Kyoto Fuchou Kendo Club

The Kyoto Fuchou Kendo Club is where I started kendo in Kyoto and subsequently where I am now a member. Located at the Kyoto Prefecture Kamigyo offices, it's proximity to the Imperial Palace makes access relatively easy. Practice here is roughly half warm up and basic drills and half keiko. Instruction is limited as the club is made up of mainly high dan practitioners. The Fuchou Kendo Club features a relaxed environment with helpful, enthusiastic members.

Head Teacher:      Itou Sensei (hachi-dan)

Date & Time:      Every Monday and Friday (excluding national holidays) 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Fee:                      100 ¥ every Monday

English:               Some. Practices are conducted in Japanese.

Location:              Kyoto Prefecture Office, 4th floor Sports Centre

Access:                 
 15 minute walk from Imadegawa Station (subway Karasuma line)

 10 minute walk from Marutomachi Station (subway Karasuma line)

 #51 bus line, 5 minute walk from Karasuma - Shimodachiuri stop
(across the street from the St. Agnes Episcopal Church)







18 comments:

  1. UnknownJanuary 20, 2013 at 7:13 AM

    Hi Nicky,

    I'm currently studying abroad (from January to May) at Doshisha University, and I am interested in doing Kendo in Kyoto. I have little experience with Kendo (about 1-2 years), and am not particularly fluent in Japanese... Is there someone I can contact/talk to about this club, so I can get some more information and/or sit in on a practice?


    Thanks,

    Yeuting

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    Replies
    1. NickyJanuary 23, 2013 at 6:44 PM

      Hi Yeuting!

      Do you have a ranking in kendo yet? Also, did you bring your own equipment?

      We practice on Mondays and Fridays at 7pm. If you are interested in viewing a practice, we can go together and I can introduce you to some of the members. Mondays are better, as I have more time in the early evening and Itou Sensei is present.

      As far as questions go, I can inquire on your behalf anything you wish to know beforehand.

      I hope you have a great time in Kyoto!

      Nicky

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    2. UnknownJanuary 24, 2013 at 2:25 AM

      Hi Nicky!

      Thanks for your response!

      I have brought my bogu and gi/hakama, but I wasn't able to bring my shinai. And unfortunately, I am not ranked- I have been practicing for only ~2 years, but I want to keep practicing and learn more.

      If it's not too much trouble, can I come and check out the practice next monday?

      Thanks!

      Yeuting

      Delete
    3. NickyJanuary 24, 2013 at 4:17 AM

      Not a problem!

      I have an extra shinai you can use for the time being. You can check out Tozando for kendo supplies here in Kyoto.

      Monday is fine. The Sports Center is tucked away in the back of the building. If you don't think you'll be able to find it on your own, send me an email and we'll make arrangements.

      Delete
  2. ColbyJanuary 24, 2013 at 6:11 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  3. ColbyJanuary 24, 2013 at 6:13 AM

    ニッキーさん、

    はじめまして、佐藤ともうします。
    僕も剣道を練習すると思います。今学期、度支社で留学していたします。

    I have practiced on and off for a few years, mostly during the summer, but I'd like to start up again. I too have only limited experience and am unranked. I have a gi and hakama here, and a bogu at home.

    May I come by Monday to watch practice? I wouldn't want to just jump into practice without knowing how it flows.

    thank you,
    Colby Sato

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  4. NickyJanuary 26, 2013 at 1:18 AM

    Hi Colby!

    You can come and watch the practice on Monday, too. Please send me an email if you need help finding the Sports Centre building.

    nickymagas@gmail.com

    Talk to you soon!

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  5. UnknownAugust 24, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Hi Nicky,

    Me and my fiancee just moved to Kyoto and we want to learn Kendo. Neither of us has any experience, but we observed a class last Friday at another Dojo, and they advised us to learn at Kyotofuchou (it was a childrens class). We want to come by Monday to observe if that is ok. Since I saw people talking to you through this, I figured that it was a good idea to send you a message.

    Thank you,

    Evan Darrow

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    Replies
    1. NickyNovember 2, 2013 at 7:08 PM

      Evan:

      I realize I completely forgot to ask you for your contact information, so I hope this reaches you. I'll be at practice this coming Monday again, if you're available to drop by. Let me know.

      Best,
      Nicky

      Delete
    2. NickyNovember 3, 2013 at 12:42 AM

      And, of course as soon as I send this I notice that November 4th is a holiday. How about the 11th?

      Delete
  6. NickyAugust 24, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    Hi Evan!

    It's great that you're interested in Kendo. It's perfectly fine to come by and observe on Monday. Will you be all right finding the dojo? Please feel free to email me if you need assistance.

    All the best,
    Nicky

    ReplyDelete
  7. MollyODMarch 10, 2014 at 8:31 AM

    Hello Nicky, I appreciated reading some information you have provided and would very much like to have the chance to practise Kendo when I am in Kyoto this spring from April 17th to May 6th. I will be bringing my bogu with me. I am only first kyu grade. Could I trouble you for further information on a dojo where I could practise at least three times a week? Fingers crossed and thanks in advance, Molly (odonovanmolly@gmail.com)

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  8. UnknownAugust 30, 2014 at 11:39 AM

    Konnichiwa Nicky!
    My friend and I will be traveling to Kyoto September 28-Oct 1. I studied Kendo for many years and I would be very honored if I could watch a practice. Do you know if this is possible? If so, what should I do to get permission?

    Doma Arigato
    Mara A Smith

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  9. ChrisApril 25, 2015 at 6:59 AM

    Hello Nicky

    I am student abroad student at Doshisha Univeristy. I would love to participate in the clubs activities. I have my own bogu (excl shinai). I have never taken a ranking exam, but have practised for two and half years. If it does not work out I would appreciate any recommendation for a place to go.

    My Japanese is not perfect, but I can hold a decent conversation.

    Thanks
    Christopher (please contact me at chrisdhuber@gmail.com)



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  10. UnknownMarch 28, 2017 at 11:37 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  11. UnknownMarch 28, 2017 at 11:38 AM

    Hi,
    I'm not sure if this blog is still maintained (last comment / post was a while ago). Are you still in Kyoto? Are the dojos listed still current. I am a British sandan, visiting Kyoto in April, and am looking to find a dojo where I could practice once or twice while I am out there.
    Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers,

    Andy

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    Replies
    1. NickyMarch 28, 2017 at 12:23 PM

      Hi Andy,
      I am no longer in Kyoto, unfortunately, however the information listed here is still current. I recommend going to Butokuden first, as it is the easiest location to find. From there you can connect with sensei and kendoka from around the city, to find a location that best suits your needs.

      Best wishes and have fun!
      Nicky

      Delete
    2. UnknownMarch 29, 2017 at 2:46 AM

      Many thanks.

      Delete

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