What are the instructor credentials of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo instructors?
The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo is a Shidoshi Kai (teacher's guild) affiliate as defined by the rules and regulations of the Bujinkan Hombu in Nodashi, Japan for schools that issue rank. Most senior instructors of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo visit Japan yearly for guidance and training from Hatsumi Soke and the Bujinkan Shihan. This information is then shared with the students of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, which raises the level of training for all students.
What can I expect during a class?
Each class is approximately one hour long. The class starts with a bow-in procedure, then proceeds with five minutes of warm-ups, stretching, and rolling. Striking, body dynamics, and body alignment are then taught for the rest of the first half of class. The second half of class consists of taihenjutsu, dakentaijutsu and/or jutaijutsu (body work, striking & throwing) training. Each student works with a partner on the instruction given by the teacher. Each student practices the techniques or movements equally on both sides of their body. There is typically one to two breaks per class, to allow everyone a chance to get a drink of water, rest, or ask questions. Each class ends with a bow-out procedure, thanking their classmates for help during the class. After class, all students are invited to stay for another half hour or so, to train on their own. Because Budo Taijutsu does not participate in competition-style training, most students find the noncompetitive atmosphere the best part of training. No one will ever force a student to do something they do not feel comfortable with. Many times a new student will find themselves working with an advanced practitioner of Budo Taijutsu. The concept of a family atmosphere is very important to the lead instructors of the dojo.
What kind of uniform do I wear when training?
The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo provides you with your own do-gi training uniform when you join the dojo. The uniform is very similar to a karate training do-gi. For the first four kyu ranks (9th kyu to 6th kyu), a white uniform is worn. From fifth kyu on, an optional black uniform may be worn. The separation in colors allows for junior and senior students to be easily distinguished. From a student's perspective, while wearing a white uniform they can rest assured that their senior training partner will work slowly and assist them with capturing the essence of the techniques in class. Once a student wears a black uniform, the student has moved on to middle rank status, and are more responsible for their ukemi (receiving techniques) and comprehending the movements shown in class.
How do I advance at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo?
The art of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, as taught by the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, is broken down into Kyu colored belt ranks and Dan black belt levels. There are nine Kyu ranks and four Dan levels a student can earn at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu has a total of ten Dan levels. Only Dr. Hatsumi can award beyond the fourth Dan level. A student who trains twice a week and practices basic exercises at home will typically advance through the Kyu ranks every three to four months. The Dan levels take much more time, usually 1-3 years per level, until Godan (5th Degree Blackbelt). Although advancement in the Bujinkan is a great goal for any student, it is more important to focus on the training itself, rather than worry about rank. By continuously training, and not dwelling on the reward of a belt, a student can excel toward self-discovery and reach a deeper understanding of Budo Taijutsu.
What makes The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Martial Arts School different from other schools in the area?
First, the dojo is owned and run by staff who have full-time careers. Making money was not the idea behind running the dojo. They opened the dojo to continue training their family, friends and each other in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. (It's a great excuse to go to Japan, too!) Second, the instructors of the dojo are dedicated to a family atmosphere. There is no tolerance for sports-like aggression, competition or performance in the dojo. All of the instructors have known each other for many years, making for a tight-knit staff interested in the well-being of dojo members. Finally, the dojo staff enjoys training. The "bug" you get once you have been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu for awhile is addictive. It makes you want to train harder, help others, and keep stretching yourself to be better than you are now.
I have a blackbelt (or other rank) in a different art, how will I be ranked in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu?
Rank in the Bujinkan is different than rank in other arts. Just as a blackbelt student in Judo would not be seen as a blackbelt student in Tae Kwon Do, new Bujinkan students with previous experiences in other martial arts are seen in the same light. Normally, students with training experiences outside Budo Taijutsu are asked to focus solely on Budo Taijutsu in class, in order to understand the principles that make up the Bujinkan (this is commonly called the "tupperware affect" - place what you know in a tupperware container, and store it for future use). At some time in the student's training, they will be asked revisit what they already know and determine how it can be balanced with the methods of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
What is a Shidoshi?
Shidoshi is a word that Hatsumi Sensei in Japan uses for his 5th Degree Blackbelt (godan) and above students. It means, "teachers of the warrior ways". It is unique to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Technically, only a Shidoshi of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu can grade and promote students. The highest level a Shidoshi may grade students to is 4th Degree Blackbelt (yondan). Above yondan, only Hatsumi Sensei can grade. A Shidoshi-ho is a student who is not yet a godan, or full-fledged shidoshi, but is able to grade & promote students up to one level under themselves. A student can earn a Shidoshi-ho at 1st Degree Blackbelt in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. At the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, we award Shidoshi-ho to students who are nidan or above, and actively teaching.
