gareth'+unescape('%40')+'lanarkshirekendo.net</a>');</script><noscript>gareth at lanarkshirekendo.net</noscript><br />

+ Taiseidokai is an old and established Kendo club based in the west-end of Glasgow. Gareth Spiers studies there. More info can be found <a class="wiki external" target="_blank" href="http://kendoglasgow.net" rel="external nofollow">here</a><img src="img/icons/external_link.gif" alt="(external link)" width="15" height="14" border="0" title="(external link)" class="icon" />.<br />

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