Home   |   Practice/Join   |   Achievements   |   Kendo Etiquette   |   Club Officers

Kendo Etiquette ("rei-gi")

Kendo is an art form that utilizes the sword, the body, and the environment. Within kendo, rei-gi (etiquette) is a very important aspect to internalize because without it, kendo no longer becomes an art form but instead it will develop into a bashing of the opponent where the only goal is to win by any means possible. As it is said, "do unto others as you would have them do unto yourself". This means that if you want respect, you should be respectful yourself. At UCLA, rei-gi is expected of all practitioners of the club. Not only does rei-gi help the kenshi develop their kendo, it is also respectful of the dojo and of the other kenshi who you will practice with.

Dojo Manners 101:

1.   Greet other members when you arrive ["Good evening" = "Konban-wa"]
2.   No shoes in the dojo [take off before entering]
3.   Turn off your cell phones
4.   Enter the room with a bow while you say "konban-wa" loudly
5.   When leaving, bow and say "sayonara" (goodbye) or "oyasumi-nasai" (good night)
6.   When another member leaves in such a fashion (#5), respond with "sayonara" or "oyasumi-nasai"
For additional tips, check out the All United States Kendo Federation guidelines

What to Wear:

First-Time Beginners

T-shirt and shorts/fitting workout pants
for ease of movement, safety, and correction of movements

Kendo Uniform

Keikogi and hakama
Keikogi-Hakama Manual

Kendo Uniform & Armor

Bogu
Bogu Manual


For further information on kendo rei-gi, check out the All US Kendo Federation Promo Exam Study Guide.