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Please note the CARSA Fitness Weight Centre is closed December 27 and 28 for cleaning and maintenance. See all holiday hours at vikesrec.ca/hours.
Kendo was first introduced to Victoria in 1986 by Ted Davis sensei and practices have been held continuously at the University of Victoria since then. UVic Kendo meets three times a week at the University of Victoria and is open to all members of the community of ages 6 and up.
Kendo is a Japanese martial art based on the use of the samurai sword. In kendo, we use protective armor (bogu) modeled on samurai armor, and bamboo sticks (shinai) which represent swords. The primary purposes of kendo are to develop awareness, centeredness, wholeheartedness, endurance, concentration, respect for others, and self-confidence.
Kendo can be approached in different ways as a competitive sport, for physical health, for spiritual and mental development, or as an introduction to Japanese culture and philosophy.
Kendo is a Japanese martial art based on the use of the samurai sword. In Kendo, we use protective armor (bogu) modeled on samurai armor, and bamboo sticks (shinai) which represent swords. The primary purposes of kendo are to develop awareness, centeredness, wholeheartedness, endurance, concentration, respect for others, and self-confidence. Kendo can be approached in different ways as a competitive sport, for physical health, for spiritual and mental development, or as an introduction to Japanese culture and philosophy.
Kendo can be approached in different ways as a competitive sport, for physical health, for spiritual and mental development, or as an introduction to Japanese culture and philosophy.
Assistant instructors:
For your first martial arts class it is best to come in loose pants or narrow legged shorts and a t-shirt. Jewelry, phones, toys, or other personal items should be left outside of the workout floor or mat area. Footwear isn’t important since shoes and socks will in most instances not be worn. Please bring your own water bottle.
For the first few months, while you learn the basics, all you will need is a shinai (bamboo sword) and comfortable clothing that you can move in. There are some shinai available for beginners to use, but it is recommended that you purchase your own. You can purchase them at cost through the club ($30-$40). When the instructor says you are ready for bogu, you can borrow the equipment and uniform from the club until you purchase your own.
We also welcome you to drop by at any scheduled practice time. We'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have before or after practice.
Instructor: Daisuke Hayashi
Hayashi sensei, 7th dan kyoshi, is a highly qualified kendo instructor. He has coached at Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, and Nagoya City University, Aichi, Japan, and has special training as a kendo coach.
He has won the Tokai Area University Kendo Championship twice. He has also published academic papers on the sports physiology of kendo, and holds a M. P.E. from Osaka University in Health and Sports Science. In addition to kendo, Hayashi sensei also holds 3rd dan in Iaido.
Hayashi sensei was the 2015 Team Canada Ladies Coach and was also the 2012 Team Canada Ladies Coach. We are very lucky to have such a highly qualified and skilled instructor in Victoria. At times, instruction may be given by other highly experienced members of the Kendo Club as directed by Hayashi sensei.
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