Cambridge residents of all ages will be able to try a new activity come January as the Cambridge Kendo Club will be offering free beginner intakes.
Kendo, or the Japanese Way of the Sword, is a martial art that has roots in Samurai fighting practices. Over the years it's evolved into it’s current form, the discipline of the human character through the application of the principles of the katana or sword.
Jan Anthony Mendoza is the president of the Cambridge Kendo Club and is excited to share his knowledge with the community.
“Kendo is Japanese fencing based on concepts from medieval and early modern Japanese swordsmanship,” Mendoza said.
“People can expect a good workout coupled with learning new movements and skills leading up to greater competency in kendo.”
The Cambridge Kendo Club was started by current Sensei Toshi Hogi over 20 years ago out of Hourihine’s Martial Arts Centre and Hogi Sense.
The art of kendo offers more than just a a good workout.
It’s an activity that improves self-discipline, helps people develop more self-understanding and an overall desire for self-improvement, Mendoza says.
It’s also open to everyone.
“Kendo is well known for its inclusive, accepting and supportive community where we help each other on our journeys,” Mendoza said.
“For children above the age of seven, it's a great outlet for them to expend energy while learning new physical and soft skills. I hope to show that we are a friendly community where anyone can be accepted no matter what your age, skill level, body type or aptitude is.”
Mendoza admits that kendo may not be a mainstream activity in the area, but believes many lessons can be learned by taking part.
“Even though we are loud and kendo looks different from other activities, it is incredibly rewarding to yourself and to the community,” he said.
“Kendo can be a great outlet for people while striving towards mastery or whatever their chosen goal is. The first part of the lesson is on etiquette and manners within our jojo, or practice space. In kendo there is a saying that kendo begins and ends in rei, which in Japanese can mean manners, etiquette, and respect.”
The club runs out of the W.G Johnson Centre at 31 Kribs St. and offers beginner intakes three times a year, with the next starting in early January.
Beginner intake session schedule:
Sunday, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Sunday, Jan 15 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
