Kendo Basics — Shinai, Footwork & the First Strike
About this experience
Thomas spent two years learning kendo alongside his aikido from a teacher who'd been coaching for forty years before he accepted a foreign student. We'll work through correct grip, forward footwork, the relationship between breath and strike. By the end of two hours you'll wear partial armour — men (head) and kote (gauntlets) — and land a proper men-strike with full kiai. Real equipment, real dojo, no tourist adjustment. Kendo is more meditative than it appears. The sound of a clean strike on a well-placed target is unlike anything else.
Highlights
- Correct kendo grip, footwork, and strike from the very beginning
- Wear men and kote armour by the end of the session
- Your first full kiai men-strike — one clean one
- Kendo explained as a practice, not a sport
What's included
- Dojo mat fee
- All kendo equipment: shinai, men, kote
- Cold barley tea after
- Transport to the dojo
- Pre-existing injuries — please disclose before booking
Meeting point
Nishi-Arai Station (Tobu Skytree Line), east exit — Thomas will walk you to the dojo
Payment on the day
The insider's fee is paid directly on the day — bring the exact amount.
Meet Thomas
Thomas
Adachi
Speaks German, English, Japanese
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 48h before
Cancel at least 48 hours before the start time for a full refund of the MeetAnInsider intro fee. The insider's fee is paid on the day and is not charged until you meet.
2h
min 1 · max 2
Price shown for 1 person · Up to 2 participants
Pay directly on the day
Charged when the insider confirms