Classes

Class Information and Registration

Classes are offered on a quarterly bases through the Bellevue Parks and Recreation department.

Winter session runs through Mar 7.

Spring session runs Mar 12 through May 23.

To register, call the parks department at 425-452-6881 or register online at http://parksreg.cityofbellevue.org.

When registering, please note that four (4) classes are offered:

• Combo Kendo, Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
  (Open to beginning, intermediate and advanced students)

• Beginning Kendo, Fridays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• Intermediate Kendo, Fridays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
  (Prerequisite - Completion of Beginning Kendo Class)

• Advanced Kendo, Fridays, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
  (Prerequisite - Completion of Intermediate Kendo Class)

Please note that the Beginning Kendo class is a prerequisite for the Intermediate class, which is in turn a prerequisite for Advanced class.  The "Combo" class on Wednesday afternoons is open to students of all levels.  Students may register for both the Wednesday class and one of the Friday classes.

Cost is $50 for residents of Bellevue and $60 for non-residents.

Class location:

Highland Community Center,

Bellevue Parks Dept.

14224 Bel-Red Rd.

Bellevue, WA

Map and Directions

Beginner instruction

Beginning classes are offered Fall, Winter and Spring quarters. The class is limited to 25 new students and registration is done through City of Bellevue Parks and Recreation (http://parksreg.cityofbellevue.org/activities)

Beginning instruction focuses on etiquette (reigi) and establishing a solid foundation in the basics of footwork and proper cutting technique in Kendo.  You do not need to bring any equipment to your first class.  Just wear loose fitting clothing appropriate for exercise (e.g., sweats).  At the first class, beginners will need to purchase a wooden practice sword (bokken) and, a few classes later, a bamboo practice sword (shinai).  Beginners must also pay additional equipment fees of $20 for a bokken at the first class and $25 for a shinai at the 4th class.

Intermediate instruction

Students who pursue Kendo training beyond the first few quarters are expected to purchase a set of the clothing traditionally worn by Kendoists, the keikogi (a thick, loose-fitting coat) and hakama (loose, pleated pants).  A set of keikogi and hakama for an adult costs approximately $100.  The exact price depends on factors such as size and the exchange rate for the yen.

Advanced instruction

After a few quarters, new students progress to the point where they are ready to wear protective armor (bogu) and begin fencing with their instructors and fellow students.  Used armor may be rented through the class at a cost of $35 per quarter.  In the long term, serious Kendo students are expected to invest in their own armor.   New armor can be purchased through the club at discounts or off the internet.  Used armor is also occasionally available for purchase.  The kendo clubs will gladly assist in these purchases and should be consulted to save money and obtain high quality equipment.

Federation membership

All students who wish to go beyond the Parks Department programs (basic kendo class) will need to join the regional, national, and international kendo organizations.  The membership fees for the Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation (PNKF) and the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF) are a combined cost of $60/year for adults and $40/year for juniors aged 17 and under.  Membership provides access to all PNKF and AUSKF sanctioned events, including seminars, demonstrations, tournaments (taikai), and testing for rank (shinsa).

For more information

For information about the Bellevue Kendo Club or kendo in general, please e-mail bellevuekc@hotmail.com.