FAQ
質問
Frequently asked questions
Everything we get asked about kendo in Tunisia — from the very first session to grading, equipment, safety, and how the League works. If your question isn’t here, get in touch.
Getting started
Before your first session
- What is kendo?
- Kendo is a Japanese martial art that descends from samurai swordsmanship. Practitioners spar with bamboo swords (shinai) and wear protective armour (bogu). It blends athletic intensity, formal etiquette, and meditative focus, and is governed worldwide by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF) and the International Kendo Federation (FIK).
- Do I need any martial arts experience to start?
- No. Most beginners arrive with no martial arts background. Kendo has its own footwork, posture, and vocabulary — prior experience in karate, judo, or fencing is neither required nor a head start. The first months focus on the basics anyone can learn from scratch.
- How old do you need to be to start kendo in Tunisia?
- Most affiliated dojos welcome practitioners from age 8 to 10 onwards. There is no upper limit — the Tunisian Kendo League has active members from teenagers to senseis in their seventies. Some dojos offer dedicated children’s slots; contact the dojo directly to confirm the age policy.
- Can women practice kendo?
- Yes. Kendo in Tunisia and worldwide is fully mixed — women and men train together, grade together, and compete in their own divisions at official tournaments. The Tunisian national team includes both men’s and women’s squads.
- How fit do I need to be?
- You don’t need to be in athletic shape to start. The first weeks focus on footwork, posture, and basic strikes (kihon) — they build cardio gradually. Once you wear bogu (after ~6 months), training becomes more demanding, but by then your body has adapted.
Your first session
What to expect on day one
- What should I bring to my first kendo class?
- Comfortable athletic clothes you can move and bow in (a t-shirt and tracksuit pants are perfect), a water bottle, and a small towel. Sessions are barefoot — you’ll leave your shoes at the entrance. No equipment needed for the trial.
- How much does a trial session cost?
- Trial sessions are usually free — the policy is to let visitors experience kendo before committing. Contact your local dojo to schedule a visit; some clubs ask you to attend a specific weeknight slot reserved for newcomers.
- What happens during a typical session?
- A class typically opens with seiza (formal seated bow) and mokusō (silent meditation). Then come kihon — footwork drills (suri-ashi, fumikomi), strike patterns, and partner exercises. More advanced practitioners then put on bogu and do ji-geiko (free practice). The session closes with another seated bow and reflection.
- Do I have to learn Japanese?
- No, but you’ll naturally pick up around 50 essential terms — the strikes (men, kote, dō, tsuki), the postures (kamae), the etiquette (rei, mokusō), and counting. Most dojos teach in French or Arabic with the Japanese vocabulary used directly. We have a complete glossary for reference.
Equipment
Equipment & costs
- What equipment do I need to start kendo in Tunisia?
- Nothing for the first sessions beyond athletic clothes. After about 4–6 weeks, when you start basic strike work, you’ll need a shinai (bamboo sword, ~80–120 TND) and a basic uniform: kendogi (jacket) and hakama (trousers), about 200–300 TND for a starter set. Full bogu armour comes much later.
- When will I need full bogu armour?
- Typically 6 to 12 months in, once your sensei judges your basics are stable enough. A complete bogu set (men, kote, dō, tare) costs from around 1,500 TND for an entry-level set to 5,000+ TND for senior-grade equipment. Your dojo will guide you on suppliers and sizing.
- Where can I buy kendo equipment in Tunisia?
- Equipment is mostly imported from Japan, France, or Spain. Dojos often coordinate group orders to share shipping. The League can advise on trusted retailers — see our equipment page for current options or ask your sensei directly.
- Can I borrow equipment from the dojo?
- Most dojos lend bogu and shinai to beginners during their first months — until you decide kendo is a long-term commitment. Confirm availability with the dojo before your first sessions.
Licence & federation
Licence, fees & affiliation
- Is there an annual licence fee?
