Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still join even though I have never done Kendo or any other kinds of martial arts before?
Definitely! Most of our members began Kendo after we came to Princeton. Our experienced members and instructors are more than happy to help you from the basics.

Do I have to go to all the practices?
Of course not! How much time you commit to Kendo is completely up to your schedule and availability, and we will always welcome you here. However, you will only get better with practice, and if you want to compete, we recommend you come as often as you can.

We have two instructor-led practices a week, Tuesday and Thursday. As a beginner, you should do your best to attend these practices to your full benefit. Saturday practices will be student-led, so you can choose to attend or not.

Do I have to buy my own equipment?
No! We have shinai (bamboo swords) for you to start out with and even bogu (armor) for when you become more advanced. Once you attain a certain level, the hakama and gi (the uniform, see here) must be bought however. You don't really want to be sharing this anyway...

Do you go to competitions?
Yes. We attend the Harvard Shoryuhai (the largest Kendo collegiate tournament) in the spring and the Goodwill tournament, a community tournament held in Pennsylvania. There are also other collegiate tournaments thoroughout the year that we may attend based on interest.

Are there belt testings in Kendo?
There are testings for rank, but a kendoka's level is not visibly displayed. Ranks generally start from 5th Kyu up to 1st Kyu (it goes backwards) and then you test for essentially a "black belt" in Kendo, or 1st Dan. We test at the local dojo in Cherry Hill, and there are two exams a year.

Incidentally, one can theoretically go all the way up to 8th Dan, but the exam for 8th Dan is notoriously difficult (there's even a documentary on it!). You can read more about Kendo ranking system here.

How should I dress for practices?
Just show up in exercise clothing! Preferrably with shorter length pants, as one must be barefoot when practicing kendo.

If you have any other questions, feel free to message us on Facebook or email us at kendo@princeton.edu!