Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword.  Students of iaido (or iaidoka) learn to strike with the katana while it is still sheathed, which is the hallmark of the art. Students learn many applications of this technique, which builds strength, balance, and grace. 

While iaijutsu, the forerunner of modern iaido, concentrated on lethal sword techniques, iaido offers a path to peace through perfecting one’s technique.

Kendo is the art of using the sword from an already drawn position. In Kendo, techniques of the sword are expressed against a live opponent using a shinai (bamboo sword) and bogu (armor).  Opponents in protective armor strive to correctly apply techniques to win matches. It is important to note that this is not viewed as sport but rather as a dynamic expression of the sword. The highest goal is not of winning matches but rather of improving oneself and strengthening interpersonal bonds. 

Classes are held at 777 South 1300 East in Salt Lake City, UT.

Regular Classes:

Saturday:

Iaido, 9am-11am (Doors open for class at 8:30am for class arrival & prep, please be on time)

Kendo, 11:15am-1:30pm (Kendo students are encouraged to arrive by 10:55 to facilitate an on time kendo start)

Monday: 

Doors open @ 6pm. Class is held in an informal format of preparation and self practice from 6pm till 7pm. During this period, assisted individual instruction may be provided by the teacher group (Sensei-gata) at their discretion for iaido or kendo. Formal Iaido class begins on Monday evenings from 7pm till 8:30pm.

Individuals curious about the education offered at Zen Bu Kan are welcome to come in and observe a class. However, we find that it most people get a greater taste for the practices by actually joining in for a free class. To do this, you will need to come to the school in suitable active wear (sweats, etc.).  A bokken (wood sword) and shinai (bamboo sword) can be provided to you for no charge. After trying a class, individuals wishing to try out the arts more, may purchase the “Try it Out” package, which gives individuals access to two months worth of classes prior to committing to full membership. 

*It is recommended to show up to the scheduled class times 20minutes early. A waiver will need to be signed and senior students will give you some initial guidance for what to expect.

Iaido and Kendo may both be practiced by individuals young & old, all genders, and various forms of health. The arts are physical but don’t require strength in the conventional sense of strength often needed in sports like football. 

*Youth of certain ages and attention spans may find these arts very difficult. Parents wishing for children to begin training are welcome to speak with the instructor cadre to determine what level of participation may suit their child. 

*Please do understand that Iaido and Kendo both are, indeed, physical activities. All persons undertaking such activities should be in condition suitable for physical activity. Anyone of questionable health should first seek approval by a qualified medical physician. 

Yes, these arts are very safe. Safety is taken as the upmost priority. Safe distances and spatial awareness are practiced at all times. Only the most senior of instructors with over 20+ years of experience may use shinken (sharp edged swords made in Japan); and then, only with the greatest of care and attention.  Students will use a non-sharp sword or bokken for practice in Iaido. Kendo involves a bamboo sword and protective armor. The safety record of Zen Bu Kan is impeccable. The most likely injuries come not from swords; but rather, from physical strains or sprains. Proper warm ups and correct practice will limit sprains & strains. 

*It is the students responsibility to ensure they are of suitable health, flexibility, and conditioning for practice of martial arts. 

For Iaido:

Iaidoka wear a black uniform, consisting of a iaidogi, hakama, and obi. The iaidogi (or dogi, for short) is a thin, loose-fitting top with short sleeves. The hakama is a pleated set of skirt-like trousers. The obi (specifically a kaku obi, which does not indicate rank and can be any color) is worn under the hakama and is used to hold the katana on the left hip. Students can also wear a shitagi, which is a white cotton undershirt. Kneepads are needed as well, as students spend time in a kneeling position called seiza. 

Zen Bu Kan recommends Tozando for uniform needs.  Beginners should consider the black Tetron uniform set, which is easy to maintain and will include the gi and hakama at a slight discount.

For Kendo:

Students of Kendo (or kendoka) wear a navy blue uniform consisting of a kendogi and hakama. The kendogi (or gi, for short) is a thick loose-fitting top with short sleeves. The hakama is a pleated set of skirt-like trousers. An obi can be worn, but is not required. 

Zen Bu Kan recommends Tozando for uniform needs.  Beginners should consider the blue Tetron uniform set, which is easy to maintain and will include the gi and hakama at a slight discount. 

*Beginning Students taking advantage of the “try it out” package, are not required to wear a uniform and may practice in single colored sweats or simple active wear. 

**Students who plan to practice both Iaido & Kendo may do so wearing the blue kendo uniform for both kendo and iaido. 

***It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that persons buying an Iaido or Kendo uniform for the first time, first speak with one of the Sensei-gata (teacher group) PRIOR to purchase. 

No. Iaido and Kendo are both traditional Japanese martial arts. It is not uncommon for beginners to express concern over sweaty feet or an inability to move their bare feet on a gymnasium floor. We assure you, with time and practice your body and feet will adapt. 

IAIDO EQUIPMENT

Iaidoka wear and use a single katana. Beginners start with a bokuto (or bokken), which is a wooden sword.  When a student is ready, they may acquire an iaito, which is a light aluminum sword with a dulled edge crafted for practicing iaido. Students who have studied for many years may use a shinken, a true steel katana with a sharp edge.

