New Member Event Guide

When and how to visit another dojo

A visit reflects on you, your instructor, and your home club. Ask your head sensei first; they can help decide whether you are ready and contact the host dojo for you. The original guide expects visiting members to have current PNKF and AUSKF membership and enough stamina to participate through the full practice. Build your conditioning and basic strikes at home, and follow your instructor’s advice about when to visit.

Etiquette when visiting

• Keep the appointment your instructor arranges; tell them promptly if plans change.
• On arrival, greet the head sensei and ask before joining practice.
• Join the line below the host dojo’s lowest ranks and follow the host instructor’s directions.
• When appropriate, practice with the head sensei first, then thank them at the end of class.
• Remain for the full practice unless you need to address an equipment issue or another concern; ask for help rather than leaving without explanation.

Practicing with senior instructors

Training with kodansha (instructors ranked 5 dan and above) is a learning opportunity, not a duel. Work on a clean strike when an opening is offered. Avoid pushing, shoving, circling, or striking from the side. If an attempt does not work, return to kamae, reset, and try again with control.

Making the most of open practice

Open practice is a chance to train with instructors and students from other clubs. Work with a range of partners instead of staying only with your usual peer group, and keep the session moving. If several people are waiting in one line, join another line when possible; if all lines are full, practice with peers until a place opens.

Water and practice breaks

Follow the event’s directions about breaks and water. The guide asks participants not to eat, chew gum, smoke, or wear a hat during practice unless permission is given. Some practitioners use a sports bottle with a curved straw so they can drink without removing their men; ask your instructor what is suitable for the event.

Promotion examinations

Kendo promotion examinations are called shinsa. The guide describes PNKF exams as occurring about every six months and estimates that many students take three to five years to reach first dan. Your instructor—not the calendar—will advise when you are ready. Volunteering at events and watching matches can also help you learn how kendo is evaluated.

Building community

Volunteering and attending regional events are ways to meet practitioners from other dojos and support the federation. Some clubs continue conversations after practice at a restaurant or café, informally called “second dojo.” As you gain experience, greet new students and help them feel welcome.

When beginners should attend events

The guide encourages newer students to observe events after they have gained some practice experience. Watching a taikai, seminar, or examination teaches event etiquette and gives context for what is learned in class. You can volunteer or observe even when you are not yet eligible to compete or test. Check the PNKF calendar and ask your instructor which event is right for you.

Why volunteer?

PNKF events depend on volunteers. Newer members can help with check-in, food and water, scorekeeping, timing, and lining up competitors. Experienced sensei and shinpan serve as judges, so practical help from members keeps the event running. Volunteering can be busy, but it is also a good way to learn how tournaments work and build friendships across clubs.

When to compete

Ask your instructor when you are ready for your first taikai. The guide suggests that students consider competing after they have practiced in bogu for a while, while recognizing that readiness depends on experience and practice frequency. Competition puts training under pressure and can show what to work on next. If possible, ask a friend or family member to record your matches so you can review them with your instructor.

Kendo kata and kata seminars

Kendo kata uses bokuto (wooden swords) and teaches posture, footwork, grip, and techniques that support advanced kendo. The forms also carry principles that are easy to miss when practice focuses only on shinai. PNKF kata seminars bring instructors from across the region together to provide focused instruction and individual feedback. When offered, the group keiko after a seminar is another opportunity to practice with visiting instructors.

Shinpan seminars

Shinpan seminars teach the rules and judgment used by tournament referees. Beginners can learn by volunteering and observing how points and etiquette are assessed; this can also help prepare students for competition. If a seminar includes group keiko (godo keiko) afterward, plan ahead and ask the organizer about the schedule so you can participate when able.

Adjusting to bogu

Practicing in bogu changes how kendo feels. Armor protects the body but also affects movement, hearing, and breathing. It can take time to adjust, so ask your instructor for help with fit, footwork, strikes, and posture. The guide notes that comfort develops gradually; keep practicing patiently and speak up about pain, fit problems, or other concerns.