HSSK Kendo Dojo

• K Howard
  
  
  (November 21, 2018, 7:40 pm)

  I started kendo with Ichimura Sensei earlier this year and it has been extremely fun. If any one is interested in starting a martial art I would highly recommend kendo. Kendo is great exercise for people of all ages. As a non-Japanese speaker it was intimidating at first because of how much culture and Japanese is used in kendo, but Ichimura Sensei is incredibly helpful and very good at demonstrating and explaining new skills. He is always open to questions and is very good about communicating whether it is through email or in person. I felt very well prepared for my promotion exam (attaining a higher rank/belt) and I am looking forward to starting competitions. The other students are very kind and helpful as well. Ichimura Sensei also teaches in Fremont and Newark.

• Robert Freiberger
  
  
  (November 15, 2018, 4:27 pm)

  Great environment and instructor.
  
  I've been attending HSSK Kendo Dojo in Newark for the past few months, I actually found the flyer at the Newark library and sparked my interest to join the class. For a few years, I've been curious about taking a kendo class but I was told that it's very expensive for the gear and I couldn't find any class near the East Bay area, only in South San Jose or across the Bay. After contacting Ichimura Sensei, all of my questions were answered quickly and I registered for the class through the Newark events web page.
  
  Upon joining, the class is broken up into two groups for the beginners, beginners 1 is the intro group when you first join, then after approval of Ichimura Sensei, you can register for the beginners 2 class. The only piece of gear you need to have is the shinai (kendo sword made of bamboo slats) and comfortable clothes. When you move into the beginners 2 class, you will need to purchase the kendo uniform (top and pants) plus a bokken (practice sword that is made of solid wood). All of these items are very reasonably priced and available directly from Ichimura Sensei or you can purchase on your own.
  
  When I first started the class I was honestly not sure how this was organized, in some martial arts programs, the structure can be "watch Sensei, then copy", while others can be "watch Sensei, practice on each other". The structure of how Ichimura Sensei runs the class is a refreshing mix between following his examples and instructions but also with each other, including working with your sempai (senior students) from the advanced classes. While I have taken martial arts in the past, I never was properly introduced to as how and how you should be studying the art. If I think back to when I have taken these classes, all I can recall is you are practicing how to complete a strike or throw.
  
  Ichimura Sensei heavily emphasizes that kendo is much more than what people think is just wildly swinging a sword around. It's a mindset that starts when you enter the dojo of respect between your Sensei and students. It's an understanding that your mind and body need to work together in order to delivery a good kai (shout) and movement to enforce your presence to your opponent. Ichimura Sensei runs the class in a strict manner but once you understand more about kendo you understand why. Kendo has a formal structure of practice and sparing, holding your shinai, during exams the display of your uniform and position of your strike all matter.
  
  Joining as a beginner you can expect the class starting off with warmups, such as stretches and jumping. Next would be practicing kendo footwork such as moving in different directions while holding the "ready" position. Followed by the practice of various sword swings targeting different positions. Then ending with a group or partner practice with each other on strikes or swings using your shinai as the target. For the beginner classes you do not need armor but the sempai (senior students) from the advanced class might step in to be receivers of your strikes while wearing armor.
  
  Speaking of the class, everyone is very welcoming, from new students to old, including all of the Sensei's who assist Ichimura Sensei. Kendo has a large amount of respect for everyone in the dojo, I never felt that as a beginner I was looked down upon which I was a bit worried when I first joined. The class is also made up of many different age groups starting from different levels of kendo experience.
  
  If you intend to join I would also mention that kendo has a unique way of moving which is hard to describe in words but a type of sliding your feet across the floor. It's very common when first starting out that you get blisters on your toes from sliding too hard or incorrectly. This is most common issue I found personally, and after a few weeks of practice you should be ok. Good luck and hope to see you there!

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