Iaido (Japanese swordsmanship) beginners' classes (6 week introductory courses).

Start dates:

Tuesday 9th April 2024, 8.00-9.30pm

Cost per class: £5 (Cash only)

Venue: The Studio, Forge Valley School, Wood Lane, Sheffield S6 5HG

Instruction will be provided by 4th dan and 3rd dan instructors with level I and level II coaching qualifications.

Things to do:

Before starting a beginners' course of 6 weeks please do the following:

1. You need to be at least 18 years of age before you start training.

2. It is advisable to attend and watch a full class (Monday 8.15 pm to 9.45 pm)

3. Register as a temporary member (for insurance cover) for 3 months with the British Kendo Association; cost £10. Join the Sheffield dojo, number 146
Link: https://www.britishkendoassociation.com/join/

4. When attending a course or class please wear some loose clothing so that you can move freely (e.g. a T-shirt and/or tracksuit). Knee pads will be useful as some of the kata are done kneeling.

5. We have a limited amount of equipment available to use during the sessions. It is advisable to buy some basic equipment, which can be purchased from Nine Circles. You will need the following:

Obi – this needs to be long enough to go around your waist at least 2 or 3 times and should be black, either of the options listed below will be suitable:

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/iaido/iaido-clothing/iaido-obi-belts/miyabi-iaido-obi-tetron/

Bokken – the link below is suitable to use for Iaido:

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/iaido/iaido-bokken/standard-bokken/grooved-white-oak-daito-saya-and-sageo-pack/

or

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/iaido/iaido-bokken/standard-bokken/hickory-grooved-bokken-plastic-saya-and-sageo-pack/

We also recommend that you buy a weapons bag for your bokken such as the one in the link below:

https://www.ninecircles.co.uk/kendo/kendo-bags/shinai-bags/blue-shobu-wooden-weapons-bag/

By law any weapons used for training purposes must be carried in a bag even if you are travelling by car.

6. Do not leave bags or valuables in the changing rooms. Bring them to the studio for safekeeping.