INFORMATION

WHAT IS KENDO?

Kendo means "way of the sword" and is the traditional martial art of Japanese fencing. Kendo players fence with flexible bamboo practise swords(shinai) using both the edge and point of the sword to hit targetson their opponent's armour.
The four main targets are the top of the head, the throat, the abdomen and the wrist.Kendo means "way of the sword" and is the traditional martial art of Japanese fencing. Kendo players fence with flexible bamboo practise swords (shinai) using both the edge and point of the sword to hit targets on their opponent's armour. The four main targets are the top of
the head, the throat, the abdomen and the wrist.

Kendo also is the sword art of the samurai or bushi. Kendo has been a part of Japanese culture for a large part of its history and continues today as a sport in Japan and throughout the world. The story of kendo is the story of the Japanese sword, its technical development and its cultural meaning in a sport that continues to use it as a means for character development.

In budo, Japanese martial arts, "do" refers to a path or way to self-improvement through martial
training. Kendo teaches not only physical fencing techniques but also a
philosophy which is inherent to budo. Kendo develops strong spirit, positive attitude and respect for others.





PRACTICE LOCATION:

Esporta at Tampa Palms, Friday 6:30pm-8:30pm




5225 Cypress Preserve Dr.


Tampa, FL 33647

(813) 337-0966


PRACTICE TIME: Friday. 6:30pm~8:30pm


*** IMPORTANT TO VISITORS: YOU HAVE TO LET US KNOW WHEN YOU WANT TO COME AS I HAVE TO GET PERMISSION FROM LA FITNESS

NEW STUDENT !!
We only accept new student once a month, first week of each month.

MONTHLY TUITION:
Membership fee to join Esporta Fitness. Other fees may apply.

Also you need to pay to SEUSKF and AUSKF membership fee by beginning of each year.

Adult(18year or older): $70/year, which may change year to year
Children(younger than 18years): $50/year, which subject to be changed year to year

This fee will help our federation to buy liability insurance and help us to organize events. Please keep in mind that only paid members are allowed to take shinsa(test).

For your membership info for SEUSKF and AUSKF, you can check their website. http://www.seuskf.org/html/members.html

CONTACT: Sungmin Ro, tampakendoclub @ gmail.com

AFFILIATE DOJO

Summerlin Kendo Dojo
Summerlin Academy
1500 South Jackson Street
Bartow, FL 33830

Every Wednesday
5:00pm-7:30pm

*****IMPORTANT BEGINNERS ****
Download AND REVIEW New Student Beginner's guide



New Student Application Form:

Download New Student Application Form(Need PDF): Please print and sign this form when you come to practice


We are also affiliate of AUSKF and SEUSKF





ABOUT SHINOBU MAEDA SENSEI

Shinobu Maeda Sensei held the rank of 7th dan, kyohi, and is the Head Instructor of Bartow High School Kendo Club, Bartow, FL. From 1995 to 1999, and 2001-present, he has been a member of the boards for the Southeastern US Kendo Federation.. Maeda Sensei participated in the All U.S. Kendo Championships five times, and was elected to the board of the All United States Kendo Federation during 2006-Present. Bartow High School Kendo Club → Summerlin Academy Kendo ClubSoutheastern US. Kendo Federation (President : 2003-2004, 2012-2013) (Vice-president : 1995-1999, 2001-2002, 2005-Present) All United States Kendo Federation (Board of Directors 2006 - Present). He also shinpan(referee) at 16th World Kendo Championship, 2015



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS..


ABOUT TAMPA KENDO DOJO

Tampa Kendo Dojo is a non-profit organization. We are the only official Kendo Club in Tampa Bay Area. The instructors (Sensei’s) are all volunteers. This means that we rely on dues, fundraisers and membership & family member volunteers. We also rent a space so paying membership due on timely manner is highly appreciated.

We are also an affiliate of AUSFK and SEUSKF.


DO YOU HAVE AGE AND HEALTH RESTRICTIONS?



If you are in good health, you can learn and practice kendo at any age. However, we recommend that children wait until they are 6 or 7 years old before starting. This is due to the inability of younger children to concentrate for extended periods of time. If you have any health problems or concerns (i.e. asthma, heart condition, high blood pressure, etc.), as with any exercise program, please consult a doctor prior to starting Kendo. Currently our students range in age from 6 to 64.


I am Very Interested in Kendo Because I just saw..(select movie)..Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Kill Bill or The Last Samurai. When will we be working on fancy sword work like that? Will Kendo be just as exciting as the movie?

Tampa Kendo Club is a traditional Kendo Dojo strictly focusing on the fundamentals of Kendo. As a beginner, you will be performing the same fundamental drills to learn etiquette, footwork, and how to correctly swing the shinai and bokuto. Please be advised that you will not be wearing bogu (armor) for at least 4-6 months. Please note that YOU WILL NOT BE practicing in a field or practicing forms against a sunset background. Additionally, THERE WILL NOT BE flashy sword work such as spinning the sword, two sword techniques or flying kicks taught. We do not teach that type of swordmanship that you see on the movie screen. It is entertaining and we enjoy those movies too, but that type of swordsmanship is based on cinematic stunt choreography and has little to do with the actual practice and lifelong study in the art of Kendo.




AS A BEGINNER, WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO PRACTICE ?

We suggest you wear comfortable loose fitting clothing such as shorts and a t-shirt.


WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT DO I NEED ?

A beginning kendoist will need to purchase a shinai. You may purchase your shinai directly from www.e-bogu.com. We may be able to lend you a shinai in first couple of classes but you will need to purchase your own. For beginner, you will need to buy a "complete kendo shinai with leather parts."





