Kaifukan Kendo Dojo - New Student

How to Join & E-mail Contact

Before applying:

Those who sincerely desire to practice both Kendo and Iaido should apply for enrollment. They must read and fully understand "Kaifukan Kendo," "Kaifukan Iaido" and "Dojo Rules." And they must attend one full session to observe the actual practice to see what our practices are like and what they can expect once they join. Contact Maeda Sensei for appointment.

*Those who have trained in other dojo previously, in particular, must clearly understand that Kaifukan waives 'shiai' and no student is allowed to participate in any event as such. They also must pledge that they strictly follow Maeda Sensei's instructions and never contradict him with the knowledge they may have acquired in their previous training.

Respect

Rei is all the virtue of humanity and it is an act or manifestation of respect for other people. You are expected to show respect to the ‘dojo,’ ‘Sensei,’ ‘senpai (senior students)’ and all other dojo colleagues. You must also respect your ‘shinai,’ and ‘dogu (gear)’ by handling them with care and sincerity.

The saying, “Kendo starts with rei and ends with rei,” doesn’t mean we practice “rei” only when we are in dojo; and forget it when we leave dojo. “Rei” is the essence of the Japanese culture and the value of it is universal. This is what we learn to acquire in the dojo in the form of kendo.

Attendance

Regular assiduous attendance and sincere practice is the most important factor for the learning and advancing your ability of kendo/iaido. For this reason I keep records of your attendance. All students must pay attention to the attendance sheet all the time. And all students must report of their absence abiding by the rules.

Communication

E-mail is our primary method of our communication outside of dojo. Please reach out to Maeda Sensei for any questions.

Age

Kendo is a sport that allows for practitioners (Kendoka) of all ages.

But in line with respecting our senseis, other Kendokas, and their time, we have the following age restrictions:

Kaifukan will accept students from 8+ years old.
Those applicants between 8 and 12 years old will be accepted only if their parent is a Kaifukan student. This means a child under this age bracket would be admitted if the parent joins together.
Those between 13 and 15 years old must be accompanied and supervised by their parent/guardian during the session. The parent doesn't have to be a Kaifukan student, but must be attending the class with the child.
16 and 17 years old students will be treated as adults requiring no parental supervision in dojo. And they are to pay full tuition.

Full Parental Agreement form are required of applicants 18 years old and younger.

Uniform & Equipment

For those starting, shirts and shorts are acceptable.

As one progresses and shows dedication for Kendo, the Dojo will help provide the traditional Kendo Gi (Shirt) and Hakama (Skirt).

At sensei's discretion, a student may be deemed ready and a Bogu (Armor) set can be purchased. This can be expensive, but one should also adopt the mindset as investing in yourself, and you are worthy of this expense. Self-esteem, one of the objectives of your kendo practice, starts from here. A good set when taken cared of can last well over 10 years as opposed to a basketball or soccer ball with a much more limited lifespan.

Please be aware that a uniform can cost from $80 and a beginner bogu set can cost from $300. These costs may not be up to date, and one can view some of these sites for estimates on equipment.

https://tozandoshop.com/collections/kendo

https://www.e-bogu.com/

Tuition and HKF Dues

KAIFUKAN Monthly Tuition: $20 (Adult 17+), $15 (16 and under), $10 (additional family member)

It should be paid a month in advance. Please have checks ready to Kunio Maeda (Sensei) prior to practice. Preferably in an envelope.

HKF Annual Dues: $50 (Adult), $30 (Child), 20% family discounts for 3+

KAIFUKAN is part of the Hawaii Kendo Federation and all ranked students are required to pay these annual dues. New students are not required.https://hawaiikendofederation.org/annual-hkf-dues

Those who are eligible and qualified should apply with the documents listed below.

If you are interested or have any other questions, please contact Maeda-Sensei: Kaifukan@hawaii.rr.com, by email.

To New Students（門弟心得）.pdf

Waiver & Release by HKF.pdf

Application Form (2022-2 edition).pdf

Kaifukan Rules and Regulations.doc

Documents: