Practice
After students have prepared their uniforms and inspected their gear, Kendo class will typically begin when the students are called and seated in order of rank to perform meditation, or mokuso. This is followed by a series of warm-up exercises, instruction in the fundamental movements, which include the stance (kamae), footwork, and strikes. Repetitive practice of basic movements is stressed for beginners so that they can eventually move and attack or counter attack without thinking. Depending on skill level, students can practice in any of the following methods:

Suburi
Students practice moving the shinai over the head in smooth, free swings that are properly timed with their footwork. The goal is to develop one's posture and simulate contact with the target points (e.g. kote, men, do). It is also good exercise for the back and shoulder muscles and improves student's accuracy and coordination.

Suburi Practice

Kirikaeshi
Kirikaeshi is a drill in which partners repeatedly practice basic striking techniques. A Kendoka and his partner will reverse roles, each serving as attacker and receiver. Although it varies with dojo, students typically strike the center once, and then the left and right sides of the men four to five times. It is said that kirikaeshi practice "gives ten virtues to the attacker and eight virtues to the receiver." The attacker gains: sharp and swift execution of movements, strengthened strokes, stamina, flexible arms, more agile movements, the ability to freely operate the shinai, balance, sharper eyesight, proper timing, and nimbleness of the hands. Likewise, the receiver gains: tranquility of the mind, clearer vision, firm and flexible palms, knowledge of his opponent/partner's execution style, more free and flexible movement, improved ability to receive strikes, strengthened arms, and physical fitness.

Kirikaeshi Practice

Kata
These are prearranged combat sequences performed with a partner. Students use a bokken and do not wear armor. Each strike is dealt towards an unprotected target, but the force is controlled so as not to injure the person. Kata teaches strategy, tactics, specific techniques, and mental focus.

Kata Practice

Ji Geiko
After students have mastered the basic techniques and practiced various exercises, they have the opportunity to practice ji geiko, which is free fencing or free sparring with another person. It can be practiced between a teacher and student (hikitate geiko) or between peers (gokaku geiko). Matches (shiai geiko) also exist and are commonly practiced in competition. Essentially, ji geiko allows students to develop and test their skills, timing, and accuracy.

Ji Geiko Practice

Students usually attend class one to three times a week, and sessions are traditionally held in the morning (around 6 a.m.) and afternoon (anywhere between 5-7 p.m.). They can run one to three hours long.

Setting
Kendo is practiced in a dojo, or traditional Japanese training hall. Most dojos have polished and flexible hardwood floors so that barefooted students do not injure their legs during vigorous practice. Mats called tatami are set along the sides of the dojo and used as a resting, dressing, and observing area.

Etiquette
Etiquette is essential in Kendo practice and competition since it not only teaches students to respect their dojo, peers, opponents, and instructors, but also ensures safety. It is important to keep these points in mind:

• Bows are performed towards the instructor and kamiza, or front of the dojo, when entering, leaving, and prior to practice or competition. There is a standard standing bow (rei) and kneeling bow, which is performed in seiza

  
  Seiza
  

• Clothing should be kept clean and equipment inspected before use
  
• One must stop immediately whenever "yame" (Japanese for "stop") is called

Prohibited acts:

• Touching another person's armor or weapon(s) without his permission
  
• Stepping over another person's armor or weapon(s) when they are laid out on the floor
  
• Adjusting or retying any piece of armor while standing. If a student's armor comes loose, he should
  move to the side of the dojo or out of the arena and kneel down to fix it
  
• Passing behind a student wearing armor. If it is unavoidable, one must bow to him while passing.
  
• Eating, drinking, or smoking in the dojo
  
• Wearing shoes in the dojo

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Images of "Suburi Practice", "Kata Practice", "Ji Geiko Practice" from
Houston Budokan (http://www.houstonbudokan.com).
. July 2001. Email message.