This section covers common questions and answers regarding the Kansas City Kendo Club.

Q. What is Kendo?
A. Kendo is the modern martial art of Japanese swordsmanship. The Midwest Kendo Federation has an excellent article on Kendo, click here for more information .

Q. Who are the Instructors and what are their qualifications?
A. We have had Two Sensei providing instruction, they have been:

Yasuyuki Kurokami Sensei is a Rokudan (6th Dan). His ranks were earned in Japan and the USA. as a member of the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). Kurokami Sensei now lives in USA again.

 

John Drakey Sensei and founder of the Kansas City Kendo Club is a Yondan (4th Dan). He earned his Ikkyu (1st Kyu), Shodan (1st Dan), and Nidan (2nd Dan) in Japan as a member of the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) living in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Japan. He earned his Sandan ( 3rd Dan ) at the 17th annual MWKF Shinsa in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and Yondan ( 4th Dan ) at the 29th MWKF Shinsa in Overland Park, Kansas in 2018.

 

We are pleased to state that the Kansas City Kendo Club is a full voting member of the MidWest Kendo Federation. 

Q. Who can join the Kansas City Kendo Club?
A. Anyone, however children and adolescents must have a parent or guardian's permission first.  Parents may also, have to be present during class if their child has difficulty focusing and maintaining the full class. Those with health problems are encouraged to consult a physician before attempting any strenuous activity or sport. No previous martial arts experience is required!

Q. When can I start?
A. Beginners are always welcome. You will be invited to participate, but may watch if you'd prefer. But keep in mind that starting during the winter is tough since we spend more time doing than lecturing.

Q. When and where are practices held?
A. We practice twice weekly,  Wednesdays at the Kansas Mission Church and on Saturdays in Brookridge Park, Overland Park Kansas . Please click on the Practice Schedule link in the site map to view our current practice times.

Q. I can only come once a week, is that alright?
A. Yes, we encourage members to attend as often as they are able, even if only once a week or less.

Q. What fees or dues do you charge for lessons?
A. None. We're an Aozora (blue sky) Dojo, meaning we practice outdoors. Since lessons are held in a public park, we have no location costs to pass on to our students. Therefore, instruction is provided free of charge. We do however provide the Church a donation for Wednesday class time due to their generosity of allowing us to use their facility. So while practice and instruction is free, in order to attend any MWKF or AUSKF event, you need to join both federations, which is not expensive.  This allows you to attend tournaments, testings and seminars etc. Wednesday evening classes at the church are of course indoors.

Q. What equipment will I need?
A. For your first couple of lessons, all you will need is loose clothing, an open mind, and good attitude. If you decide to join our club, you'll need to purchase your own Bokken (wooden training sword used for kata) and Shinai (split bamboo practice sword used in full-contact sparring, buy 2).

Q. Will I need to purchase a uniform?
A. The standard uniform for kendo is a Keikogi (upper portion of the uniform) and Hakama (wide, pleated pants), a beginners set will cost around $100. Students may purchase a uniform whenever they're ready to do so. In the meantime, loose clothing/work-out clothes are perfectly acceptable.

Q. What about armor?
A. Bogu (specialized kendo armor) is comprised of 4 parts: The Men (helmet), Do (chest protector), Tare (waist protector) and Kote (hand and forearm guards). Drakey Sensei has some spare sets of Bogu that circulates amongst new comers. Because a complete set of beginner quality Bogu can cost from $450 or more, we recommend that students practice for at least 3 months before they consider purchasing their own.

Q. Does the club have Kendo equipment available for rent?
A. No, we do not have extra equipment for rent. You may be able to borrow a Bokken or Shinai from another club member during your first few practices, but it would be subject to availability. Use of the spare Bogu rotates amongst new members.

Q. Where can I purchase Kendo equipment?
A. While there are a few martial arts shops in the Kansas City area, we highly suggest purchasing from a vendor that specializes in Kendo equipment. We recommend e-bogu.com  and kendostar.com  as the quality of their equipment is exceptional for the price (see our links page for more information). Before purchasing kendo equipment, we strongly recommend consulting with Sensei. And follow recommendations on the vendors site concerning sizing. You could also ask current members what size they use and adjust accordingly.

Last updated:  20230329