Tournaments FAQ

1. How often and when do taikai (tournaments) are held?
2. How do I know when are the tournaments take place?
3. How can I participate in tournaments?
4. I'm not a member of MWKF or AUSKF, how do I join?
5. Is there a age limit for participation?
6. I'm not in bogu yet, can I still participate in some way?
7. What are some of the duties for volunteers?
8. I want to help! Do I have to be a member of the MWKF or the AUSKF if I want to voluntee?
9. How long does a tournament usually last?
10. I never been to a tournament before, what are the rules?

1. How often and when do taikai (tournaments) are held?

   It depends on time and scheduling. There are 3-5 annual tournaments in the midwest region, and there are more into the East and West coasts. Most taikai are held over the weekends with Shinsa (testing) a day before or after the taikai.

2. How do I know when are the tournaments take place?

   The events are posted on this site as announced in the calendar and in the events category. If you want more information, you can either check the MWKF website or the AUSKF website.

3. How can I participate in tournaments?

   1. You'll have to be in bogu
   2. You're a good standing member of the Midwest Kendo Federation if you only want to participate in the Midwest region tournaments. Or if you're a All US Kendo Federation you can participate tournaments held all over the United States.

4. I'm not a member of MWKF or AUSKF, how do I join?

   The dues are at the beginning of each year. Our dojo collects all the members who wish to join both of the federations at that time. If you're not a member, you may pay extra fee to attend. You can find more information on the MWKF and AUSKF websites.

5. Is there a age limit for participation?

   You'll be place at different division and levels accordingly to your age. There are different divisions such as: Junior Youth (14 & under), Senior Youth (15 > 17), Adults 18 & older.

6. I'm not in bogu yet, can I still participate in some way?

   We encourage non-bogu beginners to voluntee at the tournaments to help out duties such as a time keeper, score keeper, and other duties.

7. What are some of the duties for volunteers?

   The most commonly needed duties during a taikai are: time keeping, score keeping, record keeping, tying Tasuki for competitors, help setting up Shiaijo, and other miscellaneous duties.

8. I want to help! Do I have to be a member of the MWKF or the AUSKF if I want to voluntee?

   No, you don't have to be a member of any federation to voluntee. Parents, friends and family make up most of the volunteers who help out most of the duties.

9. How long does a tournament usually last?

   Usually last the entire day. With the exception of the Nationals that last 2 days.

10. I never been to a tournament before, what are the rules?

    There is a list of individual and team competitors package hand out before or at the beginning of the tournament that briefly explain the rules. Before the competitions are started, usually there is a group tutorial to help beginners how to enter and leave a shiaijo and explain different rules such as penalties and how points are scored.