KENDO EQUIPMENT

Kendoka wear leather armor called bogu. This five-piece set of armor includes the headpiece (men), the gloves (kote), the chestpiece (do), and the waistpiece (tare).  Kendoka use a bamboo sword called a shinai to compete. They learn to maintain the shinai as part of their training. For two-man kata, they use one long and one short bokuto (or bokken), which is a wooden sword. 

* For safety reasons, Zen Bu Kan only permits the use of approved equipment from genuine Japanese trusted suppliers. Prior to purchasing any equipment, please consult with the teacher’s group (Sensei-gata). 

* For safety reasons, Zen Bu Kan only permits the use of approved equipment from genuine Japanese trusted suppliers.

**If you are just starting out, you do not need to purchase equipment of any kind in order to give our classes a try.

If you already have a Japanese sword, understand that only Iaito from certain makers are permitted (until rank of 4 Dan, when the use of shinken will be at the discretion of the Sensei).

Bokken and shinai are also, like all equipment, subject to approval of the Sensei-gata (Instructors). Low quality wooden swords and bamboo shinai pose a safety risk and will not be allowed.

Any equipment purchased prior to membership at Zen Bu Kan must first be inspected by the Sensei-gata for approval, PRIOR to its use in class. 

Of course not. The overwhelming amount of instruction is done in English. At times, we do attend events where instructors are brought over from Japan. During such seminars, translators assist with Japanese to English translations. At the Zen Bu Kan dojo, you will hear Hankins Sensei working on his Japanese since he trains closely with a teacher in Japan and regularly trains a events in Japan where a proficiency in Japanese is highly valuable. Working on Japanese yourself is entirely optional. 

Zen Bu Kan practices Iaido and Kendo as a part of the All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF). The AUSKF closely follows the models set forth by the All Japan Kendo Federation (AJKF). The AUSKF is delegated out into Regional Federations for better span of control and governing over more localized areas. Zen Bu Kan is a member of the South West Kendo Federation (SWKIF). The National and Regional Federations regulate the specifics of grading (rank advancement) and tournaments.  

Zen Bu Kan does participate in gradings and tournaments at state, regional, and national levels. 

Zen Bu Kan’s main focus is on quality Iaido and Kendo instruction. Profit is not the goal. Zen Bu Kan’s fee structure is set to ensure support of the dojo expenses but reasonable enough to keep the art accessible. Membership to Zen Bu Kan is purchased through subscription service options allowing students to select the subscription best suited to them. See the “Join Now” section for subscription details. 

All members of Zen Bu Kan are required to join the Regional Federation (SWKIF) & National Federation (All United States Kendo Federation). Federation membership is a requirement of the national federation in order for any individual to officially participate in the activities at a dojo.  Federation dues are paid as an annual fee. The annual fee (about $75 on average for adults) is collected each March.

Eventually, when a student has become ready for rank testing or tournament participation, it may be necessary to travel. *Grading and tournament participation are optional and travel is never required. Seminar, tournament, and grading fees are determined by the organization hosting the event and are collected at that time. 

The attainment of rank is important in Iaido and Kendo to ensure preservation of the arts. That said, pursuit of rank is not the primary goal. When rank is concerned, it is taken on a case by case basis. Testing and obtaining rank depends on how often the student attends practice and how much practice is put in away from the dojo. 

It should be noted that Zen Bu Kan, being an official dojo of the AUSKF does not give out rank in exchange for fees to increase dojo profits. Instead, potential candidates for rank are judged by high ranked judging panels, often from around the US, who will fairly and impartially judge the candidate’s skill. In this manner, rank is kept truly skill based and not a mere means of adding more profits to a school. 

How long a student takes to progress through rank depends on them and on the time constraints of the actual testing process. Generally stated, once a student passes their first (1 DAN) black belt, they must then wait one year prior to being edible to test for 2nd degree (2Dan) black belt. He or she must then wait two years before testing for 3rd and so on and so on. During the waiting periods, students are expected to be training diligently and maturing as individuals. 

Iaido and Kendo should be viewed as life-long endeavors. 

Special events offered by Zen Bu Kan are events that occur semi-regularly but are not a part of the standard classes. These include: 1 on 1 private instruction in Iaido, Zen mediation lessons, tameshigiri (mat cutting sessions), tachi uchi no kurai (traditional paired bokken kata), bonsai lessons, and more. These classes are organized by Hankins Sensei as time permits, typically once or twice a year. 

Yes. The All United States Kendo Federation and its subordinate regional federations hold tournament events around the country. Zen Bu Kan students have regularly achieved top placement medals at events for Iaido and Kendo around the nation. 

The rank system begins of course with individuals having no rank. They will work their way up in the “Kyu” ranks until they can transition to the “Dan” ranking system. Typical adults may place in the 3rd or 2nd kyu rank areas in their first test. In the “kyu” ranking level, the higher the number the lower the rank. For example, a 4th kyu practitioner is considered less skilled than the 2nd kyu practitioner. However, after passing 1 kyu, the student will then progress into the “dan” ranks. This has been compared to black belts in other arts. This system goes from 1 Dan up to 8 Dan.