Carleton Kendo ✦

Not religious. Bowing to kamiza respects tradition, not deity worship. No meditation or chanting required.

Held 2x/year at Carleton (internal examiner, usually 5th dan). Fee ~$20. 7.2 Dan grades (black belt equivalent – shodan to hachidan ) | Dan | Minimum time after previous | Exam venue | |-----|----------------------------|-------------| | Shodan (1st dan) | 1 year (as 1 kyu) | Ottawa or Toronto (KO grading) | | Nidan (2nd dan) | 1 year | KO regional | | Sandan (3rd dan) | 2 years | KO or Kendo Canada | | Yondan+ | 3+ years | Kendo Canada or FIK (Japan) | carleton kendo

The club is open to Carleton students, faculty, staff, and often community members (with some restrictions). It provides structured training in kendo – the Japanese art of swordsmanship using bamboo swords ( shinai ) and protective armour ( bogu ). Not religious

Yes, but you must attend the new beginner intake session (usually weeks 2–3 of each term). Contact club in advance. Held 2x/year at Carleton (internal examiner, usually 5th

Very safe with bogu . Most injuries are blisters, strained calves, or mild bruises. No concussions typical. Tsuki (throat thrust) is controlled.

Co-ed. Women often have separate changing room and are encouraged to attend women-only kendo seminars (e.g., KO Women’s Camp). 11. Comparing Carleton Kendo to Other Ottawa Dojos | Dojo | Focus | Schedule | Cost (monthly) | Bogu required? | |------|-------|----------|----------------|----------------| | Carleton Kendo | University, beginner-friendly | Evenings, 2–3x/week | $20–$40 (student) | No (loaner) | | Ottawa Kendo Club | Traditional, competition | 3–4x/week, mornings/evenings | $70–$90 | After 2 months | | uOttawa Kendo | University, similar to Carleton | Evenings 2x/week | $30–$50 (student) | No | | Nepean Kendo | Family-oriented, suburban | 2x/week evenings | $60 | After 3 months |

Show up to a free practice in a t-shirt and sweatpants. Bow at the door. Say “Onegai shimasu” (please teach me). And begin. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm practice times and fees via official club channels before attending.