About Us
The Rock Kendo Club is Newfoundland and Labrador's only kendo & iaido dojo, and although we are a small group, we have big ambitions. We hope that people will come to find kendo is much more than a martial art or means of conditioning, but is also a way of living, and a means of self improvement by which to cultivate earnestness, respect, and confidence.
What is Kendo
Kendo (剣道), directly translated, means the way of the sword. This modern martial art originates in Japan, and is based on kenjutsu (剣術), once honed by the bushi (武士) or samurai.
Practitioners are known as kendoka (剣道家) or kenshi (剣士), and use bamboo swords known as shinai (竹刀), and armour referred to as bogu (防具) in full contact fencing.
What is Iaido
Iaidō (居合道), is a Japanese martial art that emphasizes being aware and capable of quickly drawing the sword and responding to a sudden attack. Iaido is associated with the smooth, controlled movements of drawing the sword from its scabbard or saya (鞘), and striking or cutting an opponent.
Practitioners may begin learning with a bokuto (木刀) or wooden sword and eventually train with an
iaitō (居合刀) or blunted steel sword.
Why Practice
The purpose of practicing Kendo is:
To mold the mind and body,
To cultivate a vigorous spirit,
And through correct and rigid training,
To strive for improvement in the art of Kendo,
To hold in esteem human courtesy and honor,
To associate with others with sincerity,
And to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
This will make one be able:
To love his/her country and society,
To contribute to the development of culture
And to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
(The Concept of Kendo was established by All Japan Kendo Federation in 1975.)
1
Sensei & Sempai
Dojo Administrator
& Instructor
Wilson Humphries
Acting instructor (2nd dan).
Practicing since 2014.
Sempai
Regular Club Practices & Classes have resumed.
Note, schedule is subject to change in relation to public health orders.
Club practice times
TUESDAY: 9:00PM-10:30PM, Budo nights (Iaido & Kendo kata)
*note this class may be removed or frequency changed in the future
WEDNESDAY: 9:00PM-10:30PM, Kendo
SUNDAY: 12:30PM-1:55PM, Kids class (registration only, no drop-ins)
SUNDAY: 2:00PM-4:00PM, Kendo
Current Offerings
Kendo Kids (Free for ages 5-11)
The Rock Kendo and Iaido Club is hosted by St. Andrew's Elementary School, we have given the right to first refusal to the students and families there. If space in our program is available after, we will then open it to the wider public, again this program is for elementary grade ages and will also be free to those outside of the school. Any students ages 12 and up must attend the regular classes.
Regular monthly membership ($20/month)
Access to all classes, does not include equipment.
Note that if you are not signed up for a beginners series (see below), you may attend four free classes as a trial period prior to joining as a regular member.
If you opt for an annual plan membership is $200/year saving $40.
Beginners Induction (Open for Fall 2023)
REGISTER NOW - STANDARD FORM
NEXT DATES: September 24th, 2023 - June 23rd, 2024
Students will acquire the fundamentals of kendo and/or iaido, and condition their body, no prior knowledge of the arts are required.
Basic equipment may be ordered as part of registration (the average cost being ~$150). Otherwise the club has some limited equipment available free for use during class.
What to expect in a class
A typical class will consist of the following:
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Soji - cleaning
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Taiso - stretching and calisthenics,
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Suburi and Footwork - practice cuts and other drills
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Mokuso and Bowing in - a moment of meditation followed formal start of keiko (practice)
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Kihon - typically sets of drill and strikes done with partners (contact)
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Kata, Jigeiko or other comprehensive drills
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Mokuso and Bowing out - as before, plus comments from the instructor, questions welcome.
Things to note before attending
Please attend only if you are feeling well, and arrive fully ready to take part in practice (keiko), i.e. arrive in your gi or gym clothes so we may start immediately.
What happens at the end of the beginners series?
Once you finish the series you will be asked to continue as a regular member.
Are there any additional costs?
Just one for regular members, it will be expected to register as a member of the national regulatory body, the Canadian Kendo Federation (CKF). This is necessary for grading and participation in many national or regional events.
Locations & Contact
141 University Ave,
(Entrance located on Paton Street)
St. John's, NL
A1B 1Z4
Tel: 709-728-8304
General Enquiries: kendoka@therockkendo.com
Instructor: whumphries@mun.ca
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Background photo: "Bell Island Vista"
Image courtesy of Ray Mackey @RayMackeyPhotographyNL
http://raymackeyphotography.com
Additional media credits: Elizabeth Whitten, Wayne Pinsent