Join Us!

Niagara's newest Kendo club is currently accepting new members who would like to learn this demanding but exhillaring martial art. Classes are held at the Welland Martial Arts Centre, 40 Division St. in Welland.

Class times are Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:30 ~ 9:30 p.m.

No experience is required. Students must be at least 8 years of age to practice.

Dues

Kendo clubs are all run on a not-for-profit basis. Hayakawa Kendo Club is no exception.

The monthly cost of membership is $40. Due to our special relationship with the Welland Wado-Kai Karate Club, the monthly fee for their club members is $20. All monies collected go back into the club to promote Kendo.

Every year, there are dues payable to the club for administration as well as to the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF) and Ontario Kendo Federation (OKF). All members of the Hayakawa Kendo Club must be registered with the CKF and OKF for grading and insurance purposes. The combined fees are $75 / year for 2008.

Other Costs

Kendo requires an investment in equipment and uniforms, but with the exception of the shinai (bamboo sword), armour (bogu) and uniforms (keiko-gi and hakama) tend to last for years. Bogu usually holds its value well so if you ever decide to leave Kendo or upgrade to a new set, you'll be able to sell it fairly easily. The club has a couple of sets of bogu available for rent for a small fee. If you're interested in purchasing, a good pre-owned set of bogu can sometimes be found starting at $450.

A shinai (bamboo sword) varies in price depending on its quality. As expected, the better the shinai, the more it costs. A shinai suitable for beginners will cost around $35. Beginning students will be loaned shinai for the first couple of practices but will be expected to purchase their own when they decide to join.

We recognize Kendo isn't for everyone and the club will endeavour to buy any equipment back at a fair price from those who choose not to continue.

If you are interested in joining, all you have to do is show up at a practice. However, please call Mark Kawabe at 289-241-3080 or e-mail the club a few days in advance. There may be a special seminar or other event not suitable for first-time students that day so it's good to confirm you're coming.