Cougar Kendo at the University of Houston
Southeast Houston Kendo - UH Rec Sports Club
FAQs
What is Kendo?
Kendo, meaning "Way of the Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or Kenjutsu. Practitioners wear Bogu, armor, and spar with a Shinai, a bamboo sword. Bokken, wooden swords, are used for Kata, form practice. Kendo is a sport, in that it is physically demanding and can be competitive. At the same time, Kendo is much more than just a sport. It is something that can be pursued for one's entire life and the mental challenge is endless.
What is Cougar Kendo?
Cougar Kendo is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The club was founded in fall 2008 is one of the largest and most active UH Rec Sports Clubs. We fortunate to be part of a 45+ year old Kendo tradition in Houston via its affiliation with the Houston Kenshikan, which is part of a 700+ year old kendo tradition via its affilation with the Chiba Dojo in Japan. In addition, we are part of the Southern United States Kendo & Iaido Federation, a regional federation of the All United States Kendo Federation.
Why should I join Kendo?
There are many reasons: 1) Kendo is both physically and mentally demanding and, therefore, practicing will help you stay in physical and mental shape. 2) While Kendo is a difficult activity, the possibility of serious injury is rare compared to practicing other martial arts and sports. 3) Kendo will change your life.
Why should I join Cougar Kendo?
1) Cougar Kendo is the only Houston Kendo college club. We have practice 2 times a week. on campus and have additional practice available at The Houston Kenshikan. We attend local, regional and national competitions. We do many group activities outside of Kendo as well. 2) We tailor lesson plans to every individual who attends practice and will work with people outside of practice. 3) The members of Cougar Kendo provide a great support group for not only practicing Kendo, but in all areas of life. 3) The members of Cougar Kendo provide strong support to each other inside and outside of Kendo, such as course advice and job/internship opportunities.
I have no experience, can I join?
Yes! Most of our members started Kendo at UH.
Who can join Cougar Kendo?
University Houston students and alumni. We are affiliated with Dojos, where membership is not restricted. Please visit the Houston Kenshikan or contact us for more information.
How do I join? What do I need for practice?
To join, you will need to sign a waiver and pay club dues. Club dues for the first semester and second are $60 and are $30 per semester after that. The first semester dues include a Shinai, a bamboo sword, which is all you need to start practice. The second semester dues includes a Bokken, a wooden sword, which is necessary for more advanced practice.
If possilble, please show up early for practice. Officers are available from 5:30PM on to help sign you up. Learning how to count from 1-10 prior to joining practice and reading resources on this website, such as the "The Really Short Beginner's Guide" is extremely helpful.
What about the armor and uniform?
After your first 10 practices, you will begin the "Uniform Challenge". After folding various Sempai's uniforms 10 times after practice, you may wear a Kendo uniform. The club has basic uniforms available for $75 a set.
After getting into uniform, you will be phased into armor, part by part. A basic set of armor may be purchased for $380 and can last decades. There are not many sets available to borrow, so most members have to purchase their Bogu.