Club Information
Table of Contents
Rowan's Law
On July 1, 2019, new rules came into effect through Rowan's Law to improve concussion safety in amateur competitive sport. All Canadian dojos fall under the guidelines set by Rowan's Law.
Kendo Ontario has provided guidelines to all Ontario dojos in order to ensure they operate within the Rowan's Law protocol.
- All Kingston Kendo Club members are required to familiarize themselves with the concussion protocol.
- Prior to participating in bogu (fencing) activities the form, contained in the Pre-Bogu Concussion Education pamphlet, must be signed and submitted to the KKC instructor(s).
Concussion Protocol
Kendo Ontario has developed the Kendo Ontario Concussion Protocol to help guide the management of athletes/participants who may have a suspected concussion as a result of participation in Kendo.
- Kendo Ontario Concussion Protocol
All KKC club members are required to familiarize themselves with the concussion protocol.
DownloadPre-Bogu Concussion Education
Before beginning bogu practice, i.e., fencing with an opponent, new bogu members must read the Pre-Bogu Concussion Education pamphlet provided by Kendo Ontario.
The form included at the end of the pamphlet must be printed, signed, and submitted to the KKC instructor(s) prior to engaging in bogu related activities.
DownloadTrying a Class
Interested in trying a class? You are welcome to come to the beginner classes to participate in a few free, trial sessions. You are more than welcome to observe any class at anytime and as often as you like. Let us know that you will be coming in advance.
Contact us: [email protected]Prospective Students Guide
The club has a very simple guide for new or prospective students geared toward giving a basic overview of the terms, formalities, procedure, etc… in a Kendo practice. It also includes info on class location, entering and exiting the building, and general rules for the building itself. The information should serve as a crash course on what to expect and how to proceed in your first practice with us.
TopClasses
Covid-19 Protocol
- pass a self-screening check before entering the building. If showing any symptoms, e.g., cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose, etc. you will be denied entry. All people who have experienced any of the above symptoms must be symptom free for 24 hours, or provide proof of a negative covid test, prior to attending practices.
- wear a mask for the entire duration that you are in the building.
New or prospective students attending for the first time, please contact the club in advance.
TopLocation
Classes are located at Tallack's Martial Arts, 2777 Princess St. Please enter through the front door on Princess St. This door will be unlocked roughly 10m prior to class time; all other doors will be locked. There is a parking lot located on the East side of the building.
TopPractice Types and Schedule
The Kingston Kendo Club offers four classes per week. Beginners are welcome to participate in classes marked as "Beginner" or "Mixed", while more experienced students may (and are encouraged to) attend each of the "Beginner", "Mixed", and "Bogu" practices. Prospective students are limited to attending the "Beginner" class.
Class Types
| Class Types | |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Practices which focus on the core basics and fundamentals of Kendo. New students and current members are welcome. |
| Mixed | Practice designed such that both bogu and non-bogu can practice together, usually in basics or kata. All members welcome. New students may begin attending Mixed classes after their first few Beginner classes. |
| Bogu | Kendo practice while wearing the Bogu. Practice is centered around application of various fencing techniques and exercises. This is for experienced members only. |
If interested, please contact us!
e-Mail: [email protected] Facebook group: Kingston Kendo Club Facebook GroupSee Practice Schedule & Calendar
Membership Fees
Start-up Fees
New members are required to:
- Pay the club membership fee for the current quarter
- Purchase their own shinai
- Pay the annual CKF fee
On average, this amounts to roughly $200 which covers the first three months of practice, a shinai, and the annual CKF membership fee. See below for more details.
Fees at a Glance
| Start-up Fees at a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
| CKF Membership (mandatory) | Youth (<16 yo) | Adult (16+ yo) |
| $15/year | $50/year | |
| Club Membership (mandatory) | Student / Military | Standard |
| $105/3 mo. | $120/3 mo. | |
| Shinai (mandatory) | Men's | Women's |
| $40 and up, depending on quality, type, and materials | ||
| Bokuto (recommended)1 | Tachi | Kodachi |
| $30-$50 | $30-$50 | |
Fee Explanations
Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) Fee
The Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) fee is $50 per year for adults (>16 y/o) and $15 per year for juniors. This fee covers membership from January of the current year to January of the next. Membership with the CKF supports Kendo in Canada, allows members to attend CKF events such as seminars, tournaments, and to attend CKF gradings.
The CKF provides liability insurance to CKF registered dojos and its members, helping clubs keep their monthly membership fees low.
The CKF annual fees are paid online by each individual member. It is the responsibility of each member to ensure that their fees are up to date. Your CKF standing will be confirmed online by our club CKF dojo administrator. To register as a member and pay your CKF fee visit the CKF Registration website and follow the procedure listed. Existing members login to their CKF membership account.
As of January 2012, all members of the KKC are required to be in good standing with the CKF. Members will be refused the ability to participate in practices otherwise as they would not be covered under the CKF liability insurance required by the building in which we practice.
Club Membership Fees
This fee covers enrollment in the Kingston Kendo Club itself. Fees are paid on a quarterly basis (every three months) and are due at the beginning of each quarter.
The quarterly sessions are Jan.-Mar., Apr.-Jun., Jul-Sep., and Oct.-Dec. Members may pay for multiple quarters in advance if they so choose. If you join mid-session, then you will simply pay the fee for the remaining time in that quarter.
Standard Fee
The standard fee for KKC membership is $120 per quarter ($40/month). This applies to all community members who are non-students or non-military.
Student or Military Fee
The student & military fee for KKC membership is $105 per quarter ($35/month). This structure applies to community members with a valid student or military photo ID card. Immediate family members of military personnel qualify for this rate.
Equipment
Students at the KKC are required to purchase their own equipment for practices. There are no kendo retailers in Kingston so 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 Practice Sword
A shinai, the bamboo practice sword, is the only piece of equipment required by beginners. Shinai come in a wide range of quality, styles, and prices.
A standard shinai will cost approximately $40 and up depending on style and quality.
Beginners are required to purchase their own shinai.
Bokuto: Wooden Practice Sword
The bokuto is a wooden sword; the tachi being the longsword and the kodachi being the short sword. Beginners are encouraged to purchase a tachi for use in basic practice and kata. The kodachi is used in kata by more experienced students.
Standard bokuto are approximately $40 each.
Beginners are not required to purchase a bokuto, however it is recommended they purchase a tachi (longsword) when possible.
Hakama and Gi: The Kendo 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 $75 - $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 Armor
Before one can begin actual fencing, they must demonstrate a firm grasp on the basics. The KKC instructors will determine 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 roughly $300 and up depending on style, materials, and 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.
Club Gear: Bokuto and Bogu
The club has some used bokuto and bogu. Bokuto are regularly brought to classes and can be borrowed by members who require one for the current practice.
The used bogu, if not already on loan, can be borrowed for an extended duration by members ready for bogu practice until they can purchase their own.
Top