bujinkan manitoba | faq
FAQs: Our Practice
- Is training open to everyone?Bujinkan martial arts training is open to the vast majority of people. There are however, some limitations imposed by the headquarters in Japan on membership. Briefly summarized, membership is not open to people who: have a criminal record; are involved in illegal activities; are mentally unwell; and/or, are unable to exercise self-control.
This is for the good of society as well as for the good of the Bujinkan organization. The complete list of rules and regulations for membership is contained in a document entitled 'Guidelines for Participation' which can be accessed via our Quick Links page.
- I have never studied a martial art. Is this a problem?Definitely not! Having no prior martial arts training experience may work in your favor as many folks have a hard time letting go of the things they know and adjusting their perspective. Coming in with a clean slate and an open mind is a great place to start from.
- I have studied other martial arts. Is this a problem?No. Most Bujinkan students have experience in other systems. Some come to the Bujinkan with a diverse palette of well developed skills. The issue is in clinging to what we know, or think we know.
If we cling to prior training, when we see similarity in technique we assume it is the same and say, "I already know this." There is no learning here. There is no evolution.
A more productive approach is to put aside what we know and sincerely focus on what is being presented. Open up to the learning opportunity and challenge yourself. This applies to all students [and instructors!] regardless of how long they have been training.
- Do I have to be physically fit?It helps if you are in good health but do not let a perceived lack of fitness stop you from training. Regular participation in our classes will greatly improve your overall physical condition and coordination. Members are encouraged to engage in some kind of supplemental conditioning between classes; stretching, running, swimming, etc. A healthy diet, including plenty of water, will help.
All prospective members are encouraged to consult with a physician prior to commencing training. Especially if there is a pre-existing condition or family history of heart and lung disease.
- I am in my 30's/40's. Am I too old?Considering that Hatsumi-sensei is now in his 80s, we would say no. However, Bujinkan Budo is a physical system and there may be areas of training that are problematic for you initially. You will be guided through these areas, practicing at an intensity level appropriate to your physical condition.
- What is the average student age?The majority of our students are professionals in their 20's, 30's & 40's.
- Do you teach young children?At this time we do not teach anyone under the age of 18. We may add classes for younger students in future. In the meantime we encourage you to enroll your child(ren) in Judo. It is a wonderful system of physical development and will lay a great foundation for studying other martial arts. A list of Judo clubs in Manitoba can be found on the Judo Manitoba website (www.judomanitoba.mb.ca).
- What is a typical Taijutsu class like?Most classes start with a few minutes of joint limbering/range of motion exercises then move into mobility and agility exercises to 'warm-up'. This is followed by technique practice for the remainder of the session.
The majority of techniques are practiced "hands-on" with one or more training partners. All techniques are practiced in a dynamic fashion with an emphasis on timing, distance and position. Partners provide realistic attacks, adjusting intent and speed to the ability of the person they are working with. Training weapons are sometimes incorporated to reinforce the underlying principles of the techniques being worked, as well as expanding the skill set of each student.
As a result of this "hands-on" training approach, our classes involve a great deal of body contact with the hands, feet, knees, elbows and heads of other participants; being thrown, tripped or otherwise brought off of one's feet and dropped to the ground by other participants; and having pressure applied to joints and other anatomical points by other participants. As noted above, Taijutsu practice can also involve exposure to and physical contact with training weapons.
- The last bit sounds painful. Are there a lot of injuries?When they happen, injuries in Bujinkan Budo are of the bump, bruise, strain, sprain variety: the nuisance injuries that plague dancers, joggers, tennis players, etc.
To limit injury: we continually stress safety and the correct body mechanics relating to every technique we practice; and, remind students to practice at an intensity level appropriate to both themselves AND their training partner. We also encourage students to engage in some form of 'active recovery' between classes; a balance of aerobic activity and yoga type stretching.
- How big are your classes?We limit the number of students attending each class; most classes average anywhere from 6 to 10 students. This ensures much higher levels of personalized attention for each student in every class.
- Is there a belt system to denote ranks?Yes, we use the standard Bujinkan 3 colored belt system; white, green and black. There are 10 KYU levels [white & green belts], representing beginner and intermediate level students, and 10 DAN grades [black belt], representing advanced level students and instructors.
- How long does it take to move through the ranks?Technical ability, the ability to naturally express the core principles and techniques of Bujinkan Budo, is the main criteria for rank promotion in our dojo. Because of this, students may receive promotion regardless of their amount of practice time, if their conduct, effort and ability warrant it.
Our assessments are conducted in a fashion similar to that of the Hombu Dojo. There are no set testing days. Nor is there a set curriculum of techniques for each level. Instead the instructor is looking for certain qualities to manifest consistently in each student's movement.
Students are evaluated on an ongoing basis - during each practice - and promoted based on their personal progress, and not how their progress compares to that of their peers. When the senior-instructor sees consistency in physical mechanisms, with the student manifesting the qualities expected, it will be acknowledged with rank promotion. The promotion serves as: recognition for that student's personal progress and improvement; and a reminder that there is more work to be done.
At the end of the day, your involvement and rate of progress is your own responsibility. No one can take you by the hand and lead you to proficiency. The secret to improvement is regular and continued group practice AND personal practice between sessions.
"A belt covers 2 inches of your back - you have to cover the rest".
If you train only to achieve a specific rank you'll find yourself frustrated and envious of those with higher rank, and you may never reach your goal. Train to be your best, train for continuous improvement, and you will advance in rank.
- How often should I attend?Most members attend a minimum of two practices per week. This level of involvement, with daily personal practice between, has the potential to yield measurable, steady progress. Members attending less than this do more personal practice to ensure they step on the mat in good physical/mental condition; fully present & ready to go. If your other life obligations - family, work, friends, etc. - will not support that level of involvement you may want to consider another activity.
- Can I attend only weapons classes?Yes. However you must commit to a minimum of six months practice.
You will also need to purchase a uniform and appropriate training tools.
FAQs: Fees and Equipment Needs
FAQs: Joining Our Practice
- I want to train! How can I join?If you have read through our website, and are sure that our practice is right for you, contact us. Please tell us a little about yourself and why you want to study Bujinkan martial arts.
- I just want to check things out. Can I drop-in and watch a class?We understand that prospective students would like to find out if our practice is right for them. However passively sitting on the sidelines watching us train is no more informative than watching a video. You can easily do that in the comfort of your own home.
For those genuinely interested in participation, we offer a one month interim membership. This provides ample opportunity for you to get a feel for our practice and group dynamics, with no hidden agenda or obligation to continue.
If our practice resonates, stay. If not, we wish you well in your search for one that does.
- What about free or trial classes?We do not offer free classes. We realize that this is not the norm. That many are used to offers of free lessons; some martial arts schools advertise a 'month free with a free uniform!'
Lets be realistic. There is a hidden agenda at work here, modeled on health club chains. That is to get you in the door, wearing a uniform, and feeling like you belong so when they hit you with their sales pitch you have a hard time saying no. If you do say no, they pull out the special offer just for you; because they 'like you' and think you 'have great potential'. The FREE hook is their tool to give you a high pressure sales pitch (and you know it).
Again, we understand that prospective students would like to find out if our practice is right for them. For those genuinely interested in participation, we offer a one month interim membership. If the idea of paying for that month is bothersome to the point someone passes us by, oh well.
FAQs: Other Q&A