RESOURCES

Kendo Basics - Austin Kendo Doshikai

This video was shot during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and is meant for beginners to learn the foundations of kendo reiho (manners) and basic practice (footwork and suburi) at Austin Kendo Doshikai.

Beginners to kendo can practice alongside this 45-minute basic practice every day at home.

Bokuto Ni Yoru Kendo Kihon Waza Keiko Ho

These are basic movements (Kata) of Kendo, developed by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). It incorporates the Fundamental Techniques of Kendo and it is composed with 9 movements. The receiver side is the Motodachi and the attacker side is called Kakarite. Proficiency in these kata are necessary for the advancement in kyu ranks as follows:

4-kyu requires katas 1 to 3

3-kyu requires katas 1 to 6

2-kyu requires katas 1 to 9

Nippon Kendo Kata

Kata are fixed patterns that teach kendoka (students) the basic elements of swordsmanship using the bokuto, which is the solid wooden sword, as opposed to the shinai, the bamboo sword used for full contact strikes in practice. In Kata there are two roles, uchidachi (teacher) and shidachi (student), as opposed to shinai practice with the terms the motodachi and kakarite. Proficiency in these kata are necessary for the advancement in ranks as follows:

1-kyu requires katas 1 to 3

1-dan requires katas 1 to 5

2-dan requires katas 1 to 7

3-dan and higher requires katas 1 to 10

E-bogu is owned and operated in Southern California by Taro Ariga sensei. Here you will find all uniforms and equipment needed for your kendo practice. Free shipping on orders >$100 for USA 48 States for selected items. Click below for a link to e-bogu’s BEGINNER’S SET.

Tozando was established in 1989 with only one goal in mind: to provide the world's budoka with the best equipment Japanese craftsmanship can offer. The only way to achieve such a goal was through rigorous commitment to quality, innovation and service.

Maruyama Kendo Supply is a longtime supporter of Austin Kendo Doshikai and our annual Longhorn Team Invitational Tournament in Austin, Texas. You will see him at many AUSKF and SWKIF events to purchase in person, or you can explore his website online.