How to join us

There are three beginner's classes every year (Spring, Summer and Fall). Those classes follow the Informal Classes schedule so the starting date is usually 1 to 2 weeks after classes begin at UT.

The recruitment period lasts through the first 4 classes only and you are expected to have a bamboo sword (shinai) after the 2nd week. If you do not already own one or are unable to purchase one on your own, you can buy a shinai from us for $30. After completing the beginner's class, all members are entitled to join Senior practice and eventually will be be loaned protective gear from the club although we strongly encourage you to purchase your own gear upon reaching senior level as there can be shortages.

• If you are a UT student, faculty or staff, you only have to show up at practice during the recruitment period and fill out a Sports Club membership form and waiver. Starting from the first day you show up, you can join 4 consecutive practices as a "try-out" period. If you choose to remain a club member, you will then have to pay a $30 membership fee. After the beginner's class, members only need to continue paying the same membership fee to join Senior practice and have access to club gear. Contact us if you have any other questions. For class times and schedule please refer to the "Class Times " section.

• If you are not associated with UT, you must register with the Texas Union Informal Classes. After the beginner's class, you must continue registering with Informal Classes even if you join Senior practice. This is because practice takes place in UT facilities and registration with IC gives you permission to use the room. The Austin Kendo Doshikai also has an extra $10 membership fee/month at the Senior level to cover equipment rental and operational costs.

If you already have some kendo experience and are interested in joining, contact us or stop by. Depending on your experience level we might make an exception to the recruiting deadline and you'll be able to join either the beginner or Senior practices. Fees will depend on whether you join us as a UTKA or AKD member. We'll provide you with as much equipment as we can just like any other member.

It should be pointed out that the club equipment is yours to use and take care off as long as you come to practice on a regular basis (at least once/week). We have an insufficient number of sets to cover all the regular and "occasional" members.