Frequently Asked Questions
May I observe a class before joining?
Yes! If you would like to observe a class, please contact us ahead of time. Plan to arrive early so that we can answer any questions you may have.
Who teaches the classes?
All classes at SSK Kendo are taught by experienced instructors dedicated solely to the art of kendo.
How is the ranking system? Do you wear colored belts?
Kendo follows a grading system starting with Kyu and advancing to Dan. At SSK Kendo, we do not wear colored belts.
How do the ranking promotion exams work?
Rank exams are held regionally several times each year under the auspices of regional kendo federations. Access to exams is granted to members deemed ready by their instructor. Remember, rank promotion is only one dimension of your training—a means of measuring progress on a lifelong journey of learning and self-discovery.
Do I have to buy my own gear?
Yes. Eventually, you will need to purchase your own equipment. Please refer to the Expenses section below for details.
What is SSK Kendo?
SSK Kendo was founded by Stephen Kang to establish a convenient dojo for kendōka in Jersey City and its surrounding areas. Our mission is to nurture a vibrant community where rigorous training builds not only physical strength, fitness, and coordination, but also mental discipline, self-awareness, and resilience. We welcome students of all levels—no prior experience is required. Please contact us in advance for visiting instructions.
What are the expenses?
Monthly Membership Fee: $180 per month
Equipment Costs:
- Basic Clothing, Shinai, & Bokuto: $300
- Bogu (Armors): $1000
Terminology
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| Numbers | |
| Ichi | One |
| ni | Two |
| san | Three |
| si | Four |
| go | Five |
| roku | Six |
| sichi | Seven |
| hachi | Eight |
| ku | Nine |
| zyu | Ten |
| nizyu | Twenty |
| sanzyu | Thirty |
| yonzyu | Forty |
| gozyu | Fifty |
| nanazyu | Seventy |
| hachizyu | Eighty |
| kuzyu | Ninety |
| one hakyu | One hundred |
| Etiquette/Manner | |
| Rei | Etiquette/Bow |
| shomen ni rei | Bow to the front (in Japan, there is shinsa) |
| sensei ni rei | Bow to your sensei |
| sogo ni rei | Bow to each other |
| serei | Line up |
| seiza | Sit down |
| mokuso | Meditation |
| tachiai | Beginning ritual of a duel |
| onegai shimasu | "Thank you for your help in training" (in kendo) |
| ari gato gozai mashita | "Thank you so much" (past tense) |
| ritsu rei | Standing etiquette |
| za rei | Sitting etiquette |
| Training & Techniques | |
| kihon | Basic |
| waza | Technique |
| ashi | Foot |
| suri ashi | Sliding foot |
| Fumikomi ashi | Stomping foot |
| ayumi ashi | Alternating foot |
| ashi sabaki | Footwork |
| tai sabaki | Body movement |
| shinai sabaki | Shinai movement |
| kensen | Tip of the shinai |
| monouchi | One-third of the top of the shinai |
| yuko datotzu | Valid strike |
| ippon | One point |
| shobu | Win/Lose |
| zyushin | Center |
| Kamae | Position/Posture |
| chudan Kamae | Middle position |
| jodan kamae | High position |
| gedan kamae | Low position |
| seme | Pressure |
| suburi | Swinging in the air |
| joge | Up/down |
| joge suburi | Up/down swing |
| zenshin kotai | Forward/backward |
| shomen | Front (straight men uchi) |
| sayu men | Left/right (men uchi) |
| zenshin kotai shomen | Forward/backward, front (straight men uchi) |
| haya suburi | Fast suburi |
| Men | Head |
| Kote | Wrist |
| Doh | Waist |
| Tsuki | Throat |
| Men Uchi | Men Strike |
| Kote Uchi | Kote Strike |
| Doh Uchi | Doh Strike |
| kiai | Loud voice |
| ki | Spirit/voice |
| ken | Sword |
| tai | Body |
| ichi | One, together |
| ki-ken-tai-ichi | Voice-sword-body together |
| hajime | Start |
| yame | Stop |
| Shinsa | Promotion |
| Shiai | Tournament |
| maai | Distance |
| toh maai | Far distance |
| isokuito maai | One foot, one sword distance |
| chika maai | Close distance |
| uchi maai | Hitting distance |
| tsubazeriai | Distance where two tsuba meet each other |
| Keiko | Training |
| Kihon Keiko | Basic training |
| Uchikomi Keiko | Strike training |
| Kakari Keiko | Continuous strike training |
| Ji Keiko | Free sparring |
| hitori Keiko | Solo training (individual practice) |
| ma wari keiko | Rotating training |
| Waza | Technique |
| Renzoku waza | Continuous (striking) technique |
| nidan waza | Two continuous (striking) techniques – Kote-Men |
| suriage | Deflect/slide/brush upward – kote suriage men |
| otoshi | Dropping off – doh uchi otoshi men |
| kaeshi | Receive and return – men kaeshi doh |
| hiki waza | Close distance technique |
| ozzi waza | Receiving technique |
| debana waza | Hitting technique (opponent about to come) – debana men |
| ai-kote | Opponent’s hit to the kote – kote-men |