Ideal for corporate bonding, leadership training or just a fun motivational event, your team can experience this traditional samurai martial art.
Kendo is Japanese fencing and is only available via Symposium Events exclusive partnership with the Hizen Foundation.
Overview
Can your team face the ultimate challenge and become death defying samurai for the day? Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art used to teach fencing skills. It can be physically and mentally challenging and is well known for the blood curdling shouts or ‘kiai’ produced by practitioners. Facing a master fencer is a challenge, but so to are the skills and endurance needed for an beginners class. Are your team up to it?
- This unusual corporate day it can handle any number of participants from 6 to 20.
- Full or half day options are available.
- Teaching in central London or at a venue of your choice (subject to minimum health & safety requirements)
- Traditional clothing, weapons and armour supplied
Programme
At this event you will:
- Learn to conquer your inner fears, doubts and insecurities
- Experience a rare traditional Japanese martial art with centuries of history
- Hit your boss on the head with a kendo sword (shinai)!
Sample Programme
| 9:00 – 9:15 | Arrival |
| 9:15 – 9:30 | Changing into traditional training wear |
| 9:30 – 10:30 | Introduction to the day’s event then an explanation and practise of basic stance movements and cutting action and target areas which are used in the practise of Kendo |
| 10:30 – 11:30 | Practising the basic physical drills and training patterns used in a normalKendo class, explanation of basic counter techniques and methods of attackUsed in a bout. |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Wearing of full armour and becoming accustomed to moving and cutting in itPlus the practise of formal bowing in preparation for full combat bouts |
| 12:30 – 1:30 | Practise in full armour with the instructor and each other.(If a large group a small round robin tournament) |
| 1:30 – 2:30 | Lunch |
| 2:30 – 3:00 | Classical wooden sword training, Sword postures and cutting methods |
| 3:00 – 4:00 | Practice of the first three forms of the All Japan Kendo no Kata |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Training forms from the 14/15 century |
| 5:00 | Closing address |
Teacher
Mr Jeff Humm is, at 48, the youngest 7th Dan in the British Kendo Association and the only one to hold a Masters degree in Traditional Martial Arts. Born into a family who loved Japanese martial arts, by the age of 14 had already studied a several others systems, but at this young age chose kendo to be his main art. At 18 he left for Japan to study the culture and arts of his passion.
On returning a few years later he took his place in the national team and represented the UK for ten years, reaching the final 16 in the World Championships. For the last 20 years he has been training with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and during this time he has been the coach and manager of both the UK men’s and ladies national teams, as well as teaching in Germany, Austria and Italy he is presently the principle coach for Lithuania.
At home in the London Jeff and a few members of his Euston based class have set up the Hizen Foundation a registered charity for the promotion of the benefits of Kendo and other like arts. He and the members work tirelessly to achieve this goal and all Jeff’s time and knowledge is given voluntarily to this cause.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do you use real swords?
Kendo is practiced with a bamboo weapon called a shinai. The shinai was developed during the 17th century as a means by which samurai could practice full contact fencing safely. Shinai are treated with the same respect and etiquette as a ‘real’ sword.
Q: Is Kendo Dangerous?
Kendo injuries are rarely more serious than a bruise. Although there are some strains usually associated with the feet and ankles – these can be prevented with a proper stretching programme.
(Other possible injuries include: bruised heel caused by improper fumikomi-ashi (stamping attack step), wrist injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, from overuse, and hazards from tripping over the Hakama.)
Q: Does a shinai blow hurt?
A correct shinai blow which lands on target (the armour), doesn’t hurt. You feel the hit, but no pain (except the bruised ego).
The shinai is designed to flex and absorb the blow. A cut which misses the armour usually causes no worse than a bruise, although it certainly can hurt at the time.
Q: What about Kendo for Women?
Kendo favors speed and agility over strength and is particularly suitable for women. The training of Kendo is identical for men and women who practice together, however tournaments are separated into Mens and Womens matches. Hizen Dojo has several women members.
Q: What age can I start Kendo? Do you accept children for the experience day?
Kendo can be practiced from childhood to old age. However the corporate experience day is only open to adults over 18 years of age and in reasonable health.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellations
Group bookings may be cancelled at any time up to one month prior to the event. Refunds will be made according to the following schedule:
- Cancellation received more than 3 months prior to the event: 80% refund
- Cancellation received more than 2 months prior to the event: 60% refund
- Cancellation received more than one month prior to the event: 40% refund
Substitutions
Individuals may be replaced or substituted should the need arise. Please try to give us as much notice as possibe to ensure we have suitable equipment avialable.
Health & Safety Waiver
Kendo is a physical activity and occasionally minor injuries can occur (sprains, bruising etc). All participants are requested to sign a waiver, acknowledging that they understand this and accepting responsibility for any injuries that they incurr.
A copy of the waiver can be found here.
How to book
Pricing for this event varies depending on the number of participants, location and whether full or half day. Prices start from £150 per person, per day for teaching and equipment. Hall hire and catering are extra, depending on requirement. A minimum of six people are required. Maximum 20.
Please email us using the form HERE or call +44 (0)20 7231 5100 with your requirements for a more accurate price.
How to Pay
All payments must be received before the event.
Payment can be made by credit card by phoning 020 7231 5100 .
Alternatively, if you request an invoice when booking you can pay by cheque, in GBP (£), made payable to Symposium Events and sent to: Symposium Events Ltd, Suite 5, No. 1 Mill Street, London, SE1 2DF. BACS payments and bank transfers can also be made – account details will be supplied on your invoice.
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