Camas Kendo Dojo
Kendo is for adults and kids!
Kendo Waiting List
We have had alot of interest in kendo in the community this past year and plan to focus on existing members this fall 2023. We are considering to have fall beginner class as of August 30, 2023 if we have enough interest. Otherwise, we are planning our next class for Jan 2023
Adults, Youth, kids 10+:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSd1JsgwOisRHUiIN4kYXzfDny2oeUInpKC1E5PIDCCWFicg/viewform
Kids 9 and under:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bXtZMiHB0OgyCk54LiwGa3x7URq9sRgrGgGNLl5oMzc/prefill
Our main classes for adults, youth and kids are held at a different location. Please email us at camaskendo@gmail.com for more information
We have over intermediate kids, youth, and adult groups who have started to wear bogu (armor) this past year
Current Practices Times (Kids 5:15pm - 6:15pm, then adult / youth kendo 6:15pm - 7:15pm follow by advanced bogu practice)
Where: Camas Community Center (1718 SE 7th Ave, Camas, WA)
When:
Mondays 5:15pm to 8:15 pm
Wednesdays 5:15pm to 8:15pm
Schedule subject to change. Contact camaskendo@gmail.com
for the most current schedule.
The Camas Kendo Dojo (non profit 501c3 status) started after a child of two long time kendoist parents indicated an interest to learn kendo in the Camas community and spread to interested school classmates. Kendo, a Japanese martial art, is literally translated as "the way of the sword", and originated from the swordmanship of the samurai - fearless warriors of feudal age Japan. Through the sword, the samurai not only trained to become skilled but learned to respect for one's opponents and live a life of discipline and honor. In modern day kendo, it was developed along side the Japanese education system with the goal of helping children to learn and practice perseverance, focus, etiquette, and respect. Kendo has become an international martial art enjoyed by many practitioners of all ages. The Camas Kendo Dojo was founded in July 2022.
Our classes are unique as we not only teach kendo, but we try to incorporate things that we feel are important in a child's development. Some examples include:
Manners - importance of greeting others
Culture - learn Japanese language and cultural background from Japan
Respect - to each other, dojo, parents, sword and sensei
Confidence - eye contact, hands out of pocket, posture
Perseverance - Kendo is hard. Life is hard. Kendo is not about winning or losing but how to improve one self and never give up when things get tough.
In the beginner class, members will learn:
The etiquette of kendo: how to bow, when to bow, greeting your teachers, responding loudly to questions, and more.
Basic terminology: Counting, kendo vocabulary, Japanese commands
How to hold the shinai (practice sword): Basic (chuudan) stance and resting stances.
How to swing the shinai (practice sword): How to cut the three basic targets.
Basic footwork: Slide step, fumikomi (stomping) step.
Basic attacking: Combining cutting and footwork to complete a full attack.
Receiving strikes for a partner: Hitting a partner and receiving for a partner with your shinai. This will not be part of this curriculum at this time.
In September 2022, an adult / youth beginner class will be offered to the community.
First Camas Kendo Dojo Team at the 2022 PNKF Taikai.
Congratulations to Ai Sensei for placing first in the women's black belt division and to Andrew for placing 3rd in the 0-4 kyu division