If you are interested in joining our dojo, anyone is welcome to come and watch or to join in, but please e-mail to make an appointment first. Trainings are on Sundays from 1:00 ~ 4:00 and Thursdays from 7:30 ~ 8:30. Please tun up at least 10 minutes before training starts and remember to take your shoes off at the door.

If you wish to join in training, please tell us, so that spare gear can be brought along for you to use. If you have gear already, please bring it along. But please be aware that there are types of swords which are not permitted to be used in the dojo.

it is best if you don't buy gear first, as people often end up buying the wrong thing, and most martial arts shops are pretty clueless when it comes to Kendo and Iaido. Buying off trade me is also often pretty hit and miss, alot of the stuff there is definitely not suitable for the dojo. If you really want to get your gear organisd first, the best place to visit is The Budogu-ya [www.budogu.co.nz] as this is run by Kenjutsu and Budo experts, so you can be sure of accurate and appropriate advice.

Once you've decided that you want to continue with Iaido or Kendo, you can start thinking about gear. We have a lot of spare gear for beginners to use and dojo members also get substantial discounts through The Budogu-ya on most products so you can buy what you need when you can afford it. It is a good idea to get your own Obi and Iaito as soon as you can though because using bad Iaito can lead to bad cutting habits as you adapt your cutting dynamic to suit the sword you are using.

See the FAQ page for more information and frequently asked questions, including costs.

Some basic etiquette for a start includes:

1)  Arrive at least 10~15 minutes before training starts

2)  Take your shoes off at the door before you enter, and place then neatly together at the side of the entrance way, facing outwards.

3)  Before you enter the dojo [hall] bow and then enter, also bow before you leave.

4) If you have understood an instruction from someone higher than you in the dojo, respond "Hai" in a clear voice.

5) Be pro-active in sweeping the floor. Everyone should take a turn and be aware that it is not a chore, it is a part of training.

6) Contact is very important. If you are going to be late (don't be) or can't come to training, get in touch.

A very important, central idea to our dojo is that the benefits of training are always available to you, but you have to take them yourself. This means that you yourself have to want to improve for it to happen. If you are keen to train and show the proper respect and etiquette then this tells your Sensei and Senpai that you wish to be taught.  We do not run classes, although each training may contain some lesson for you to learn. It is all up to you.