Some common questions asked by people interested in training:
Q. What is the history of this art? A. There are 9 schools within the Bujinkan, each with its own unique history and lineage. This lineage can be traced back through successive Soke, some over 900 years.
Q. What is KoBudo? A. Ko relates to "old"-pre Meiji restoration(1868). So these arts are a part of Japanese history. Budo, is the "way of the warrior".
Q. Do you teach Ninjutsu? A. There are 3 schools of the Bujinkan that are Ninjutsu schools. We don't teach these, in as much as we use the principles of these arts in our training.
Q. Do you wear black masks when training? A. Hiding identity can be seen as "subversive" and illegal.
Q. How long does it take to get a Black Belt? A. There is less emphasis on rank and more on personal development. Rank is given as Sakizuke (encouragement) rather than reward. So for some black belt may be reached in a short period, for others longer.
Q.is your Dojo afilliated to Japan? A. Yes we are directly affiliated as each student holds a current Bujinkan membership directly with the Hombu Dojo in Japan.
Q. Are you certified to teach? A. I have a Shidoshi (Teachers) license and a current Shidoshi-kai membership with Japan.
Q. How old do you have to be to join the Dojo? A. At least 15 years of age.
Here are some details that you need to find about a school and its teacher before joining;
1. What rank is your teacher and who graded them?
Roku Dan - Graded by Shiraishi Shihan
2. Do they have a certificate from Japan with Sokes stamp on it?
Yes Several.
3. Are they a current member of the Bujinkan?
Yes - Both Membership and Shidoshi-kai -- see main page of web site.
4. Do they have a teachers license from Soke, or come directly under a licensed Shidoshi with a current Shidoshi-kai license?
Yes - see main page of web site.
5. How often do they travel to Japan?
At least every 2 years.
6. When was their last visit to Japan to train?
March 2007
7. How long have they been training?
Since 1984
8. Are their badges brought from Japan or made in NZ?
Brought from Japan Hombu
9. Do you pay a membership that gets you a current Bujinkan Membership card?
Yes
10. Does what they are teaching seem real or do they seem to make it up?
As real as possible - based on the Bujinkan Kihon principles.
11. How much do they charge-is it excessive?
$45/month
12. How many students do they have?
Approx 12
13. Is there much Ego in the training - i.e. over the top or excessive force used?
No
14 . Do they only teach only Bujinkan Kobudo or other arts too, like Brazilian Jiu Jutsu?
