On this page, you will hopefully find the answers too many of the common questions one might have about our dojo and system.
Why Donjitsu Do?
I can’t speak for any other dojo, nor do I claim to know exactly what they believe or teach. However, I can tell you who I am and what I believe. I have been studying the martial arts for over 38 years and teaching for more than 30 years; however I still consider myself forever a student. I feel after all these years I have only scratched the surface of what budo has to offer which makes the study of it even more intriguing for me personally. During these years I have gained a deeper understanding of its endless possibilities as well as its many levels of application. I tell my students that once one has decided to study budo they must understand that it is something that has a beginning but no end. One can quit but one can never finish. I feel that if one thinks he or she has reached the end of any martial arts system because of the color of their belt then they have truly missed the point entirely. I also believe that knowledge, not the belts or tournament victories, make the warrior. What makes our dojo different is that we are a small private, out-of-the way dojo that strives to preserve the old ways and help others understand how they are still very relevant in today's world. It is where liked minded persons who are looking for more than a hobby or a place to get in shape can come together and find that budo is more than punching and kicking but a way of life. It is a place for one to become more enlightened as to what their strengths and weaknesses are, what they believe in, and who they are. It’s a place where the training is honest, you will be made no guarantees of belt rank, you will be told that you will get out of it exactly what you put into it, and told up front it is not going to be easy. Please read over the rest of this website carefully and if you still think this is something you would like to be part of then please feel free to contact me for more information.
When is a good time to start?
One can begin training at any time. Each of us learn at a different pace. So, the date you start has no bearing on your training as far as placement. We have no training seasons like in sports or semesters that you would find in college, training starts when your mind and heart are ready. The study of budo never ends. This is something that you can start, you can quit, but you will never finish.
Is there an age limit, am I to old?
Children are accepted at six years of age. By this time, they have already been in a classroom setting and can better understand the material being taught. As for the other end of the spectrum, I believe that you are never too old to learn to defend yourself. I have had students who were 60+ years old who had never been inside a dojo before come and train with me. The only thing that truly needs to be overcome is the realization of your body's age (not your minds) your limitations and what you have to work with. Simply put you just need to work smarter, Donjitsu Do is not about being bigger, stronger or faster than your opponent but smarter. I often my older students that there is nothing you did at 20 years old you can't still do today, you just have to find a way that fits the body you have now. Don't let the fact that you feel you are to old to learn to defend yourself. I can assure you that a mugger or home invader would not let it detour them from choosing you as a victim. I have found this is the very reason many of my older students have begun their training.
How often am I allowed to train?
In the children's program, there are 2 one-hour class available per week of which students are required to attend both classes to be accepted as a student. Once the child is large and mature enough to handle the adult material they will be allowed to attend the adult class. In the adult program, there are 7 one and half hour classes available per week. The Friday and mornings classes are 2-hour classes. Students are required to attend at least twice a week however, you have the option to attend any, and all adult classes that are offered. You are not regulated to how often you attend or which days you choose to train.
How do I become part of this dojo?
It is not as easy as just walking in off the street and signing up which is common in most schools. Everyone must call ahead as drop-ins are not welcome. The Donjitsu Do Dojo is private and should not be confused with commercial schools. Not everyone who is allowed to visit will be accepted. They physical techniques of Donjitsu Do can be dangerous and I am not willing to teach them to just anybody. You will need to contact me and set up an appointment to come by sit down with me and discuss what it is you are looking for before you are allowed on the mat. Each prospective student will go through a screening process to determine if he or she will be accepted as a student. Often I turn people away because I feel they are not ready yet, especially in the case of a child which will usually be due to age and maturity. With young adults and adults, it is someone who I feel wants to learn martial arts for the wrong reasons. I will also turn away anyone who I find has been charged or convicted of a violent crime. Please do not lie, as I will find out and you will be asked to leave immediately. At the end of the screening process, I will sit down with you or your child and ask what you hope to gain from being a member of our dojo and why you want to study with us. You will also be asked to give a reason as to why you should be accepted as a student. Please understand that during the two-week trial period or at any point during your training I feel that you are not upholding the values of this dojo I will ask you to leave. Training here is a privilege not a right.
Do you teach Religion?
