Comments for Showing Respect in Kendo

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Jun 28, 2026
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starstarstarstarstar 		How to Chase Kenodist Away from a Dojo
by: Anonymous

I am an avid kendoist who started in my late 20s but never ranked and was inconsistent in training. I am trying to return, but decided not to attend a particular dojo because of two reasons:

1) I observed multiple times the mental abuse caused by a senior student directed towards lower ranking students (I will call her a Karen). For instance, Karen constantly harangued and berated those who did not understand the instructions or the drills. It was disheartening to see a Karen yelling "get with it!" or gesticulate in a way that made us feel like she perceived us as morons.

2) On this terrible occasion, the senior student (I will call him a Ken) personally berated me during a drill by yelling and tugging at me because I did not know the drill. I told him that I am hard of hearing and I did not understand the one-on-one drill. Being 30 years his senior, I told him to "chill out." He came out of his derangement and was shocked that I broke from Kendo etiquette.

I am hard of hearing, but I catch on fast. The dojo knows this. However, these two incidences left me with a negative impression on this Northern Virginia dojo.

I remember my beloved sensei who introduced me to Kendo, Yoshinari Miyata of Oakland, CA dojo who told me that instructors must not overpower nor berate their students. They must encourage them to learn and find their own strength.

All of the senseis are and most senior students are awesome, but these two senior students confirmed my decision to not return to this dojo.

I would have talked to Ken and Karen one on one to point out their inappropriate behavior. I feel have much more sagely wisdom due to my many years over them, but I felt it wasn't worth it.

If Ken and Karen reached such a rank without knowing the true spirit of Kendo as sensei Miyata espoused, I think they are lost causes, and I will never go back.

Kenod-Guide.Com:
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. I am sorry to hear that your attempt to return to Kendo was met with such a frustrating situation.

Because I am only hearing one side of the story and was not there to witness the events, I cannot jump to conclusions about the specific individuals or the dojo itself. However, I can say that if things truly happened in the way you explained, that kind of behavior is unacceptable. This goes beyond the bounds of Kendo etiquette. Simply put, it is not how you talk to or treat other people.Some people misunderstand the ranking system.

Some people think the higher rank they achieve, the more respect they should get. In a way, it is true, but respect must be earned.These ranks are only numbers to show their Kendo skills, not their rank as a human being.

I respect those who received whatever grade they currently have because they must have trained hard to learn those skills.

In the old days, your direct sensei used to tell you when you were ready to go and take your exam. Nowadays, you just go and take your exam whenever you want once you are eligible.

Your sensei used to evaluate not only your Kendo skills, but also you as a person.

I think you should talk to the main instructor of the Kendo club and see how these incidents are handled.
Dec 23, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Respect is a big part of Kendo
by: Philip McC

Respect and manners for other Kendoists and the dojo and others in your life is what I have learned as a main part of Kendo.

Hearing and accepting the input from those you spar with (as well as your Senseis and upper belts) should also be listened to whether it makes sense or not from your perspective.

I can't add much more than what Kendo-guide's Sensei has already stated.

Kendo-Guide.Com: Thank you for your comment!
Dec 10, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		follow up
by: Anonymous

Thank you Sensai Hiro for your comment. I agree with you, especially regarding mindfulness.

I will try and speak with the guy if he is open to it this Saturday.

Thanks again

Rick

Kendo-Guide.Com: You're welcome. Good luck and hope he can see the way.

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