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- Level 1: Kendo Guide for Complete Beginners
Level 1: Start Kendo as a Complete Beginner
Are you interested in kendo but have no dojo, equipment, or experience? You are in the right place.
This free Level 1 starting path will help you understand kendo and prepare for training at a dojo. You do not need equipment to read the lessons. Use them to prepare for instruction, not to replace supervised practice.
New here? Start Lesson 1: Set Your Beginner Goals. Then return to the roadmap below for your next step.
I created this series to help complete beginners learn traditional kendo in a clear, step-by-step order.
Your Seven-Step Beginner Path
Work through one step at a time. These are learning steps, not ranks or a timetable. Bookmark this page so you can return to the next lesson.
- Understand your beginner goals. Learn what you are working toward before wearing bōgu. Treat the demonstrations as future milestones, not first-day requirements.
Lesson 1: Goals of Kendo Beginners - Prepare for the dojo. Learn the etiquette and manners that support respectful practice.
Lesson 2: Etiquette and Manners - Build natural posture. Begin with shizentai, the natural posture that supports later movement.
Lesson 3: Natural Posture - Learn sword handling and chudan. Study how to carry your sword and take the middle guard.
Lesson 4a: Taito · Lesson 4b: How to Take Chudan - Learn how to sit and bow. Review the sequence with your instructor. Ask about suitable adaptations if kneeling is difficult.
Lesson 5a: How to Sit in Seiza · Lesson 5b: How to Bow - Begin kendo footwork. Start with basic foot position, suri-ashi and okuri-ashi before exploring the later exercises.
Lesson 6: Basic Kendo Footwork - Continue with an instructor. Take your questions to a dojo and let your instructor guide your next stage. Do not attempt unsupervised partner striking.
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What Comes Next?
Already training at a dojo? Use Level 2 — Build Strong Basics to organize review between classes. Completing this reading path does not by itself mean you are ready for bōgu or partner practice; follow your instructor’s guidance.
If you are still exploring, revisit the lessons and write down one question to ask a teacher. You do not need to rush through the whole path today.
Optional Books and Courses
The lessons linked above are free to read. If you want additional structured materials, explore the books and courses. Buying is not required to use this starting path.