How to Observe a Kendo or Iaido Class at Seattle Kendo Kai

Updated

Seattle Kendo Kai (SKK) welcomes prospective students to observe a practice before deciding whether to train. Kendo observation is offered on Tuesdays or Sundays, and iaido observation sessions are also available. In both cases you need to sign up for an observation session in advance rather than simply showing up.

Before You Sign Up

SKK is a non-profit organization dedicated to traditional Japanese kendo and seitei iaido, founded in the 1920s. The dojo describes its environment as encouraging and community-focused and welcomes students of all levels, so observation is intended for people with no prior experience as well as those considering a return to practice.

Two things are worth knowing before you book:

  • Observation is not the same as participation. Watching is framed as a way to understand the etiquette and energy of kendo in action, so expect to sit and watch rather than gear up.
  • Sessions are scheduled, not drop-in. The site asks visitors to sign up for an observation session to attend.

Step by Step

  1. Choose what you want to watch. Decide between kendo and iaido. Kendo observation is listed for Tuesday or Sunday; iaido has its own observation booking with a listed duration of 2 hours.
  2. Book an observation session. Use the "Book Now" option on the Observe a Kendo Class or Observe an Iaido Class listing on the SKK site. The kendo listing shows a variable duration; the iaido listing shows 2 hours.
  3. Note the class time you'll be observing. Tuesday kendo runs 7pm–8:30pm and Sunday kendo runs 4pm–5:30pm. Iaido practice is Thursday 6:30pm–8pm. Confirm your booked slot against these times.
  4. Attend and watch. Use the session to see how a class is structured, how students line up and bow, and how instruction is delivered.
  5. Ask about next steps afterward. If you want to continue, this is the moment to ask about joining as a prospective student.

Class Schedule at a Glance

Day Practice Time Notes
Tuesday Kendo 7pm–8:30pm Kendo observation offered Tuesdays or Sundays
Thursday Iaido 6:30pm–8pm Iaido observation bookable separately
Thursday Kendo 8:20pm–9:15pm Minimum rank: 3 Dan
Sunday Kata 3pm–4pm
Sunday Kendo 4pm–5:30pm Kendo observation offered Tuesdays or Sundays

The Thursday evening kendo slot carries a minimum rank of 3 Dan, so it is not relevant to a first-time observer choosing a session.

If You Already Train Elsewhere

SKK also welcomes visiting kenshi from other dojos, whether you are in town briefly or training long-term. Visitors are asked to contact the dojo in advance to plan the visit, so this route is separate from the prospective-student observation booking.

Common Stumbles

  • Trying to attend without booking. The site explicitly asks visitors to sign up for an observation session, so book first.
  • Mixing up the two observation types. Kendo and iaido have separate observation listings; book the one that matches your interest.
  • Assuming you'll be on the floor. Observation means watching. Treat it as a chance to assess the dojo's etiquette and teaching style before committing to training.