Kendo, like most other martial arts, can only be learned with the help of a qualified sensei (teacher). There are many companies that sell kendo videos and kendo pictures, saying that it will teach a person how to be a samurai. This is completely false, a sensei will point out what is wrong with your technique and kata.

In order to learn kendo properly, you need to go to a kendo dojo (kendo school) where you can have lessons with someone who has been doing kendo for many years. Sensei arent the only people who can help you learn, most classes have many other students who can also help point out what you are doing wrong.

Why would a company blatently lie to you? A simple answer: they want money. Most of those companies that make the kendo videos don't really care about you or kendo. However, dojo are only payed enough to keep running and the sensei are normally volunteers. Why would a sensei be a volunteer? Because he loves kendo; that is how you know you will be learning: if a teacher loves his subject, that love will pass on to his student.

Before join a dojo make sure you like it. Do not base your choice on things like distance from your house or price of membership. If you do not like your dojo, it will show in your kendo. Go visit five or ten kendo dojo and pick one that meets your needs the best. Some things to consider are the physical dojo, the sensei, the other students, the teaching style, and the ambience.