New members are welcome to join the Etobicoke Olympium Kendo /Iaido Club at any time. Our FAQ, Fees, Application Form (PDF Format) and Contact Information:

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can you start Kendo?

The earliest age that we recommend starting kendo is 8 years old. There are however, some members which bring their children to practice as early as 6 six years old.

Can I watch a practice before joining?

Yes! Everyone is welcome to come watch a practice, and if you are interested in participating we can arrange for a free first lesson.

When are classes?

Kendo Schedule

Sundays 10am to Noon

Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm

Iaido Schedule

Sundays 9am to 11am

Wednesdays 6pm to 8pm

Cancellations will be announced in class and digitally (via email, Facebook and the club’s website).

When can I join?

You can join us any time!

What does it cost?

Please see the Fees section.

Do I need to buy the uniform (Kendogi and Hakama) / armour (Bogu)?

When you join the Etobicoke Kendo Club, you do not need to purchase the uniform (Kendogi/Hakama) until you are certain that you will continue to practice for the long term. Wearing the uniform is a sign of your commitment to Kendo. When you are ready, we can recommend a store for you to purchase the items.

Wearing bogu (armour) depends on our Sensei approving you to join the advanced class. It can take up to a year to be approved for bogu. We highly recommend waiting on purchasing your bogu until Sensei says you are ready.

Are private lessons available?

No, our Sensei want to maintain the family / community feeling in the dojo. They prefer that everyone practices together.

I am from another Kendo club, may I join in your practices?

Yes, our dojo is always open to guests! Please ask your Sensei if it is ok to join in our practice, and when you arrive at our dojo, ask our Sensei for permission as well. Emailing the club before your visit is also appreciated.

Do you practice during the summer?

Yes we do. Years ago, we would modify the practice schedule during the summer. But over the last few years we have maintained our regular schedule all year round. Civic holidays do occur during the summer months, please note that cancellations will be announced in class and digitally (via email, Facebook and the club’s website).

Which Kendo tournaments (shiai) does Etobicoke participate in?

The Etobicoke Kendo Club actively participates in many tournaments thought the year. Tournament announcements will take place in class and digitally (via email, Facebook and the club’s website). The Etobicoke Kendo Club competes (or has competed) in the following tournaments:

February – Detroit Kendo Shiai and Steveston Kendo Shiai in B.C.

March – Cleveland Kendo Taikai

May – Japanese Canadian Cultural Center Ontario Spring Junior Shiai

June – University of Toronto Shiai

July – The Canadian National Kendo Championship – Held every 3 years in either Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver.

August – Montreal Kendo Shiai

October – Etobicoke Kendo Club Ontario Fall Junior Shiai

November – Ontario Senior Shiai and Boston Shufukai Kendo Goyokai Shiai

Fees

Beginner Fees

Beginners with no prior knowledge of kendo are advised to pay the beginners fee which includes the shinai (bamboo sword) and three months of membership. We accept PayPal (See below).

Junior Beginner Fee

15 years and under
Includes ’36 – ’38 shinai
3 months of membership
$150

Youth Beginner Fee

16 – 20 years old
Includes ’38 shinai
3 months of membership
$180

Adult Beginner Fee

21 years old and up
Includes ’39 shinai
3 months of membership
$200

Regular Fees

These are the regular monthly dues you will pay after your beginner membership has finished. We accept PayPal (See below).

Junior

15 years and under $30 per month

Youth

16 – 20 years old $40 per month

Adult

21 years old and up $50 per month

Family

10% discount off the total for 2 or more family members

Etobicoke Olympium Kendo / Iaido Club Admin Fee

$30 once a year

For monthly dues, we ask members to submit 6 post-dated cheques to the Etobicoke Kendo Club from January to June dated Jan. 1, Feb. 1 etc., or if you prefer one cheque for the 6 months. Please do the same for the period July to December. Please pay your EOK/IC Admin Fee in January.

Annual Membership Fees

The Etobicoke Olympium Kendo \ Iaido Club is a recognized member of both the National (CKF) and Provincial (OKF) governing federations.

The CKF and EOK/IC Admin Fee are to be paid one year in advance. (i.e. payment is due in December of the current year to pay for the next year.) We accept PayPal (See below).

Individual members should create their own CKF member profile. A CKF membership is required to support kendo events, participate in tournaments and grade past the club level. The CKF collect their fees directly through their own site: CKF Login.
Etobicoke Olympium Kendo \ Iaido Club pays the OKF directly.