Training

Training within our various dojo follows a classic Japanese martial arts system. The teacher (sensei) and the senior students (sempai) impart skills to the junior students (kohai) within the framework of our curriculum. It is a layered system of grades or rank within which the student gains the required skills and experience. We, however, do not require students to carry their rank in a visual way like the coloured belt system.
The Japanese word we use for a student is “deshi”, which implies that you are part of a family (in comparison to the more formal word “gakusei”). The student should be ready to learn and ready to begin a journey, and to follow a path that is potentially transformational.

We strive for mastery of the Samurai weapons and unarmed combat skills (katana, wakizashi, tanto, jo/yari and jiu-jitsu).