Combat and martial arts
Kendo
Japanese fencing with bamboo swords and armour.
- Hardintensity
- ~490kcal per hour
- Mid costbudget
- Mediumimpact
Is kendo right for you?
Japanese fencing with bamboo swords and armour. It is a hard-intensity, medium impact activity that you can do indoors, in a group. Expect to burn around 490 calories an hour, based on a 70 kg person.
Steep learning curve. Expect to spend up to about £50 a month.
Why try kendo
- Teaches a skill. There is always something new to learn, which keeps it interesting.
- Clears your head. It is a reliable way to lower stress and lift your mood.
How to start kendo
Contact a kendo club; you will start in normal clothes with a borrowed sword.
Get the basics: armour (later), bamboo sword. Borrow or hire before you buy.
Book a few lessons. Good coaching at the start saves months of frustration.
Warm up for five minutes first, build up gradually and stop if anything hurts.
A 4-week starter plan
| Week | Sessions | Minutes each | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 15 | Learn the basics and keep every session easy. |
| 2 | 2 | 20 | Repeat last week and add a little time. |
| 3 | 3 | 25 | Add a session or make one a bit harder. |
| 4 | 3 | 30 | Your longest week. Book or plan what comes next. |
This is general guidance, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your GP before you start.
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Not sure kendo is for you?
Take the two-minute quiz and we will match you with activities that fit your goals, mood, budget and fitness.