Beginner's Courses

Two beginners courses are held annually, commencing at the start of each semester in March and July. The courses run approximately 14 weeks, with one hour classes commencing at 7:45 pm on Tuesday and 7:30 pm Thursday evenings in the Multi Purpose Room (MPR). Classes initially run for one hour, extending to two hours towards the end of the course as beginners are integrated with senior members during regular training sessions. See below for how to enrol, and view our Events Calendar for the date of the next course.

The beginners course aims to introduce the basic principles and techniques of kendo, care and use of equipment such as shinai and bogu, and dojo etiquette. The club provides all equipment, and students are requested to wear loose, comfortable clothing or martial arts gear (no watches or jewellery please). A beginner's manual is available. At the conclusion of the course, students integrate with general senior training, engage in jigeiko (free sparring), and are encouraged to attempt the first Kendo grading, 6 kyu.

Due to the current interest in kendo and our desire to give beginners our full attention, we are unable accept individuals who miss the start of the course, and recommend they wait until the next course starts. Due to University insurence policy, participants must be over 16 years old.

The Continuing Course and Summer Bridging Course

These courses are available to persons who have completed the ANU Kendo Club Beginner's course, or who have other experience in kendo at an appropriate level. Alternatively, they may elect to continue Kendo at the ANU through Club membership - see the "Training" section of this website for eligability, fees and other details.

The Continuing and Summer Bridging Classes are intended for people who wish to extend their skills in kendo beyond the introductory level of the Beginners course. Participants will be able to use club armour but will be required to use their own shinai, and are also advised to obtain their own hakama and keiko-gi. The club Armourer and other senior members can advise on equipment purchases.

How to enrol

Enrollments are accepted through the ANU Sport and Recreation Association (SRA) , not through the Kendo Club. The enrollment details below can be found in at the front of the Sport and Recreation Association Programs booklets, available before the start of each semester from the SRA Reception, or online here. The ANU SRA is located next to WIllow's Oval - see map here.

Enrollments commence the week before the University semester begins at the SRA Reception Desk between 7:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday and from 3:00pm and 5:00pm on Saturday & Sunday. Enrollments are not accepted after the second week of class. To avoid disappointment, please enrol during enrolment week.

Enrollments are open to ANU students, SRA Members, and persons in the general community aged 16 years and over.
Forms are available at the SRA Reception. Return your completed form, together with your current ANU card or SRA membership card (if applicable), and payment to the staff at Reception Desk. Phone bookings are not accepted - all enrollments will be taken at the ANU Sport and Recreation Association. Full payment must be made at the time of enrollment. Payments will be accepted by cash, cheque, Visa, MasterCard and EFTPOS. All cheques must be crossed and made payable to the ANU Sport and Recreation Association with your name and address printed on the back. Enrollments cannot be made on behalf of someone else. Original signatures must be accompanied by enrollment forms for each ANU Sport and Recreation Association course.

Statement of Inherent Risks - Please be aware that any form of physical activity may have inherent risks associated with it. If you have any concerns regarding your health or physical fitness, please see your doctor prior to participating in the course. If you have any queries, please speak to an SRA staff member.

Course Cancellations - Should a course be cancelled for any reason, you will be notified by the SRA via telephone or email. You will be given the option of a credit note or a refund of the course in full by cheque. Cheques may take up to 4 weeks to be processed.

Refunds - Enrollees are given a 7-day cooling off period from the date of processing their enrollment form, during which time they may withdraw and terminate their application. Application for termination must be made in writing to the Association within the 7 day cooling-off period. An administration fee of $10 will apply for each termination. Please note that refund cheques may take up to 4 weeks to be processed.

Public Holidays: Classes are generally not made up should they fall on a public holiday.

Enquiries and Feedback - Please contact the Sport and Recreation Association Reception Desk on:
(02) 6125 2273
sport@anu.edu.au

COURSE NAME & CODE	COURSE DURATION AND FREQUENCY	FEE PAYABLE TO THE ANU SRA
Beginner's course (KEN 1)	One semester (14 wks/ 28 classes), Two courses held annually.	SRA member: $90	Non-member: $110
Continuing course (KEN 2)	One semester (14 wks/ 28 classes). Two courses held annually.
Summer Bridging course	From end of semester 2 until start of semester 1 the following year.

2007 prices - subject to change
Check the Events Calendar for the date of our next course.

More about Kendo:

The Way of the Sword: Australian kendoka discuss kendo on ABC Radio National's The Sports Factor: 17 January 2003.

What IS Kendo? This general information page is from the Ballarat Kendo Club.

Kendo reigi (etiquette) and dojo practices: a good read for beginners, especially prior to grading or a formal event. From the Hizen dojo, London.