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
Wilson Humphries
Acting instructor (Ikkyu).
Practicing since 2014.
Sempai
Devin Dwyer
Wayne Pinsent
Yokuto Ishii
Regular Club Practices & Classes have resumed.
Note, schedule is subject to change in relation to public health orders.
Club practice times
Tuesday
8:30PM-10:00PM At the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre
Sunday
1:00PM - 3:00PM At the H.G.R. Mews Community Centre
Current class offerings (Presently full, no seats remaining)
Kendo beginners package ($200 Includes basic equipment)
January 17th - March 28th (11 classes)
Sundays at 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Students will acquire the fundamentals of kendo, and condition their body, no prior knowledge of kendo required.
Basic equipment includes: shinai (bamboo sword), kendogi and hakama (uniform)
Iaido beginners package ($200 Includes basic equipment)
January 19th - March 30th (11 classes)
Tuesdays at 8:30PM-10:00PM
Students will acquire the fundamentals of iaido, no prior knowledge required.
Basic equipment includes: bokuto with saya (wooden sword and scabbard), iaidogi, hakama and obi (uniform and belt)
Virtual classes and seminars (ZOOM)
In addition to in-person class delivery, TRKC and it's affiliated dojos have adopted the use of zoom and other online platforms to increase accessibility and class delivery. Any class package or regular membership includes the access to such classes. Note, only once registered will you be able to avail of these classes.
Things to note before attending
Please attend only if you are feeling well, be prepared to take part in soji (cleaning the dojo), and arrive fully ready to take part in practice (keiko), i.e. arrive in your gi or gym clothes so we may start immediately. Face masks/PPE are required as per public health orders.
Thank you all for understanding.
What to expect in a class
A typical class will consist of the following:
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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.
Note to Beginners
Requisites: At first, just comfortable clothes for moving in! Kendo is done barefoot so no special footwear is required and shinai are available to borrow for practice from the club.
As part of a class package registration, the club will place a bulk order for essential equipment
(e.g. keikogi (uniform), shinai (bamboo sword), bokuto with saya (wooden sword with sheath), etc.), the approximate total cost for which is $150.
Regular Membership Cost
Membership fees are $35 per month, which covers access to all club practices in a month. Members are responsible for purchasing their own equipment. The Rock Kendo is not for profit so these fees go solely towards facility venue bookings and upkeep.
Regular Membership to National Federation
Any serious participants who plan to pursue grading will need to be a member in good standing with the Canadian Kendo Federation, annual membership to the CKF is $50.
Trial Policy
Any person(s) not registered for a class package may attend up to four (4) regular club practices for kendo free of any charges to determine if they wish to join a beginners class or become a member.
Locations & Contact
40 Mundy Pond Rd,
St. John's,
NL A1E 1V1
Tel: 709-728-8304
General Enquiries:
Instructor:
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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