Kendo — Carleton

Show up to a free practice in a t-shirt and sweatpants. Bow at the door. Say “Onegai shimasu” (please teach me). And begin. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm practice times and fees via official club channels before attending.

Not religious. Bowing to kamiza respects tradition, not deity worship. No meditation or chanting required.

Very safe with bogu . Most injuries are blisters, strained calves, or mild bruises. No concussions typical. Tsuki (throat thrust) is controlled. carleton kendo

Kendo improves fitness, but you should be able to jog lightly for 5 minutes and kneel in seiza (modified sitting allowed for knee issues).

Co-ed. Women often have separate changing room and are encouraged to attend women-only kendo seminars (e.g., KO Women’s Camp). 11. Comparing Carleton Kendo to Other Ottawa Dojos | Dojo | Focus | Schedule | Cost (monthly) | Bogu required? | |------|-------|----------|----------------|----------------| | Carleton Kendo | University, beginner-friendly | Evenings, 2–3x/week | $20–$40 (student) | No (loaner) | | Ottawa Kendo Club | Traditional, competition | 3–4x/week, mornings/evenings | $70–$90 | After 2 months | | uOttawa Kendo | University, similar to Carleton | Evenings 2x/week | $30–$50 (student) | No | | Nepean Kendo | Family-oriented, suburban | 2x/week evenings | $60 | After 3 months | Show up to a free practice in a t-shirt and sweatpants

Held 2x/year at Carleton (internal examiner, usually 5th dan). Fee ~$20. 7.2 Dan grades (black belt equivalent – shodan to hachidan ) | Dan | Minimum time after previous | Exam venue | |-----|----------------------------|-------------| | Shodan (1st dan) | 1 year (as 1 kyu) | Ottawa or Toronto (KO grading) | | Nidan (2nd dan) | 1 year | KO regional | | Sandan (3rd dan) | 2 years | KO or Kendo Canada | | Yondan+ | 3+ years | Kendo Canada or FIK (Japan) |

Yes, but you must attend the new beginner intake session (usually weeks 2–3 of each term). Contact club in advance. And begin

The club is open to Carleton students, faculty, staff, and often community members (with some restrictions). It provides structured training in kendo – the Japanese art of swordsmanship using bamboo swords ( shinai ) and protective armour ( bogu ).