Kendo is a Japanese Martial Art based on the use of the sword for physical, spiritual and philosophical development. Through hard work and discipline players can develop themselves and those around them. The teaching at the University of Toronto follows the Kendo philosophy and teaching provided by Kendo Ontario, the Canadian Kendo Federation and the International Kendo Federation. The University of Toronto Kendo Club was founded over 40 years ago, and is one of the oldest University Kendo Clubs in Canada.

It is said that Kendo starts and ends with respect. Respect for the people you practice with (Yourself and others), respect for your equipment (Shinai, Uniform, Bogu), respect for the practice space (Dojo) and respect for Kendo. This respect is developed through proper etiquette when interacting with Kendo teachers (Sensei), club seniors (Senpai) and juniors (Kohai) both inside and outside of practices. 

However, while respect is central to Kendo, you shouldn’t worry about not getting everything right the first time. You will learn with practice and experience, and an earnest, respectful learning mindset. 

Respecting Others

• Treat everyone inside and outside the Dojo with respect

  • Approach practice with a willing, open mind for learning and show this with attentive body language

  • Don’t be a stranger outside of practice; always greet sensei or club members!

• Bow to Sensei/club member who is teaching you when beginning or ending a lesson

• Bow 30 degrees at the hip when bowing for respect

• Bow to your opponent at the beginning and end of a drill or match

• Bow 15 degrees at the hip when bowing to an opponent

• Remove any jewelry before practice starts

• Tape over earrings to avoid injuries!

• Respect yourself and others by taking care of your personal hygiene

• Trim long nails to avoid injuries

• Wash before or after practices!

Respecting Equipment

• Look after and maintain your equipment to ensure safety in the dojo.

  • Learning to maintain and fold equipment properly will increase its lifespan!

  • Wash your uniform every so often

• Ensure you are wearing your equipment properly. 

• If you are unsure how to, always ask! Don’t ignore it!

• Treat your Shinai as a real weapon; When not using your Shinai simply hold it at your side, and do not lean or rest on it

• Never walk over equipment set down in the Dojo, always walk around it

• When picking up your Shinai, always get down to pick it up from the right (of the Shinai)

• By wearing, folding, and taking care of all your equipment properly…

• It will last longer

• You will appear more ready for practice

• Make a good impression on any visitors and Sensei

• Show you are bringing your best into the Dojo and that you respect the time set aside for practice and respect kendo

Respecting the Dojo

• Always take your shoes and socks off before entering a practice space

  • Neatly tuck your socks or personal belongings into your shoes

  • Orient your shoes with the toes facing AWAY from the Dojo or practice space

• Be mindful of your position in the Dojo in regard to seniority

• At UTKC, seniority is decided not by rank, but by when you joined the club

• Always try to line up in Seiretsu in this order

• Bow as you enter or leave the Dojo

• Say “Onegaishimasu!” and “Arigatogozaimashita” the first and last time you step into or out of the Dojo.

• If you hear someone say this when they come in, loudly return the greeting!

• Bow to 30 degrees AFTER you step in, and Bow out in the same way BEFORE you step out

• Participate in Soji to ensure a clean practice space for everyone

• Don’t sit or lean in the Dojo

• It’s alright to take a break and sit if you need to during practice, but always make sure to ask Sensei for permission first!

• If you have any pain or injuries during a practice, PLEASE let Sensei know!

• When permission for breaks is granted…

• Sit in seiza, or remain standing if possible

• If you are uncomfortable sitting in seiza for an extended period, bow out from seiza, then sit cross-legged. Bow once more before getting up.

• Being given permission to rest is not an invitation to lean or otherwise show disregard for Dojo etiquette.

• You are still present in practice, and should still listen and try to learn even if not actively participating

• Avoid being disruptive or having conversations if instruction is still occurring

Respecting Practice Time and Kendo Etiquette

• Respond swiftly and run (not walk) when a command is called, like during Seiretsu

• In Seiretsu…

• Line up in order of seniority

• Make a straight line with the person to your immediate left, and spread out!

• Maintain an even spacing with the people to your left

• If you are in a line behind someone, position yourself in a “window” between the people in front so you can see sensei

• In Chakuza…

• Sit after the person to your immediate left is seated

• Get down on your left knee first, and line your knees up with the person to your left before entering Seiza

• Set your Shinai down quietly, and line the Tsuba of your Shinai with your knees

• When getting up from Seiza, get up from your right foot first, and then your left

• In Mokuso…

• Clear your mind before and after practice

• Create a loose circle with your hands in your lap

• Close your eyes and clear your mind for the duration of the meditation

• Respect practice times by coming to practice early

• Please do not come if you are more than 10 minutes late to practice

• Please communicate any absences or expected delays to the executive team

• In the event that you are late, always bow in and do Sonkyo before joining practice

• Respect Sensei by giving your full attention during instruction

• Have good listening body language, and a learning mindset

• Refrain from having conversations during practice

Other Expectations

• Communicate with the Executive Team

• Let us know about:

• Injuries

• Projected Absences or Delays

• Always ask about any uncertainty about anything

• Keep your phones and electronic devices outside of the Dojo

• Please avoid using devices even during breaks in practice!

• If you see a club member struggling, or doing something (etiquette-related) wrong, help them out, or let a senior member know.

• Don’t wait to be corrected or rely on others to fix things for you either

• Kendo is about self-improvement, and practices are never a competition. Keep your ego in check and stay humble, and willing to learn.

• There are no prizes for finishing drills faster, and not penalties for being last. Practice at your own pace!

• Avoiding measuring your personal success against others! Everybody learns at their own pace.

Most Importantly…

• Have fun, and do YOUR best.

  • Your only opponent is yourself from the last practice!