When your child starts kendo, what should you consider when choosing a dojo? Since they're starting kendo, you want them to enjoy it and stick with it for a long time, right? So, this time we've put together some points that parents should consider.

Points to consider

① Location

It's a place you'll be attending almost every week. It's easier to get to if it's close to home. If practice is held in the gymnasium of the elementary school your child currently attends or will attend in the future, it's likely you'll choose that location. It's a good idea to make a reasonable choice, especially considering whether you have a car, whether parents are always available to take their child to and from school, and whether you want them to eventually attend school on their own.

Also, since it's close to home, there's a good chance that many of your friends will be attending the same school. It may depend on whether you think it would be helpful to have classmates or whether you think it would be better to have more students from other schools.

② Practice dates, times and frequency

The days and times of lessons, as well as how many times each week, are also important. Whether lessons are held on both Saturdays and Sundays, or on weekdays, and whether they are held in the morning, afternoon, or evening, it's a good idea to consider which school is most convenient for your child and their siblings, as well as other extracurricular activities, and parental drop-off and pick-up times on weekends. Even if your child isn't currently taking extracurricular activities, if you're considering taking junior high school entrance exams in the future, you'll need to consider how they'll fit into your cram school schedule.

It is also important to consider how many times a week practice is held.Whether once or twice a week is better or more frequent will depend on time, but it is also important to consider your child's physical and mental strength, and whether the dojo has an atmosphere where it is okay for each child to practice on the days that suit them.

③ Purpose

What is your child's immediate goal in taking up kendo? Of course, this may change as they continue, but the atmosphere of the dojo you choose will likely change depending on whether you are a beginner and want to try out kendo first, whether you just want your child to be able to do it in their own way, or whether you want your child to become stronger by competing with stronger children.

Also, although it may depend on the local government, the tournaments that a dojo can participate in may vary depending on whether it is registered with a national organization such as the National Kendo Dojo Federation or a youth sports club. If you want your child to participate in as many tournaments as possible, it is a good idea to check in advance to avoid disappointment later on if they are unable to participate because their dojo is not registered.

④ Scale

Depending on the personalities of the children and their parents, it may be best to choose a large or small dojo. However, if the dojo is small, there will be fewer parents, so it is possible that children will have to take turns on duty or as officers more frequently. However, this fluctuates from year to year, so even if the dojo is large now, the number of students may decrease in a few years, or conversely, the number may increase significantly.

⑤ Distribution

Whether there are a lot of kids the same age as your child, older kids, or younger kids, as well as the gender distribution in the same grade (more boys or more girls, etc.), may all have a bearing on your child's personality (whether they can make friends even if they are in different grades or genders).

⑥ Your child's personality

As mentioned briefly in ③, just like with other extracurricular activities, the right dojo will depend on your child's personality. A competitive child may try their best to avoid losing if they are placed among stronger children, but a quiet child who is easily discouraged may be able to work hard and grow better in a place with a more relaxed atmosphere rather than a strict one.

⑦ Degree of parental participation and cooperation

As with many other children's sports, the reality is that it often cannot be carried out without the cooperation of parents, such as tea duty and officials. However, due to work and sibling relationships, not every family can put in the same amount of effort and cooperation from parents. The level of parental cooperation required varies depending on the dojo, so it is best to choose one that is not too difficult for you.

⑧ Atmosphere

The atmosphere of the dojo will differ depending on the dojo's main goal: whether it is for students to practice, earn ranks, and steadily improve, or to compete in major national tournaments and win. It also depends on the kendo that the instructor is aiming for. As mentioned in point ⑦, if the atmosphere is not a good fit for your child, it may be difficult for them to continue for long.

⑨ Cost

Kendo armor, uniforms, and bamboo swords are not cheap, so if you have to buy everything at once, it can be very costly. However, some dojos will lend you armor and other items. Also, generally speaking, kendo classes tend to be more expensive than kendo clubs.

How to find a dojo

So where should you look for a dojo?

① Where children from the same school attend

If you have a child in your neighborhood who practices kendo, one option would be to go to the same place as them. Furthermore, if your child has siblings who are good at kendo, they may be attending a strong dojo a little further away, so we recommend asking the parents of several children. After your child starts elementary school, the school may distribute flyers for the nearest dojo.

② Town bulletin board

There may be posters near your home recruiting members for local lessons or clubs.

③ Online search

You can search the internet for dojos and classes near your home.

4. Ask at a nearby kendo equipment store

Your local kendo equipment store will have a lot of information, not just about where the dojo is, but also about the atmosphere there. Feel free to drop by and ask, and you'll be able to get a lot of information.

First, try it out and check the atmosphere

In order to continue for a long time, it is very important that the dojo is suitable for your child. Most dojos accept trial enrollments. Some dojos offer multiple trial sessions, so it is a good idea to try it out first and see for yourself and your child what the place is like before making a decision.

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