WE WELCOME NEW STUDENTS YEAR-ROUND

THURSDAYS 7:15-8:00

(Ages 10 and above)

What is Kendo?

Simply put: Kendo is a form of fencing using a flexible two-handed bamboo (or in the case of children, padded) sword.  Originally developed as a safe form of training for the samurai.

Why Kendo instead of other martial arts?

Kendo is a martial art that stands out for its emphasis on discipline, respect, and self-improvement. It is very easy to learn the basics, yet quite challenging.

In addition to helping kids stay active and improve their coordination, kendo training teaches valuable life skills that can be applied outside of the dojo. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping each child succeed and have fun while learning the art of kendo. With its unique focus on personal development and character-building, kendo may be a great option for kids who are looking for a challenging and rewarding martial art experience.

“What kid doesn’t want to learn how to sword fight?!

Especially with the resurgence of StarWars! Our class lets them pursue that interest in a fun way that’s far more than just swinging sticks in the backyard...” - Master Jesse (instructor)

One of our junior students on her way to high five her teammates after competing at an event in Iowa :-)

The Junior Kendo Code:

·  Discipline

        - Control yourself.

·  Manners

        - Remember others and how your actions affect them.

·  Attitude

        - Do your best!

 

WHAT DO THEY DO IN CLASS?

Our class structure follows traditional martial discipline and is designed to be welcoming and fun for new kids, as well as challenging for the more experienced student.  

  1. Classes begin with a formal bow. Showing respect to our training space, and instructors is first and foremost.

  2. General warm-up and exercises. Basic physical motions such as jogging, hopping, and stretching, to get the body ready to go.

  3. Technique practice. Students review and practice various skills. Lessons on concentration and self-control are quite often part of this portion of class. You can't learn if you can't listen and follow directions :-)

  4. Competition practice. This can often be an extension of technique practice. Higher ranking students who have demonstrated the proper skills and attitude may sometimes "spar" (or sword fight as the kids like to call it).

  5. Fun game or challenge. We end the majority of our classes with a fun challenge. This can be a game of tag in which integrity is stressed, or (an incredibly popular with the kids) game of self-control during which they are challenged to simply stand still, and serious...longer than their fellow students...those that lose concentration have to do 10 pushups or something of that nature! lol

  6. Classes end with a formal bow. They are encouraged to think about what they have learned, and come back to class having grown just a tiny bit.

COMPETITION

Most importantly we would first like to make sure everyone knows that competition is never required.

For those who are interested it can be a lot of fun, a great chance for kids to make new friends, win some awards, and have some enjoyable adventures in the process.

Short clip of a youth match in a local tournament’s junior division.

A few additional notes

  • Learning to respect others is a core lesson in Kendo. You will see students bowing to their instructor, and more importantly to each other as they practice.

  • The use of the terms Mr. and Miss. is used during class to demonstrate mutual respect, and so you will hear students greeted with "Hi Mr. Joe!" or "Hi Miss. Abby".  For kids especially it is a reminder that they are in a special place and not gym class at school.  Friends who hang out all the time will refer to each other in this manner while in class.

    • RANK TESTING!  As with other martial arts, students have the opportunity to move up in rank (think of the belts in TaeKwonDo).  This is an incredibly important and powerful thing!  The reference near the top of the page to "Incremental personal growth, accomplished through the completion of small challenges..." is speaking of these rank tests.   

    • When a child tests for the first time, they are only asked show a couple of simple skills, they realize they survived, and passed the test!  Their confidence in themselves begins to grow.  As they continue through the ranks they overcome gradually increasing challenges until they are truly demonstrating some amazing things! 

    • What's more important is that their confidence grows with their skills, they realize that to be truly successful they need to have the right attitude, because it isn't easy, they've worked hard and have had to persevere, and eventually they can look back on a track record of accomplishments.

CONTACT: sENSEI jesse @ (605)388-2415

or email siouxfallssword@outlook.com

class times: thursdays (7:15-8:00)

location:  1516 S sycamore ave, sioux falls, sd -

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN CLASS, JUST LET US KNOW WHEN YOU WOULD LIKE TO STOP IN TO TRY IT OUT.  HAVE YOUR CHILD(REN) WEAR SOMETHING COMFORTABLE.  NO PURCHASES ARE NECESSARY, WE HAVE A SMALL STOCK OF EQUIPMENT FOR NEW STUDENTS TO USE.

HOPE TO SEE YOU!