No, Because of the traditional nature and look of this dojo this is a question that is brought up very often. For that reason, I have dedicated an entire page to answering this question in more detail. You can click the button below to take you to that page.
No, Because of the traditional nature and look of this dojo this is a question that is brought up very often. For that reason, I have dedicated an entire page to answering this question in more detail. You can click the button below to take you to that page.
Does this dojo compete in tournaments?
No, Donjitsu Do is designed for self-defense not competition. I teach my students realities of combat, to avoid conflict, settle their differences in a peaceful manor and that there is nothing fun about fighting. One should only lay hands on another person when it is self-defense and there is no other choice. Fighting for fun, money or the entertainment of others are not the reasons one should to study budo. If it is self-defense situation, one cannot be bound by rules but to do whatever one has to do to survive. What we study has everything to do with living not winning. In application, what I teach is far too aggressive and has no place in a competition arena. The art we study is not a game but a way of life. If you are looking for a school that competes this is not the place for you. If you actively compete and want to use what I teach in a competition setting such as MMA please do not contact me, I am not interested and want no part of it teaching someone for this reason. This is due to the fact that I believe the study of budo should not be used in a cage to harm another person just to entertain others.
Are there any contracts or sign up fees?
There are no contracts, signup or association fees. Member dues are paid at the beginning of each month. However, there is a release and training agreement that must be signed before training can begin. You can find more information about this in the basic info section marked two week program and the Donjitsu Do training agreement.
Do I need a uniform and what do I need to bring?
You do not need a uniform during the two week period. You just need to wear something comfortable. Loose fitting clothing such as sweat, yoga pants or long shorts and a t shirt that will be easy to move around in will be just fine. You will also want to bring some water and a towel (it gets hot!). In the summer months air conditioning is not used so be prepared for the heat and to sweat. Other than that, you will need an open mind and a strong desire to learn. No shoes are allowed in the dojo other than tabi, a sock-like soft indoor Japanese split toed shoe.
What kind of equipment will I need?
Once you become a student you will need a gi (training uniform). After about a month or two, you will need to start acquiring your fighting equipment. (Full cage helmet, chest guard, gloves etc.) This is something I can help you choose when it comes to what type of gear is best for you as some gear is not suitable for our type of training.
Do you teach weapons?
Yes I do teach weapons; classical modern and improvised. I teach my students how classical weapons translate into our modern world and as well as how to utilize everyday objects as tools of self-defense. When it come to weapons I have fond there is an odd line drawn in the sand concerning many people's willingness to learn weapons self-defense. I have met those who did not want to train with me because of my use of weapons in this system. Many are willing to strike, kick, or knock somebody out but are afraid to use any kind of weapon especially a firearm. This is usually due to some kind of moral or religious belief that creates a line of fear that many say they can't or won't cross. Please understand that I'm not a big gun fanatic but I feel that it would be irresponsible of me not to teach its proper use in a self-defense situation. You may not want to believe this but regardless of your beliefs, once you find yourself in a real situation where you feel your life is in danger your natural instinct to survive will automatically cause you to reach for something to use as a weapon. It is just nature. In the case of a firearm, doing so can actually do more harm than good if you have no idea on how to use it properly. If you live in a home that has any kind of firearm it is imperative for you to have a basic knowledge if its use and safety despite of how you feel about it. I use the gun as an example only because it is the most commonly talked about however; this applies to any weapon traditional or otherwise. I'm not saying that you have to be armed to be able to protect yourself what I am saying is that if the time ever arises that you need one you need to understand how it works to be able to utilize it correctly.
Do I need to be in good shape to begin martial arts training?
No, you get in better shape while you are training. A large part of our training is focused on health with the first 20 to 25 minutes of class is focused on conditioning. Physically, training in a martial art is a great full body workout. On many occasion I have had prospective students tell me they are going to join a gym to get in shape before beginning their training or at the same time, they start. I do not recommend this as I have rarely seen this work out for anyone especially if the individual is not already accustomed to working out. Unlike working out in a gym setting where muscle groups are generally isolated, martial arts training utilize the entire body at once to perform techniques where breath, balance, and movement all have to be properly aligned. This means many more muscles will be engaged at once, many you probably didn’t know existed. In the beginning, there will be an enviable period of soreness with any new activity. It is very important to remember that even when you are sore you still need to continue training without overdoing it to get your body accustomed to your new workout routine. One of the worst things you can do is wait until your are no longer sore to return to class. It only starts the process over again and doesn't allow you to get past that first hurdle in the beginning which can dishearten you and cause you to feel you will never be able to study budo.
