Question: How do I apply for the BKX Program?
Answer:
There is an Application Form on the website. Please download the pdf file and fill it in and send to us at the email shown on
the Form. No need to print the Application Form out as it is a fillable pdf file, so do it directly on the form. But you will need
to fill out the “CODE OF CONDUCT’ and the “WAIVER FORM” which is part of the Application Form and send to us as a jpeg/png file as we will need your actual signature.

Q: I currently don’t meet the required Program criteria. What are my options?
A:
The options are limited. So listed below are things you should consider before applying:
a). Wait until you reach 18 or gain 2nd Dan or both.
(If you are considered to be a talented 1st Dan and are 18 then apply anyway).
b). If you are over 30 years old or higher than 5th Dan or both, apply anyway and we will discuss options and probably go through the assessment process. We will be able to help you in some way.
c). If you are not practicing often enough, your fitness levels and kendo ability will suffer. Do all you can to get fitter, follow a suburi program, ask your instructor to give you advice and drills that can speed up your learning, or look at visiting other clubs on different nights to give you more opportunities.

The Program is designed for younger applicants with a view to them competing at a high level. But it is not limited to just those individuals. The program is available to all BKA Kendo Bu members with limitations stated in the Terms & Conditions.
If you are struggling with getting to practice kendo in Japan, we can still help you with advice and suggestions.
So contact us anyway.

Q: I practice once a week. Will I be able to take part?
A:
Yes, but make sure you read the criteria for the Program. If you feel your fitness is not up to scratch or your kendo is not high
enough, keep practicing and increase your fitness regime, and apply when you feel you are ready. You will need to be
assessed and that will tell us what level you are at and therefore which kendo training venue we would recommend you to.

Q: My kendo grade is ikkyu, but I’d like to practice in Japan. Can I go on the program?
A:
Yes, but your choices are limited. The minimum grade is 2nd Dan in Kendo, though if you are considered a talented 1st Dan we
will consider this during the assessment period. At the moment we don’t have training opportunities for Kyu graded members, but
this may change. (See Question 2).

Q: My Dad/Mum is over 30 years old and I am under 18, can we both go on the program?
A:
The program is designed for over 18s, so you wont be able to be part of the program. Please contact us via email to discuss as
we may be able to give you advice.

Q: I’ve never trained in Japan, what can I expect?
A:
Expect hard work from the get-go. Expect it to be quite confusing at first and you may find yourself intimidated. But stick with it
and after a few days you will get used to it and fully enjoy it.
We have some videos available on line to help you understand what you will be doing, but give it a 100% and you will be
rewarded for the hard work.

Q: I’d like to train in Japan, but my family wants to come with me?
How does that work, and is it possible?
A:
Yes, it is possible, but you will need to manage it. Your family wont be able to watch you train, so if they are sight seeing you will
need to manage yourself and see them once you finish, so perhaps best to plan for them seperately. You will be expected to be
training in the dojo at every session, so be prepared to say good bye to them each morning.
We would advise having a family week where you can devote your time to them away from the dojo, then spend a week or
two training.

Q: Do I need to speak Japanese?
A:
If you do, practice and socialising will be easier. If you don’t, it is not a disaster, but will be difficult to communicate and ask questions of the sensei and senpai or get feedback from the sensei and senpai and other kohai. At least learn a few polite words for greetings and “thank you” etc.

Q: My fitness is OK, but I believe the training is tough. How tough, and will I need to train specifically
for the program?
A:
Yes. Depending on the venue you go to, depends on the level of fitness required. This is why we assess you before deciding
which venue is best. One venue is an elite kendo training venue, so the fitness is expected to be very high and your kendo level
to match. The other is not, but fitness is still crucial. You will be given advice on what to work on for preparation before you leave
the UK.

Q: The criteria says I will be assessed by National Coaches. How will that work?
A:
Once your application is received, we will identify the National and Regional coaches in your region and they will be tasked
with visiting your dojo, watching you on a seminar or at a taikai and report what they see. This is an important process to
establish if your fitness is high enough, your kendo ability is at the right stage, and that your kendo manner is appropriate for
being sent as a representative of the BKA.

