Читать книгу Kendo. A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Swordsmanship онлайн

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This or any other guide is in no way a substitute for a good instructor. While we now have access to print and online resources from some of the world’s best kendoka, it is important to train with a teacher who can monitor your progress and make suggestions that are relevant to you. Your choice of instructor will have a major effect on your progress, so do put some thought into your selection. If you live in a major city, then you will probably have a choice of dojo. Go and watch some sessions before committing to join. Not all technically skilled kendoka are good teachers and vice versa. It is also worth talking to other members of the class.

If there is not a choice of dojo in your area, you need to make the best of what is available. In some cases you may have to work with a junior instructor or even train with your peers, taking turns to lead the practice. My only word of caution is that in these cases everyone should be aware of their own ability level and seek opportunities to attend seminars and club visits and invite senior instructors to visit whenever you can. In this way you get exposure to new ideas and can all improve together. I have seen a few rare cases where an inexperienced club instructor has forbidden students to train with other teachers. This is perhaps forgivable of very highly ranked teachers if students are going through the basics stage, but coming from lesser kendoka this smacks of conceit and cultism.