JUNIOR INTAKE DAY
Intake days are held at various times during the year. If you want your child(ren) to start kendo, please contact us via email and we will let you know when the next intake day is and put your name on the waiting list.
BENEFITS OF THE ACADEMY
Tsubaki's Junior Academy caters for children from 6 to 17 years of age. The environment is friendly and lively, with a serious attitude to learning traditional Japanese fencing. The emphasis is on the Kendo basics,
a competitive spirit and, uppermost, discipline – therefore it is suitable for all children.
Talented children are encouraged to attend GB National Team sessions once a month.
Juniors are encouraged to always give 100% effort, and because Kendo is a very physical activity – and whilst
all the children are always supervised – like all contact sports, minor injuries do occur. We have qualified first aiders, a nurse and a medical consultant as members, so injuries are dealt with quickly and professionally.
We carry a First Aid kit that is always well stocked.
We request that parents of under 13’s stay during class sessions
and non-practicing siblings stay at home.
We are UNABLE to administer or hold any prescribed or non-prescribed medicines.
Main instructors are CRB/DBS checked.
COVID REQUIREMENT FOR ARMOURED PLAYERS
As part of our ongoing Covid requirements, all attendees MUST be wearing a full men shield in place
(a half shield is the minimum) during practice.
BASICS
Kendo starts with the basics, and we make sure that all our juniors have the basic skills before progressing.
Junior kendo starts by establishing the roots of good Kendo, both physical and mental.
CONCEPTS
As juniors progress, various principles and concepts become part of their study and these ideas need integrating into their regular Kendo practice.
These concepts are introduced and discussed early to implant them.
SKILLS
Physical, tactical and mental skills for Kendo are also taught. Once these skills are developed, juniors are encouraged to attend organised tournaments and gradings.
There are also chances to train and represent Great Britain.
GRADES
Grades are awarded on a continuous assessment basis.
At 2nd Kyu, a club test is taken before a panel and grades awarded accordingly.
1st Kyu and all Dan grades are taken at national events held throughout the year.
FROM WELL ESTABLISHED ROOTS
DO STRONG TREES GROW
THE
TEAM
The Academy's primary focus is on providing a safe and supportive learning environment, along with teaching the skills of fencing, discipline, manners, respect and correct movements within the Kendo framework, and a consideration for others is also heavily emphasised.
Children are allowed to be children, but, they are given boundaries which they are expected to stay within.
The Academy is split into 4 Level groups depending on the junior's development, and instruction is overseen by experienced coaches.
TRIANGLE OF SUPPORT
We ask all parents to play a part in supporting their children during and after classes, as the study of Kendo requires a Three Point support base:
1. An interest in Kendo from the CHILD;
2. The support and care from the PARENTS; and
3. The instruction from the KENDO TEACHER.
These points must work together for the benefit of the child's
developing Kendo study.
WHEN & WHERE
SUNDAYS – 10:30-12:00 (Level 1)
SUNDAYS – 10:30-12:30 (Levels 2, 3 and 4)
Time of finish depends on the level group the Junior is in.
Carshalton High School for Girls (CHSG), West Street, Carshalton SM5 2QX, UK
FEES & MEMBERSHIP
Like all clubs, there are monthly fees to pay for classes and memberships which are paid in advance.
1. New members one off joining fee : £30
2. Junior Academy monthly fee : £28
3. Lastly, there is the compulsary annual British Kendo Association (BKA) membership fee.
To join the club, there are two forms to fill in and hand back to the club so records can be kept.
Records are NOT shared and are kept confidential.
If you have any questions, in Japanese or English, please contact us at academy@tsubakikendo.co.uk