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FAQs

You will need to attend a beginners course and most students find it is a much easier way to join in. However, it is possible to slot into the basics class on Thursdays, if you have practised or are practising other Japanese sword arts but you must contact us first to check if this will be appropriate
Yes, you’re welcome to watch a class; Saturday morning is the best time. You must contact and confirm via email, prior to visiting.
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Beginners learn kihon (basics) – how to warm up, how to hold a bokken (wooden sword), basic cutting and thrusting, footwork and the first kata (form)
You do not need to be fit to begin classes but let the teacher know if you have any injuries or medical conditions before the class. You may be advised to do tanren training before you begin sword classes to ensure you progress safely and avoid injury.
We currently only take students over 18. kendo would be a good way to start Japanese sword arts, Wakaba is a good dojo for this wakabakendo.org

No but previous experience in martial arts can be helpful in giving an understanding of timing and distance.
There are six kyu grades before shodan (the first black belt). With regular practice these grades can be taken in 3 years. Beginners practice with a bokken (wooden sword). Most students will begin to use a metal practice sword after one year and begin to cut with a real blade in their second year.
Loose clothing e.g. loose trousers and a T-shirt. We train in bare feet.
No we provide wooden swords for the first few lessons and tetsubo (steel poles) for the tanren classes.
Tanren is a system of body conditioning or ‘forging’ that develops the quailties of strength and flexibility required for Japanese sword arts. It involves the melding of inner and outer power through integrating breathing with slow deep movements while swinging a long heavy wooden bat (tanrenbo) or two short steel rods (tetsubo).
Yes, the tanren kata (sequence) can be practised as a self contained discipline. It takes 2-3 years to master the basic form and brings great physical and mental benefits.

Haggerston School

South Gym
Hackney London
E2 8L
(Hoxton Overground)

*The Thursday night class is in the North Gym
Sport centre entrance on Dunloe st.

Go through the car park entrance. Walk into the carpark and climb the spiral staircase on the left to reach the North Gym