St Andrews Kendo Club is based in the Kingdom of Fife in Scotland. Our members come from both the town and university of St Andrews, the rest of North East Fife and Dundee. Kendo is an inclusive martial art and we welcome people from all walks of life, both genders and all generations to join us.
The Concept of Kendo is :
to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of the Katana.
The Purpose of kendo is :
to mould the mind and body,
to cultivate a vigorous spirit,
to strive for improvement in the art of kendo,
to hold in esteem human courtesy and honour,
to associate with others with sincerity,
and to forever pursue the cultivation of oneself.
Thus :
one will be able to love one's country and society,
to contribute to the development of culture,
and to promote peace and prosperity among all peoples.
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Ichi go ichi e Our club motto "ichi go ichi e" was chosen by Sotaro Honda sensei, the British coach, and it literally says "one time, one meeting". These apparently simple words describe a complex cultural concept that has no exact equivalent in Western attitudes - although "life isn't a rehearsal" might be an approximation. The teaching contained in this motto is concerned with our attitude in the dojo - and outwith. Treat every thing you do as a unique opportunity and give it your best effort. When you - for example - meet someone in jigeiko (sparring) don't act half-heartedly, saving yourself for the next fight but instead commit fully as if it were the last and only thing you have to do. This is how you show them the greatest respect. Attending to every detail with utmost dedication leads to a completely focussed mind which will help you and all other kendoka you meet to progress together on the Way of the Sword. |
Notes and News
Forthcoming Events
Next Beginners' Course
The next beginners' course starts in the Autumn of 2008.
If you are interested in attending this course, please read the details on the beginners' course page and contact us to register your interest. In particular, the earlier you come to watch a training session, the sooner you will know if Kendo is likely to be for you.
Announcements
Additional Weekly Training Sessions
Following a trial period, Thursday night training sessions return to the St Andrews Kendo Club schedule - commencing 7th Feb 2008.
Mondays: dojo open at 6.30 for personal warmup, practice, advice, etc prior to bowing in at 7.00. Closes 9.30
Thursdays: session starts with bowing in at 7.00. Closes 9.00
Recent Events
Sports Relief Run
March 2008. Club members run a mile for charity - some of them in full bogu! Report by Dojo leader Michael Gratzke is here
Seminar and Grading
March 2008. Club members achieve new grades following seminar in Glasgow. Report by Dojo leader Michael Gratzke is here
Dublin Seminar/Grading
January 2008. Dojo Leader Michael Gratzke achieves the grade of Sandan (3rd Dan). Report by Derek Burr is here
Kangeiko
2nd January 2008 saw the fourth annual St Andrews Kangeiko (winter practice) on the East Sands. Report and pics coming soon.
New Dojo Location
We are now training at St Leonards School, St Andrews.
Map and directions are on our training page.