- Yes. Each practitioner pays an annual League licence (administered through your dojo) plus the dojo’s own membership fee. The League licence covers your insurance, your inscription with the European and International federations, and your eligibility to grade and compete. Contact your dojo for current rates.
- How is the Tunisian Kendo League affiliated internationally?
- The League is recognised by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF), the International Kendo Federation (FIK), and the European Kendo Federation (EKF). It operates under the umbrella of the Tunisian Judo Federation (FT Judo), and was honoured with the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Award in 2024.
- Am I insured during practice?
- Yes — the annual licence includes federation-level liability and accident insurance for kendo and iaido practice within affiliated dojos and at official events.
Training & progression
Training rhythm & grading
- How often should I train?
- Twice a week is the standard rhythm for steady progression. Once a week is enough to maintain familiarity but progress is slow. Senseis recommend at least two sessions per week if you intend to grade.
- How do gradings work in kendo?
- You start at kyu ranks (6th to 1st kyu) graded at the dojo level, then move to dan ranks (1st to 8th dan). Dan exams in Tunisia are organised by the League with visiting senseis, often during international training camps. From 1st dan onwards, the standard is a public exam with both kihon and ji-geiko evaluation.
- How long until I can compete?
- Typically 12 to 18 months — once you have full bogu and your sensei considers your kihon stable enough for shiai (matches). The Tunisian championships, the FABA Cup, and the Tunis International Kendo Open are open to graded practitioners.
- What if I miss a few weeks of training?
- Kendo rewards consistency over intensity, but it’s also forgiving — missing a few sessions, a holiday, or even a couple of months won’t reset you. The basics return quickly. Just communicate with your sensei when you come back.
Safety & disciplines
Safety & related arts
- Is kendo dangerous?
- Kendo is among the safest contact martial arts when practiced properly. Strikes only target armoured zones (head, wrists, torso, throat from a certain rank). The strict etiquette and the bogu protect against injury. The most common issues are bruises and minor blisters in the early weeks.
- What is the difference between kendo and iaido?
- Kendo is sparring with the bamboo shinai — full-contact, full-armour, partner-based. Iaido is solo kata with a sword (iaitō) — meditative, precise, no contact. Many Tunisian practitioners study both. See our dedicated iaido page for more.
- Can children practice kendo safely?
- Yes. Children’s sessions use lighter equipment, simplified drills, and strict supervision. Most affiliated dojos welcome children from 8 years old; some have dedicated kids’ slots. Ask the dojo about their children’s programme.
Practical
Tunisia-specific & practical
- Where are the kendo dojos in Tunisia?
- The League has seven affiliated dojos: in Tunis (Association Sportive de Kendo, Zitouna Sports Dojo), Carthage (Carthage Kendo Club), Ariana (Ariana Kendo & Iaido), Ben Arous (Ben Arous Kendo), Ouardanine in the Monastir governorate (Ouardanine Dojo), and Ken-no-Michi. See the dojos page for the full list.
- In what language are classes taught?
- Most classes are in French and Arabic, with the Japanese kendo vocabulary used directly (men, kote, kihon, sensei, etc.). English is widely understood at the senior level. Visiting senseis often run sessions in English with French translation.
- Do you train through summer?
- Most dojos run a slightly reduced summer schedule — exact dates vary. Special summer training camps (gasshuku) are sometimes organised, often with visiting senseis from Japan or Europe. Check with your dojo or the events page.
- How can I watch a kendo match in Tunisia?
- The Tunisian championships, the Tunis International Kendo Open, and FABA Cup events are public — see our news & events page for the calendar. International matches stream on the EKF and FIK YouTube channels.
- How do I contact a dojo to visit?
- Each dojo page lists direct contact (email, phone, social media) for the dojo’s sensei or coordinator. For general questions about the League, visit our contact page.
Next steps
Ready to begin?
Still curious? Read our complete beginner’s guide or browse the kendo glossary to learn the vocabulary. When you’re ready, find a dojo near you.