My School is going to offer Kendo !

[2brich]

has anyone here studied or know anything about kendo. just looking for comments or suggestions. some in my class believe that learning this style, one can use any stick like object as a weapon.

[Szczepankiewicz]

My instructor has studied Kendo and Iado. Part of our black belt training includes swords. It is good training for body position, grip, changing grips, striking, blocking etc....

It depends on how they teach it. From what I understand of Kendo it is similar to fencing. Limited targets and primarily using the tip of the sword. If I am correct, I don't know how useful this would be for self defense.

Should be loads of fun though....

[duc]

Dude I have done Kendo for about 17 years and I can honestly say that it the only martial art that is 85% mental 15% physical.
Make sure that who ever is teaching is legit. To ask permision to open your own dojo you prety much have to be a 5 degree black belt.

[Hungryjack]

Wow! Kendo sounds like a load of fun. Does anyone know if there are any schools in Houston that teach Kendo?

It requires a fair bit of equipment too, doesn't it? Is it expensive?

[2brich]

they tell me that i should be ready to invest about $1000, for equip. not sure if this is true or stretching the truth.

[duc]

You are going to spend about 300 for your bogu (armor) and about 20 bucks for your shini (bambo sword) and about 70 for your hakama (japanese pants) but on the flip side your gear will last about 20 to 30 years with the exception of your sword.
Kendo is one of the most physical sports out there.