SHINAI SIZE REGULATION

Adult male: Size 39


Adult female: Size 38

Ages & Recommended Shinai Size
4-6 years old: Size 32
7-9 years old: Size 34
10-12 years old: Size 36
13-15 years old: Size 37

HOWEVER, THIS SHINAI SIZE MAY DIFFER DEPENDS ON YOUR HEIGHT AND WEIGHT. PLEASE CONSULT WITH SENSEI OR SEMPAI BEFORE YOU PURCHASE SHINAI

Shinai Price: Approx. $30~100, including shipping


WEHN SHOULD I PURCHASE AND WEAR UNIFORM (KEIKOGI AND HAKAMA) ?

During the beginner phase, we suggest wearing shorts. This is to avoid any extra investment by the student should they wish to discontinue studying kendo soon after they enroll due to work schedules, relocation, change of heart, etc.

Recommended Uniform:
Summer GI and #8800 Hamaka Set

Kendo Stores
www.ebogu.com: Located in LA, More choice
www.alljapanbudogu.com: Located in Japan, recommend to order Bogu. Good fit
Uniform Price: Approx. $70~$300

WHEN CAN I WEAR ON THE BOGU? WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG TO GET INTO BOGU(ARMOR)?
Our Head Instructor or sempai will make the determination on when a new student will move into the advanced class, and when they shall put on bogu. The fundamentals of Kendo must first be learned and the muscles used in Kendo must be developed and become strong enough to withstand the rigors of practice.



Bogu Costs
Beginner: $350~$600
Advanced: $700~$2000

Most beginners buy beginners bogu set and upgrade to higher quality as they advanced. Please consult with sensei before you purchase bogu. Even beginners bogu set should last 5-10 years. Kote is the most common parts that worn out.

Memo to Parents and Guardians of students under the age of 15:

Members under the age of 15 are required to have a parent or guardian at the practice location during practice times.

The instructors at Tampa Kendo Dojo endeavor to apply our years of practice to teaching your children. We accept that we will need to teach them the types of etiquette that is expected in the dojo and will do this with patience and tactfulness. The one thing we ask of the parents is that you remind your child before practice to pay attention and treat the instructors with respect.

WHAT IS COMMON INJURIES ?

Even though Kendo is full contact sports, Kendo probably has a lower rate of injury than most martial arts. Kendoka rarely incur injuries worse than a bruise, although there are exceptions of course

Most common are blistered/torn feet and bruised forearms and ribs. Bruised heel is probably the most common injury that prevents practice, after that plantar fascitis.

Torn achilles tendon is the most serious common injury, only seen one of those thank god. I've personally had all sorts of bruises including the heel, tendinitis in the rotator cuff, bruised tendon sheath or possibly tendinitis in the wrist and taken the odd thump to the windpipe back when I had the bad habit of coming in with my chin up. Nothing serious so far, thank goodness, and that's in nearly 6 years of practice.

A correct shinai blow which lands on target, ie on the armor, should't hurt. A heavy handed cut driven by too much muscle, a typical beginner's stroke, can hurt a bit, more so if the armor is old and soft. The shinai itself is designed to flex and absorb the blow. A cut which misses the armor causes no worse than a bruise, although it certainly can hurt at the time.

Also, make sure to cut your toe nails as long nails can not only hurt yourself but others too.

Kendo foot blisters
A common injury for many beginners are foot blisters. Blisters are a result of tender skin being in contact with and subjected to tremendous friction with the floor. Pay careful attention to the condition of your feet before each practice.


For more information of common injuries, please take your time to read this website:

http://www.bestkendo.com/kendo-injuries.html


2013년 12월 21일 토요일

Matsumoto Sensei & Maeda Sensei

We are very lucky to have strong senseis around us.  Matsumoto sensei, 7th dan, and Maeda Sensei, 7th dan, have visited our dojo frequently and practiced with us.  It is very lucky to watch and learn such high level kendo.  We hope to learn very best out of such experience !






James Ro, Chosen as Junior Youth Team for South East United States Kendo Federation


I am happy to announce that James Ro has been selected as Junior Youth Team for SEUSKF.  He will fight for 15 and under at 2014 National Championship which will be held in June 27, 28 & 29 in San Diego, CA.  James fought 8 and won 7 shiai and tied one.   Congratulation and practice hard !

These are first 4 team members of SEUSKF Junior Youth Team





2013년 6월 2일 일요일

9th Florida Taikai and Test Result, June 1, 2013

9th Florida Takai was held at Bartow high school on June 1, 2013.   Tampa Kendo club won the first place in team competition.  Congrats to all participated.  

Also, Juan and Angel both passed 3kyu.  Thanks for your hard work and congratulation !!






2013년 5월 20일 월요일

Congratulation to both Harnjoo and Harrison for graduating high school !  Over the time, they both have been exceptional students and did their best to advance their kendo rank.  Harnjoo will head to Georgia Tech and Harrison will move to USF.  Good luck to you all                                                                                                                                                                           

2013년 3월 30일 토요일

University of Florida, Golden Shinai, March 2013

We had awesome time today.  Our team won 3rd place !!  I know I know.. actually, I am very confident that we could have won first place !!   But winning or losing is not really important.  Learn something new and having fun and being passionate about what you love is more important.  Happy to have each of you and thanks for coming to UF !!








2013년 3월 16일 토요일

Mathew Raymond Sensei, 6th dan, visited from Toronto

World well known Nito Sensei, Mathew Raymond sensei, 6th dan, visited us on March 16, 2013.  We all had great time and experienced very powerful Nito kenshi.  Hope you all had good time.  Mathew Raymond sensei was Canadian National Team for many years and now coaches Canadian Kendo national team for World Kendo Championship.
 









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