BEGINNERS COURSES

Anyone can start Kendo, age is not a barrier. Kendo is suitable for adults and juniors of all shapes and sizes (we can only accept juniors who were age 15 or over on 1st September so we can welcome school pupils in years, 11, 12 and 13). Courses are six weeks duration. Training is carried out in a friendly, open atmosphere. The only expectation is that you try and give it everything you’ve got. 

You're very welcome to come and watch any practice session, see what Kendo is all about, meet the club members and decide whether Kendo is for you before you commit. Just get in touch to let us know you're coming.

We run friendly kendo beginners’ courses several times a year, course start dates are:

January 13th 2026

April 14th 2026

September 15th 2026

Our 6 week courses are designed to start you out in kendo, taking you to the point where you can take part in regular session. We will take you through the basics of etiquette and safe practice, then on to footwork, cutting and striking armoured opponents. The coaches / dojo leader will let you know when you're ready to wear armour as it's different for everybody. Wear loose, comfortable clothing during the course and kendo is practiced in bare feet.

You shouldn’t expect to become a kendo expert from this course. It’s about working towards key fundamentals so you are able to join the main class and continue your learning.

During the course we will cover:

• kendo etiquette

• basic strikes

• basic footwork

• getting your arms, body and feet working together

• Kata practice

You can have a look at the Course Syllabus here. You will be taught by our registered Coaches in a class of students. On completion of the course you will able to join the main class. At this point, you may wish to buy your first set of Kendo Gi and Hakama, we can help you choose to suit your budget but there's no rush. A basic set costs around £80 to £90. When you and your coaches feel you're ready (this may take a while), you can think about getting your first set of Kendo armour. 

Our next course

Courses are for adults and juniors who were age 15 or over on 1st September (so we can welcome school pupils in years 11, 12 and 13)

Our next course starts on January 13th 2026 and runs once a week, from 19:30 to 20:30, for 6 weeks. You may join the main class from 20:30 to 21:30 at your discretion and in discussion with your coach. Wear light, comfortable clothing. Kendo is practiced in bare feet.

Health and Safety

This is a close contact sport and will require you to be in physical contact with both your classmates and the sensei.

Costs

The course fee is currently £110

This includes:

• 6 x session fees

• a shinai (bamboo sword) and a bokken (wooden sword)

You will also be required to join the British Kendo Association when starting the course, this ensures that we and you are covered by our insurance. We ask that you join as a temporary member to start with and 3-month temporary membership costs just £10. We'll let you know how to do that when you've signed up for the course.

Payment

You can pay a non refundable deposit and the remainder closer to the course, or pay in full.

• Deposit: £50

• Full Course: £110

How to pay is detailed on the Booking Form

Arrange a Visit or Register your interest

Please use our Contact form to register your interest for a course, ask questions or arrange to come along one evening and watch a session.

Ready to book?, then please go here.

We recommend you watch this video from Andy Fisher Sensei, 7th dan, from his Kendo Show channel. The 5 Things You NEED to know Before You Start Kendo.  And this video, Kendo, the perfect ippon - a Japanese video, in english, explaining what kendo is all anbout.

The BKA publish a useful "Beginners Guide to Kendo" by Holt Sensei and our Members Resources page has lots of useful links.