Sports & Fitness
Kendo
A hit does not score unless you shout which target you struck
Two people in armour, one bamboo sword each. A gi and club fees get you started, and most dojos keep you out of armour for months doing swings and footwork. Buying your own set is the costliest single purchase among these combat arts. A valid strike needs three things at once: the right target, the shout naming it, and the stamping foot landing together.
First stepAsk a kendo dojo if you can watch one practice and when beginners can join; a practice uniform is all you need at first, armour comes later.
Barriers
Cost to start
$50–300
Going deep → $300–2k
Alone or with people
Anyone will do
Effort
Demanding
Without a teacher?
Best with a class
One session takes
1–2 hours
Where
A venue
Why people take it up