Frequently Asked Questions

 

What do I need to train?

In the beginning we’d recommend shorts or tracksuit bottoms with a t-shirt, something you are comfortable wearing. If you have a martial arts uniform from another art please feel free to wear this, we often recommend wearing some socks as well during the training. Prior to training we remove jewellery and watches, again for safety.

Those who have trained a while will buy and wear a black keikogi (martial arts practice uniform) with trousers, top, tabi and belt. During the warmer months, the top is often dropped in favour of a t-shirt.

As the art does include weapon training, there is no strict requirement to buy your own training weapons as spares will be provided by the club as required during the classes.

 

What happens in a class?

The class follows a set format with some variation week-on-week. We begin with laying out the mats to help prevent injuries. We then do some stretching and warm-up to make sure we are ready for the class. After this we perform a ceremonial bow in, as directed and performed in Japan but also serves as a moment of focus.

At this point we start with the session, which usually follows the format of some practice rolling and break-falls to help us learn to reduce injury during the course of training. Then we move into the session where the instructor will demonstrate techniques or principles for students to practice, this can be in the form of a solo work (for focussing on the self and structure) to partner work. With partner work we aim to move around and train with different people, to build up the experience.

At the end of the session there is another ceremonial bow out again as performed in Japan, then we clear away the mats.

 

What gets taught at the class?

We tend to cover a large amount over the course of the classes, from punching, kicking, grabs, locks and throws. These shown through a variety of traditional techniques and variations, or more free-form training. We also then look at traditional Japanese or common weapons.

Each month starts with a session on fundamentals. The instructor will set a theme for the remainder of the month with some specific goals, this could be: looking at a particular weapon through some different perspectives, or taking techniques of a particular school and studying their nuances.

There is a typical cadence of alternating months, between unarmed and weapon sessions, but these aren’t set in stone.

 

How much does it cost?

There is a £5 charge per session.

There is an additional charge for student insurance which is resolved annually at cost. This can vary year-on-year, but is typically under £10 a year. This is managed from the instructors insurance policy.

The final charge is gradings, and this can vary depending on the grade and currency exchange rates. The only fee the club will charge is to receive official certification from the Japanese head office. When the time comes, this will be discussed with the student. There is no additional grading session fee.

As a club we choose not to have an annual fee.

 

Do I need to be fit or what if I’ve got injuries?

You don’t need to be fit to start the martial art and as you progress along the training path you will likely find improvements to your fitness and flexibility, but it won’t replace going to a gym if you have more specific goals. In general, it is possible to train a martial art at different levels of fitness and age by adjusting how the training is done.

If you an injury or a medical condition we recommend discussing this with doctor prior to attending.

If you have any doubts you can come along, watch and have a chat with an instructor before giving it a try.

 

Why should I learn an traditional martial art?

There are many reasons for learning any martial art; the physical and mental health benefits, self-awareness and self-defence. These typically transcend the art being studied.

Traditional Martial Arts by their nature can be studied for their cultural and historic experience, giving a glimpse into a Japanese mindset.

Old tactics can still have a place in a modern world, and there is a lot similarity between a sword and baseball bat being swung towards a head. We try to break down the techniques to its principle and movements, so that it isn’t learning a specific technique for a specific circumstance.

 

How much Japanese do I need to know?

You don’t need to know Japanese. Learning a language, like learning most things, can depend on a persons interest and ability. People who come to learn a martial art aren’t always the same people that want to learn a new language.

The lessons are conducted in English, with any Japanese terms being explained with translations. It is impossible to avoid using the Japanese terms when learning a Japanese Martial Art as they are descriptive to the action taking place. As you progress there will likely be terms which you begin to remember, but there isn’t an explicit requirement to learn them.