FAQs

Kyoto Global Shuttlers is a community-driven badminton club based in Kyoto, founded in May 2025. We bring together locals, expats, and travelers from all over the world. Our goal is to create a welcoming, international environment where people can enjoy the game, meet new friends, and stay active.

Anyone who enjoys playing badminton—whether you’re a long-term Kyoto resident or just here for a short stay. We welcome players of all nationalities, ages (teens and up), and skill levels. It’s all about good games and good vibes!

Not at all! We use simple and easy-to-understand English, and many members come from various language backgrounds. You don’t need perfect English to join—everyone is here to have fun and enjoy badminton together, and communication on the court is relaxed and easy-going.

You’re welcome to join any session or event at any time! Simply click “Attend” on our Meetup page, or RSVP on our website’s event page to let us know you’ll be joining. If the session is full, you’ll see a “Join waitlist” option instead—this way, you’ll be notified if a spot opens up.

No, there is no membership fee. We only collect a participation fee for each session to help cover the gym, shuttlecocks, and other costs of running KGS. You can pay in cash or via PayPay.

Of course! You’re welcome to drop in for a session or two to see if it’s a good fit. There’s no pressure to commit—feel free to come whenever you want and play badminton at your own pace.

No need to be advanced! If you’ve played doubles before and know how to move around the court and keep the rally going, you’ll fit right in. We’re all here to have a good time and get better together.

Yes, if you’ve already started playing and have some basic experience. We ask that you understand the basic rules, have played in a gym at least a few times, and want to keep playing and get better. But if you’re completely new and just looking to try badminton once casually, KGS is not the right fit.

Yes, many of our regulars have been playing for years—some for over a decade. We have a wide range of levels, and advanced players are always welcome. If you enjoy fast-paced rallies and competitive play, you’ll find great matchups—and maybe even some tough challenges!

We’re currently planning to hold sessions at public gyms in Kyoto City (including Kyoto Terrsa Sports Hall, Ukyo Regional Gymnasium, Higashiyama Region Gymnasium, Kyoto City Gymnasium, Shimadzu Arena Kyoto and Kyoto City Budo Center). Venues may vary depending on court availability, but all locations will be within the city. Please check our group chat or announcements for the most up-to-date schedule and venue details.

While evening sessions are common, we’re also exploring morning and daytime slots depending on gym availability and interest. You can vote for your preferred time in our member polls.

We aim to hold 1-3 badminton sessions per week, depending on court availability and member support. In addition to regular sessions, we also plan to organize various activities such as:

– casual meetups for socializing and cultural exchange,
– beginner-friendly workshops to help new players gain confidence,
– intensive training events like training camps for those who want to level up, and
– seasonal gatherings to enjoy Kyoto’s unique charm together.

Whether you’re here to improve your game, make friends, or just enjoy playing casually, you’ll find something that fits your vibe in our community—both on and off the court.

Please bring your own racket if you have one—we have a limited number of rackets to lend. If you’d like to borrow one, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you. We provide shuttlecocks for all sessions, but feel free to bring your own if you prefer using higher-quality ones.

– Indoor court shoes (non-marking soles)
– Breathable sportswear

We recommend bringing an extra shirt for comfort.

– A towel
– Something to drink to stay hydrated
– Your friendly spirit, a sense of humor, and an open heart to connect with players from diverse backgrounds

Here at Kyoto Global Shuttlers, it’s all about fun and building meaningful connections!

Right now, we’re focused on fun, casual play. However, if enough members are interested in competition, we may register with a local badminton association in the future. Competitive games and improvement are always welcome!

Most sessions are designed for adults and older teens, but if kids can independently communicate and enjoy games with others in English, they’re more than welcome to join. We also occasionally hold family-friendly events—keep an eye on our announcements for those special sessions.

Join our Meetup group, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and check our website. We post schedules, updates, and any changes there regularly.