This page should answer your questions about joining the MIT Kendo Club.
- What is Kendo?
- What's your story?
- When and where do you practice?
- I am not MIT affiliated, can I still practice with MIT Kendo Club?
- Is there a membership fee?
- What kind of equipment do I need?
- Can I take exams with you?
- Are there Kendo tournaments?
- Great, when do I get started?
What is Kendo?
Kendo goes back to the Japanese Samurai. It's the art of sword fighting and has been fundamentally unchanged for over 400 years. Please read more about the Kendo history on our About Kendo website.
What's your story?
The MIT Kendo Club was founded in winter 1998 and has grown ever since. We now practice 2-3 times per week, 2 hours each.
When and where do you practice?
When:
For our current practice schedule, please check the
schedule page.
Where: We usually practice at the MIT gym facilities. Our
main practice place is the T-Club Lounge in the MIT's DuPont
Gymnasium. Below is a link to a map showing the DuPont gym:
I am not MIT affiliated, can I still practice with MIT Kendo Club?
No! According to MIT regulations, the club is limited only to MIT students and MIT affiliates. In the past we allowed outside students to participate. MIT is now enforcing this policy and we cannot allow outside people to participate anymore.
Is there a membership fee?
The MIT Kendo Club currently does NOT collect membership fees.
What kind of equipment do I need?
Initially you don't need any equipment. We will provide you with a shinai (bamboo-sword) to get you started. However, after a month or so you should start thinking about buying your own shinai (usually about $25). A few month after that you should think about buying a Kendo uniform (simple polyester ~$80). If you decide to stick with Kendo we will initially provide you with a bogu (armour). However, you do want to buy your own one at some point (after 1-2 years at the latest), too (~$600+).
Again: Initially there is nothing you need. Come in comfortable clothing and that's it. As you improve your Kendo you will need to buy certain equipment.
Can I take exams with you?
The MIT Kendo Club is authorized to give exams up to 2nd Kyu.
Are there Kendo tournaments?
Members of the MIT Kendo Club participate every year in tournaments like the Shoryuhai at Harvard.
Great, when do I get started?
We accept new beginners throughout the year. Just show up and we'll get you started.
Please email us if you are interested in our club: kendo@mit.
