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Quote: Originally Posted by Raindrop Thank you! I had a look and I think maybe the adresses are a bit off ^_^; kokugikan is placed on a cemetery xD They should be more around here: (52.498981,13.424692) Thanks for the information. I can't say this enough that as much as I enjoy creating these maps they're only as useful if current local information gets passed back to help amend the maps. So I really appreciate any input. As it is...

Quote: Originally Posted by dwez It may not be of help now but you never know and it doesn't do any harm to make it known more but maybe the Kendo Clubs of Germany Google Map may help... Thank you! I had a look and I think maybe the adresses are a bit off ^_^; kokugikan is placed on a cemetery xD They should be more around here: (52.498981,13.424692) But other than that, thank you! Nice to see so many kendo clubs in Germany!

well, you will definately run into me & Possibly Ralutin No matter the dojo you choose in that area, you will be happy. there are Nana Dan & former Team USA members in nearly all of them. Many of them have Highly skilled Imports from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc... Also you will find the youth in all of them extremely strong! I have found that good ettiquette will take you far in the SCKO/SCKF region. whichever dojo you choose to...

I'm sure that there's probably a few sensei who would take umbridge at that sort of thing, but I haven't met them yet. If you explain your situation to them in the same way that you explained it in your post, that it's a matter of travel and distance, then you shouldn't cause any bad waves. The only possible way that it COULD come across badly is if you accidently hint that you consider one dojo BETTER than the other.

I have a question for discussion and advice: What do folks recommend as far as how to select a dojo when you have numerous options? I have had this issue come up with respect to churches before and one thing I try not to do but end up doing anyway is "church shopping" -- i.e., visiting a lot of churches and being somewhat overly critical about them until I select what seems like the best option and then settling down....

already had the map of the dojo. ill try to visit this december. for sure ill know what im missing back there in Phil. kita-kits mga pips.

Raindrop, Haven't practiced at either of those two dojo, but when I was in Berlin I attended a few sessions at: www.kendo-berlin.de I only caught the tail end of the kids/beginners class, but from what I remember (was a couple of years ago) it was well attended and well run. The club was very friendly. The school where they practice is a very short bus ride from the U6, so it should be relatively easy to reach off the S-Bahn/U-Bahn...

'Have heard some CA dojos are more competition-oriented, others more into the tradition and etiquette part of Kendo?

My money's on whichever dojo's closest winning out, barring some specific glaring reason NOT to pick whatever that one turns out to be.

When choosing a dojo, it's probably tempting to go where you feel most comfortable. One thing I have found with Kendo is that my progress has often required me to put myself in uncomfortable situations. As you note, the most important thing is to cultivate good relationships with people everywhere you go. That way, if your needs change in the future, you'll be welcome wherever you want to go.