Here’s What You Need to Know
We are very happy to welcome anyone interested in discovering Kendo. Before the beginners’ course begins, here are a few important practical points to help you know what to expect.
1. Kendo is Practised Barefoot
Kendo is traditionally practised barefoot on a wooden floor.
Training barefoot is important because Kendo footwork relies on balance, correct posture, and characteristic sliding movements that are difficult to perform properly in normal sports shoes.
If, for medical or other reasons, you cannot practise barefoot, please speak with us. A temporary solution may be possible during your first few sessions, and appropriate Kendo foot protection can be considered if required.
2. Please Register if You Are Interested
If you are considering joining us, please complete the registration form with your information:
Our training will take place at SETU Arena, Waterford, in an excellent training studio with high-quality facilities.
The current studio can accommodate approximately 20–25 participants.
Registering in advance helps us:
- Understand how many people are interested
- Make sure we have enough shinai available
- Organise the training groups properly
- Consider moving to a larger hall if interest is significantly higher than expected
Registering does not mean that you have to commit to the full course immediately. You will first have the opportunity to experience Kendo during our introductory session.
3. Your First Session is Free — Tuesday, 29 September
Our first session on Tuesday, 29 September will be a free introduction to Kendo.
The session will include:
- A demonstration of Kendo
- An introduction to the basic principles of the art
- An explanation of how we train
- Light practical training so that you can experience Kendo yourself
The purpose of this first session is simple: to give you the opportunity to experience Kendo before deciding whether you would like to continue.
There is no course fee for the introductory session.
If you enjoy the experience and decide to join the full beginners’ course, the cost will be:
€100 enrolment for the first two months
(€50 per month)
followed by:
€50 for the third month
Total cost of the three-month beginners’ course: €150
A shinai will be provided for you throughout the beginners’ course, so there is no need to purchase one before starting.
Registering before 29 September is especially helpful because it allows us to prepare enough shinai for everyone who would like to participate.
4. Training Schedule
Training will take place twice per week:
Tuesday — 19:30–21:00
Friday — 19:30–21:00
Regular attendance is strongly encouraged.
The course has been designed progressively, meaning that each stage builds on what you learned during the previous sessions. Consistent training will therefore help you develop much more naturally and prepare you for wearing bogu at the end of the beginners’ period.
5. Be Part of a New Dojo From the Beginning
Ryūsui Ken / Waterford Budokai is a newly forming, 100% non-profit Kendo club.
The purpose of the club is not to generate profit. Our aim is to establish a permanent place in Waterford where people can practise Kendo, develop together, and enjoy the art while respecting its traditions.
The course fees are intended primarily to support the cost of hiring our training facilities.
For our first beginners, this creates something quite special.
You will not simply be joining an established club — you will have the opportunity to be part of the group from which a new dojo grows.
As the club develops, we hope that the people beginning together now will continue training together, help one another improve, welcome future beginners, and gradually build a strong Kendo community in Waterford.
We would like Ryūsui Ken to become a dojo where people can train seriously, enjoy Kendo, and continue progressing together for many years.
6. Irish Kendo Federation Membership
If you decide to continue practising Kendo, you will also need to become a member of the Irish Kendo Federation.
Federation membership provides insurance cover and allows practitioners to participate fully in the wider Kendo community in Ireland.
Membership gives you opportunities to:
- Take part in official gradings
- Attend national and international Kendo seminars
- Participate in competitions and tournaments
- Train with other affiliated Kendo clubs
- Meet and practise with kenshi from across Ireland and beyond
More information about Federation membership and the registration process will be provided during the beginners’ course.
Ready to Give Kendo a Try?
If Kendo sounds like something you would like to experience, register for our free introductory session on Tuesday, 29 September and come and try it for yourself.
You do not need previous martial arts experience, special equipment, or a high level of fitness to begin.
For your first session, simply bring:
- Comfortable sportswear
- Water
- And a willingness to learn
Your first step into Kendo starts here.