Health & Safety

Insurance

For insurance reasons you can only practise with us if you are a paid-up member of the British Kendo Association or - practising as a guest - another recognised Kendo federation. Membership forms are available from the BKA or from our secretary. Our instructors are registered and insured with the BKA.

First Aid

First Aid provisions are made for every session. If you want to learn more about First Aid in Kendo please have a look at the BKA schedule of events.

Beginners

If you have just bought your first shinai do not hit anything or anyone with your shinai before it has been made safe by us during your course!. And NEVER hit anything or anyone with your bokuto!

You can wear loose fitting tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt for training. Kendo is practised with bare feet. You are likely to develop some blisters in the first weeks, therefore, you should bring plasters.

Please also bring some water or other suitable drink, and soap and towel for a shower after training!

If you have any health issues please discuss them beforehand with us and with your GP. Kendo is intermittent high-intensity workout. Injuries are rare if you practise correctly. Strain injuries may affect the elbow (‘tennis elbow’) or Achilles tendon. These only occur if you do not warm-up properly or use too much muscle power in your (right) arm. Kendo accidents that have been know to happen on occasion include bruising of the heel when someone performs the stamping footwork (fumikomi ashi) incorrectly and tripping over the hakama (long, pleated skirt) which is part of the uniform.

Advanced players

We assume that you know how to take care of your body, uniform, shinai and armour. You are aware that ‘cuts’ going astray may cause bruising. Brush up on your Kendo knowledge regularly. We have links to various sites, manuals and other resources on our links page

Make sure that you check all your equipment frequently and meticulously. We do not compromise on safety. If you are in any doubt over the state of your shinai or armour ask a senior member for advice. Always bring two suitable shinai to any session and competition.

More Information on Health and Safety including risk assessments can be found on the BKA website.