Where do I start?

by Cole Smelser
(Santa Clarita, California, U.S.A.)

Hello, I am Cole Smelser and I am 16 and I run on my school's cross country team, but I want to start kendo.

I have never had any experience with kendo besides seeing it in television shows and movies. Where do I begin? What do I need to practice the sport? Am I too old to do it? I'm also not sure how to convince my parents that kendo is a respectable sport.

I am a Caucasian male, but I don't want to stick out from the crowd; do you happen to know the ethnic makeup of kendo athletes in America? Is sport rewarding and fun? I am a big fan of swordsmanship and this sport piques my curiosity to learn and practice kendo. I would also like to learn about the more spiritual and mental side of kendo. My apologies for asking so many questions. Thank you. 

Answer: Thanks for your questions. And sorry for my late reply.

Regarding where to start. You start looking for a dojo. You should have a lot of dojo in your area. So go and check dojos here >>> http://www.auskf.info/dojo/ca.htm

>> Am I too old to do it?: No, you are not too old. When you want to start, start now.

>> I'm also not sure how to convince my parents that kendo is a respectable sport: You tell your parents what kendo is about and how much you want to do it.

>> I don't want to stick out from the crowd: Kendo is from Japan but it doesn’t mean you should be Japanese or Asian. You don’t get stared at because you are Caucasian in the kendo world.

>> Is sport rewarding and fun?: That is why we are doing it!

I am sure that you are going to get more advice. Good luck!

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