Equipment Requirements & Costs
Students at the KKC are required to purchase their own equipment for practices. There are no kendo retailers in Kingston, however there are a few stores in Toronto. Normally purchases are made through one of the many online equipment suppliers. To save on shipping costs the KKC will frequently co-ordinate group gear orders as well as keep a small stock of some items.
Shinai: Bamboo Sword
The shinai, bamboo practice sword, is the only piece of equipment required by beginners although a (tachi) bokuto is highly recommended. Shinai come in a wide range of quality, styles, and prices. A standard shinai will cost approximately $30 and up.
Beginners are required to purchase a shinai.
Bokuto: Wooden Sword
The bokuto is a wooden sword with the tachi being the "longsword" and the kodachi being the "short-sword". Beginners are encouraged to purchase a tachi for use in suburi, kata, and kihon bokuto waza practice. The kodachi is used by more experienced students. Standard bokuto are approximately $15-$30 each.
Beginners are not required to purchase a bokuto, however it is strongly recommended they do so (tachi only).
Hakama & Gi: Uniform
The hakama (pants/split skirt) and the gi (jacket) are the traditional uniform worn during a kendo practice. Uniforms range in price depending on the quality, but usually range from approximately $50 - $150.
Beginners are not required to purchase a uniform. This is invested in when one is ready to "stick with" kendo. The uniform is mandatory before one may begin bogu practice.
Bogu: Fencing Armour
Before one can begin actual "fencing", they must demonstrate a firm grasp on the basics. The KKC instructors will determination this based on progress through the basic striking drills practiced in class, but most will usually require 4-6 months of regular practice. Bogu will cost $300 and up depending on quality.
Beginners are not required to purchase bogu. Bogu is a privilege which must be earned through regular practice and cannot be used until instructors at the KKC have given permission to do so.
Resources
- Trying a Class
- Beginner's Guide
- Classes
- Location
- Practice Schedule
- Membership Fees
- Canadian Kendo Federation Fee
- Club Membership Fees
- Equipment Requirements & Costs
- Shinai
- Bokuto
- Hakama & Gi
- Bogu
Start-up Fees
New members are required to pay their annual CKF and CKF dojo contribution fees, the club membership fees for the current quarter, and purchase a shinai. Other equipment such as a uniform, bokuto, and bogu are purchased when the student is ready to do so.
