Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to get started?

You will need to buy a shinai (bamboo practice sword). These are required for beginners and will be supplied at the first class. They cost $20 a piece.

Uniforms (the keikogi and hakama) are not mandatory, but many of our students purchase them a few weeks into the semester. These cost $50. During the first weeks, loose and comfortable athletic clothing of almost any kind works well. No shoes, no socks. 

After about a semester of hard practice, you will be eligible to buy and wear bogu (armor). At this point, you will be able to join our team practices and start the “real deal.”

Are only students allowed?

Not at all. Like any other martial art, kendo does not have requirements for practice other than motivation for self-improvement. NYU takes pride in being one of the most diverse kendo clubs in the country. We have men, women, students with different ethnic backgrounds, faculty, and alumni. Check out our photo gallery.

Is kendo dangerous?

Kendo is one of the safest contact martial arts out there, the main reason being that kendoka wear extensive protective gear (armor known as bogu). More information here.

However, once one is ready to wear bogu and become more active in the sport, kendo can be quite demanding, both physically and mentally.

It says the team is a club sport. Are there competitions for kendo?

Indeed there are! The kendo team participates in at least one tournament per semester. Tournaments usually involve a team tournament, where strings of five kendoka spar against other schools' teams, and an individuals tournament, where any kendoka (of any experience) may go one-on-one with other players from a wide range of schools.

Do you guys only get together to swing sticks around, or do you do other stuff as well?

We have tons of socials. :) Again, feel free to look through our photo gallery.

Beginner's Tips

[beginner's information coming soon]