http://www.international-kendo.com
Kendo, like most other martial arts, can only be learned with
the help of a qualified sensei (teacher). There are many
companies that sell kendo videos and kendo pictures, saying that
it will teach a person how to be a samurai. This is completely
false, a sensei will point out what is wrong with your technique
and kata.
In order to learn kendo properly, you need to go to a kendo dojo
(kendo school) where you can have lessons with someone who has
been doing kendo for many years. Sensei aren't the only people
who can help you learn, most classes have many other students
who can also help point out what you are doing wrong.
Why would a company blatently lie to you? A simple answer: they
want money. Most of those companies that make the kendo videos
don't really care about you or kendo. However, dojo are only
payed enough to keep running and the sensei are normally
volunteers. Why would a sensei be a volunteer? Because he loves
kendo; that is how you know you will be learning: if a teacher
loves his subject, that love will pass on to his student.
Before join a dojo make sure you like it. Do not base your
choice on things like distance from your house or price of
membership. If you do not like your dojo, it will show in your
kendo. Go visit five or ten kendo dojo and pick one that meets
your needs the best. Some things to consider are the physical
dojo, the sensei, the other students, the teaching style, and
the ambience.
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