 Kendo, meaning "Way of the Sword" is the art of Japanese sword fencing. For centuries, kendo was strictly regarded as a samurai martial art. Today, Kendo is an international sport that develops mind, spirit and body.
Seishin Kendo Dojo also known as the "Oxnard Kendo Dojo" is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote kendo and an understanding of Japanese culture. Seishin Kendo Dojo was founded in December 1998. None of the Seishin Dojo instructors or officers are financially compensated for teaching kendo or for kendo organizational activities.
Through the dojo's membership within the Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) and All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF), Seishin Kendo Dojo members can participate in local, regional, state, national and international kendo tournaments and seminars. You will find additional information about kendo at the SCKF and AUSKF links above, or at the All Japan Kendo Federation Homepage.
SEISHIN NAME MEANING
"Seishin" is roughly translated as meaning "sincere heart". The Chinese character "sei", means sincerity, fidelity and truth. While the Chinese character "shin", means mind, heart, core, and soul. "Seishin" is identical to the Shinto virtue " makoto no kokoro" Therefore, "seishin", means that one's actions must be sincere and one's motivation must be pure.
A suggested Kendo reading reference is the book, "Kendo Elements, Rules and Philosophy" by Jinichi Tokeshi, Published by University of Hawaii Press, ISBN: 0-8248-2598-5.
Class Schedule and Location
Kendo Classes are held every Thursday at the Oxnard Buddhist Temple Social Hall at 7:30 pm. Oxnard Buddhist Temple is located at 250 South "H" Street, Oxnard, California 93030.( map and directions)
Contact:
Mr. Howarth Rowe
phone 805-338-0485
email at: hrowe@amgen.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kendo?
Kendo is a study of samurai swordsmanship. Kendo can be started at any age. For example, Asai sensei, 83 years, 7 Dan ( 7th Degree Black belt) started kendo at age 50 years. Some people start as early as 5 years old. Our dojo recommends that students start at 10 years of age or exhibit at least a 10 year old's behavior in maturity.
Traditionally people studied Japanese swords skills through kata ( choregraphed sword strikes & reactions) to learn sword techniques, tameshigiri to learn how cut and some form of live practice. Before kendo, this live practice consisted of fencing with wooden swords or going to war with real blades which resulted in many injuries. With the introduction of the bamboo sword (shinai) and kendo armor, individuals could practice sword skills in safety through hitting designated armored targets on the kendo armor. Up to World War II, military kendo was studied to prepare Japanese soldiers for war. Pre-World War II kendo was characterized by large movements (O-waza). In pre- World War II kendo, a 3 shaku 6 sun shinai (bamboo sword) similar in size to a real sword was used along with aggresive techniques such as choking, leg sweeps, throws and etc.. After the War, modern kendo replaced military style kendo with a focus on personal character development and sports. Modern kendo does not use all of the military kendo sword strikes or techniques.
Kendo has grown to an international sport enjoyed by people of all sexes and ages in over 50 countries and states. Every three years a World Kendo Championship is held in Europe, the Americas and Asia on a rotational basis.
Why Study Kendo?
Kendo is a lifetime activity that is very benefical for one's health and practiced throughout one's life. Older kendo practioners (kenshi) although slower and possessing less strength than younger kenshi can still defeat younger kenshi through use of greater sword skills. The emphasis in Kendo is personal character development and technique not brute force.
How Much Does it Cost to Study Kendo?
The principal kendo costs are federation fees, dojo dues and kendo equipment. Federation fees are paid annually to both the regional Kendo Federation and National Kendo Federation. Typically these annual fees  are about $66 for adults and $39 for youths under 18 years for membership in both the regional and national federation. For the Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) the current schedule is at weblink http://www.eanet.com/sckf/doc/fees.htm. The next costs are dojo dues. Most kendo dojos charge a monthly fee for membership.Depending on dojo membership sizes these monthly fees range from $15 to $50 per month. In most kendo dojos, membership are used to pay for facilities rent. None of the Seishin Dojo instructors or officers are financially compensated for teaching kendo or for kendo organizational activities.
How Much Does Kendo Equipment Cost?
Initially, you only need one $ 30 shinai (bamboo sword). This is the minimum requirement because it usually takes 6 months to a year to learn the basic foot work and strikes. Students do not practice in kendo armor until they can do the basic foot work and strikes.
When a student is ready for armor, additional equipment must be purchased. This additional equipment includes a complete set of armor, at least another spare shinai, head cloth ( hachimaki or tenegui), armor bag, keiko gi ( kendo upper garment), hakama ( skirt ). The total additional cost can vary from $ 500 to $700. Checking the kendo equipment prices at e-bogu will give you an more accurate cost estimate.
Since our dojo teaches kendo kata to every one from new students to experienced students, we recommend that you buy at a bokken ( wooden sword) after two months of starting kendo at our dojo.
Where can I buy kendo equipment?
Our dojo uses kendo equipment from Koei and e-bogu. E-bogu is located within the Los Angeles area and display their products at all major AUSKF and SCKF tournaments.
Why Do I have to join the AUSKF and SCKF?
The primary reason is for insurance. Our facility hosts require that all Seishin Kendo Dojo members and visitors are covered by an insurance policy that protects our host facility and the dojo. Dojo members obtain insurance by becoming a member of Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF). SCKF is a regional kendo federation of the national kendo organization, AUSKF. AUSKF is a national organization member, representing the continental United States in the International Kendo Federation (IKF).
One significant advantage of being a member of the AUSKF is that you can practice for free at any AUSKF kendo dojo as long as you are a member in good standing at AUSKF kendo dojo. This means that if you are a member in good standing at any SCKF kendo dojo such as Seishin Kendo Dojo, you can practice at no cost at any other AUSKF kendo dojo and usually at any International Kendo Federation Dojo.
How much are Seishin Dojo Dues?
As of May 1, 2009, Dojo monthly dues are $20 for adults and $20 for youths under 18 years of age. Dojo sensei do not pay dojo dues because dojo sensei teach freely without any expected compensation. Our Dojo dues pay for the facilities rent and dojo tournament projects.
How long does it take to attain 1 degree black belt (shodan)?
Most people achieve shodan after about 4 to 5 years of continous kendo practice.
What do I have to do to join Seishin Kendo Dojo?
We recommend that you watch a few practices before deciding to begin kendo. Sword study and rank promotion takes much more time than many of the unarmed martial arts.
If you decide to join our dojo, you need to pay the dojo the federation fees and the dojo monthly membership fee. Our dojo must write a check to the SCKF for all Seishin Kendo Dojo federation membership fees. SCKF in turn pays for all of its constituent dojo AUSKF fees by writing a check to SCKF. SCKF then writes a check to AUSKF in payment for the membership dues for all of its members belonging to its dojos. Seishin Kendo Dojo must also annually pay its dojo member SCKF fees to SCKF in a single check.
You must attend practices and follow the Dojo's rules and policies. |