Q: What will I be assessed on?
A:
This depends on the venue you are seeking to go to. Top level Universities require a standard of fitness and kendo ability, and it
levels down from there. So you will be assessed on your fitness, your kendo skill will be apparent, and then your manner and
attitude will be observed. Depending on the assessment, it will dictate where we think you will be suitable to train.

Q: What if I disagree with the assessment?
A:
You can enquire why, but the decision of the coaches is final. If it is down to your fitness, you can improve this, if it is down to
your kendo ability, you can wait a year to level up. If it is down to your attitude, it is unlikely that you will be considered at all, and actually, top of the list is your manner, etiquette and behaviour. This can be seen through your manner in the dojo, your manner of dress, and attitude in and out of the dojo etc. So pay attention to all details.

Q: Why do I need assessing?
A:
As mentioned above, you are representing the BKA when overseas. As an Association, our reputation is only as good as its
members. So we check that as much as we can, as, naturally, we want to send our best representatives.
Please read through our Terms & Conditions, and pay attention to the Code of Conduct.

Q: What if I am not sent to where I want to go?
A:
You will be sent where the assessors think you are suitable. For example, if your fitness is not high enough, you risk injury and the
inability to take part fully in training. We ask you to trust us, with regards to venue selection based on the assessments. This will be
discussed with you.

Q: What about accommodation and travel? Will they feed me?
A:
Currently, you will need to arrange your own accommodation and meals, a well as transport to and from the venues.
We will help you with this by providing links and maps. But that is all we can do at the moment.

Q: Why do I need travel insurance?
A:
In the, hopefully, unlikely situation where you become ill, injured, etc, you must have a means to pay any bills.
So no proof travel insurance at the prior to travel, then no recommendation.

Q: What happens if I get ill or injured?
A:
That’s why you must have Travel Insurance. So firstly contact your travel insurer, secondly inform the venue, and lastly check
the Government links, embassy or consular.

Q: What happens if there is an earthquake, or if a volcano erupts?
A:
We advise anyone travelling to Japan to familiarise yourself with emergency procedures. When you arrive at the venue, find out
where the safe places are and take any other precautions. Earth quakes are common; volcano eruptions and tsunamis are not so
common, but they happen.

Q: Am I at risk from tsunamis?
A:
Yes you are. But by understanding the emergency procedures, listening to announcements and following other people, you are
generally safe. Devastating tsunamis are rare, but they happen. Therefore familiarise yourself with procedures and where the safe
places are – generally, for tsunamis, they are in high places.

Q: Is there any transport from the airport to the training venue or into the city?
A:
Yes there is. If you know someone in the area, that is a good start. Buses, taxis or trains are your only options.
We will help you with links and potential transport options for your venue once it is clear where you will be going.

Q: If I have an emergency, what should I do and who do I call?
A:
We will give you an information pack for your venue with various contact details, and Consular/Government links to help.

Q: What if my flight is delayed, or my baggage doesn’t arrive?
A:
This is always a worry, and another reason why you must have travel insurance.
Contact your transport provider in the first instance. (Airline for example).

Q: What about getting shinai, is there a kendo shop nearby?
A:
Every venue will have a kendo shop in the area.
We can advise you on this once we know where you will be going.


Emergency contact details in case of emergency
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office publishes regularly updated travel information on its website :
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
which you are recommended to consult before booking and in good time before departure.

Health requirements
Details of any compulsory health requirements applicable to British citizens for the trips we offer are shown on the relevant trip
page on our website. It is your responsibility to ensure you are aware of all recommended vaccinations and health precautions
in good time before departure.
Details are available from your GP surgery and from the National Travel Health Network and Centre:
http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

Information on health abroad is also available on:
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Travelhealth
Health requirements and recommendations may change and you must check the up to date position in good time
before departure.

Embassy/consular contact details in Japan:
Tokyo No 1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, 102-8381, Japan
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tokyo

If you’re travelling in Japan:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/japan

If you loose your passport:
https://www.gov.uk/travel-urgently-from-abroad-without-uk-passport

If you’re in Japan and you need urgent help

(for example, you’ve been attacked, arrested or someone has died):
Call +81 (0) 3 5211 1100.

If you’re in the UK and worried about a British person in Japan:
Call +44 20 7008 5000
(24/7, 365 days a year).

Consular complaints address
Complaints, feedback and suggestions on consular services:
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-tokyo/about/complaints-procedure