Membership FAQs

A: We are a martial arts club based in Metro Manila, Philippines. We teach the Japanese martial art (budo) of Kendo.

A: Kendo is translated as the “Way of the Sword” in Japanese. This is a modern sword based martial art that has roots in the traditional sword schools of Japan. There is a heavy emphasis on sparring, although there is also forms (kata) training. Kendoka (someone who trains in Kendo) typically use a shinai (bamboo sword) in training. This, in conjunction with the bogu (armor), makes Kendo a relatively safe martial art, where men and women of different ages, height, and weight can spar with one another with little to no restrictions.

A: Please choose one of our dojo based on the location and schedule. Once you have chosen one, please inform us so that we can give you specific information on how to join there. This is because each dojo has its own joining procedures and fees, which are dependent on our deals with our various host venues.

A: We have three dojo in Metro Manila.

1) City Club Dojo

Location – 4th Floor Alphaland Makati Place, Ayala Avenue corner Malugay Street, Makati City

Practice Schedule – Sundays, 3:45pm to 6:00pm; and Wednesdays, 5:45pm to 8:00pm

2) Dasma Village Dojo

Location – DVA Basketball Court, Campanilla Street, Dasmarinas Village, Makati City

Practice Schedule – Saturdays, 9:45am to 12:00nn

3) QC Dojo

Location – The 3rd Fitness Lab, 3rd Floor MNL Building, #124 Sct. Dr. Lazcano Street, Barangay Sacred Heart, Quezon City

Practice Schedule – Saturdays, 2:45pm to 6:00pm; and Wednesdays, 7:45pm to 9:00pm

A: The fees per dojo are as follows.

1) City Club Dojo fees are paid in packages of sessions that are valid for 2 months. These packages can be used for both Sunday & Wednesday sessions.

City Club Dojo 4 sessions = P2180

City Club Dojo 8 sessions = P4140

2) Dasma Village Dojo fees are monthly, and should be paid on the first Saturday of the month.

Dasma Dojo Monthly Fees = P2000

3) QC Dojo fees are monthly, and should be paid on the first Saturday of the month (i.e. you cannot pay these during a Wednesday session). Fees cover both Saturday & Wednesday training sessions. There are also other payment options. Message us for more information.

QC Dojo Beginner’s Monthly Fees = P1500

QC Dojo Bogu Class Monthly Fees = P1000

A: You can join in and start during any of our scheduled training sessions in City Club. Potential beginners are asked to attend one of the sessions (check the schedules above) in order watch a typical training session and to ask your questions to the people in charge. You can also opt to do a one-time free trial session so that you can experience what training is like. If you will do the trial session, please be early and bring a set of comfortable workout clothes. We will lend you the necessary equipment for the day. Please also inform us at least a day ahead that you will do a trial session. Once the session is finished, you will have to decide on your own if you will indeed push through with joining the class. If you will push through, please inform us immediately so that we help you get registered at the Sports & Recreation Desk at the City Club. Once you are registered, you can show up during the next scheduled training session so that you can start training.

A: You can join in and start during any of our scheduled training sessions in the Dasma Village Dojo. Potential beginners are asked to attend one of the sessions (check the schedules above) in order watch a typical training session and to ask your questions to the people in charge. You can also opt to do a one-time free trial session so that you can experience what training is like. If you will do the trial session, please be early and bring a set of comfortable workout clothes. We will lend you the necessary equipment for the day. Please also inform us at least a day ahead that you will do a trial session. Once the session is finished, you will have to decide on your own if you will indeed push through with joining the class. If you will push through, please inform us immediately so that we can expect you. Show up on the next scheduled training session so that you can start training.

A: The QC Dojo only accepts beginners twice a year. The classes start on the first Saturdays of February and August, from 2:45pm to 5:00pm. Potential beginners are asked to attend one of the free trial sessions that we hold during the last two Saturdays of January & July, also from 2:45pm to 5:00pm. This is so you can have a taste of what Kendo is training is like before committing to joining the Club. If you are attending the Trial Session, please come in a set of comfortable work-out clothes (e.g. t-shirt and shorts/jogging pants). Do not worry about equipment, we will lend you some for your trial session. Please be sure to be early, or at least on-time, as late-comers may not be allowed to participate, depending on the circumstances. Once the session is finished, you will have to decide on your own if you will indeed push through with joining the beginners’ class. If you will push through, then show up on the first day of the scheduled Beginner’s Class.

A: We can still allow you to join the Beginner’s Class even if you missed attending the Trial Sessions, as long as you join within the first two months from the start of the class. The first session you attend will be treated as a Trial Session, then you can start paying the fees immediately on the next session, should you decide to push through with the class. We highly discourage people from joining the Beginner’s Class two months after it starts. We would suggest instead that you wait for the next scheduled class.

A: No. While the Wednesday class is open to beginners in the QC Dojo as an optional training schedule, the main Beginner’s Class is on Saturdays. The Wednesday class is there to allow beginners an extra venue where you can hone what you learned during the Saturday classes. But it should not be the primary session that you should attend as a beginner. It is more important to attend the Saturday session.

A: The UP Kendo Club is our affiliated dojo that was set up for current University of the Philippines students, faculty, and staff. If you fall into any of those categories, you can join that Club. Please contact them over their FB Page for more information on how to join there.

A: You will need to get a personal shinai (bamboo practice sword). We sell these at the Club, and this costs P2800 for adult sized shinai (children’s shinai are between P2500 to P2700, depending on size). We also recommend that you get a shinai bag/holder for P700 to P1000.

A: As a beginner, you will not need those to start. You will have to pass an exam first to see if you are ready for the next level of training. Only then are you required to get the keikogi and hakama (uniform), and the bogu (armor).

A: Beginners’ training can last from 5 months to a year, depending on your individual rate of progress. Once we deem you are ready, we will ask you to take an exam to see if you are ready for the next step in Kendo. If you pass the exam, you can now participate in the bogu class, which includes sparring in the training.

A: If you have previous experience you can start in any of our dojo at any time. Please send us a message detailing where you practiced before, for how long, and what grade you have (if applicable). Please also tell us also which of our locations you plan to join, and when you can start. This is so that we will know to expect you that day. As with beginners, the first training session is for free so that you can evaluate first if you will join us. If yes, then you can start paying your fees on the next practice session you attend.