Even though many people begin martial arts training as another way to get in shape; with the right mindset most soon find out is that there is much more gained from martial arts training than getting in shape. Mentally, one becomes much stronger as well. Respect for yourself, others, and your environment; a better understanding of how precious life truly is as well as how fragile it can be, are some of the most important lessons. In many cases, people who came in just looking for a place to get in shape or to work out have been told this may not be the dojo for them.
How long do I need to train before I can defend myself?
This is a very good question; unfortunately there is no easy answer. A person's ability to defend themselves is solely based on that individual's desire to survive and learn. It's not unlike most everything else in life, where the more you put into it the more you get out of it. You must ask yourself, "How important is this to me?" and, "How much time, sweat, blood and tears am I willing to put into this?"
What are the classes like?
A huge class may consist of about eight people and is an hour and a half to two hours in length (sometimes longer). The first part of class (20 to 30 min.) is conditioning: various stretching, push-ups, crunches, and endurance drills. Be prepared to sweat (a lot). After the warm-ups are completed, training will begin on various martial techniques that can be very intense. However, beginners can expect to go through what we call "fall class". This is where one begins to learn how one absorbs impact when falling or being thrown. This is the most important part of a beginner's training. Without this training many techniques can be very dangerous.
What are the dojo rules?
Etiquette plays quite a large part of what would be considered rules (or guidelines) in this dojo. Strongly based on one showing respect to those around them, these guidelines are also there to help one understand how best to represent themselves and the dojo, while others are for safety reasons. These guidelines can be read in the basic section of this site. Martial arts training can be very intense at times. Our combat training is done full contact, simulating what a real attack might be like. Techniques taught in this dojo are not something that could be used in a sport setting. This is why safety is very important in our training as well as a large part of beginner training. No one is allowed to begin combat training training until sensei feels comfortable with the student's ability to fall, roll, and understand the tap out. With that said, sore muscles, bumps and bruises are not out of the ordinary. To tell you the risk of a serious injury is out of the question would be a lie. Any time you are dealing with such intense subject matters there will always be a risk. However, serious injuries are uncommon and very few and far between, this is because of the strict environment and focus of control over oneself, the technique and the partner. Donjitsu Do is not a game and should not be confused with schools the do "sparring training".
What are the belts for?
In this dojo, the saying is "the only thing the belt is good for is to hold your pants up and somewhere to stick your sword." However, it does go a little deeper than that. Historically it wasn't until 1882 when a man named Gigaro Kano, a martial artist and educator, synthesized the art of Jujitsu (art of gentleness) into Judo (way of gentleness or flexibility). Judo became one of the first budo systems to combine self-development with a competitive element later becoming one of the first martial sports. To give his judo parishioners training goals he developed a unique ranking system involving colored belts that we still use today. However, at this point there were only two colors, white and black. Students still wore formal kimono and the obi were still the wide traditional style. It was not until much later in Europe when Judo had begun to be practiced outside of Japan did the colored we know today come into existence. The year was 1935 and the man who introduced these new belts ranks was Mikonosuke Kawaishi. He felt westerners would show greater progress if they had a visible system of where they were on their martial journey.
In our dojo, the belts are only worn when doing formal training and promptly removed as soon as class each class is dismissed. This is done so everyone is treated equally and not judged by newcomers by the color of their belt. Regardless of where you train, keep in mind it's not about the belts, patches, sashes or rank it's about how you've grown as a person. If you are looking to quickly move through the ranks, receiving belts on a regular basis there are schools that offer "belt programs". Some will even guarantee that you will receive a black belt in a relatively short period of time. However, this is not one of those schools and this dojo may not be for you if that is your goal. Here belt testing is taken very seriously and there are years between belts.
In our dojo, the belts are only worn when doing formal training and promptly removed as soon as class each class is dismissed. This is done so everyone is treated equally and not judged by newcomers by the color of their belt. Regardless of where you train, keep in mind it's not about the belts, patches, sashes or rank it's about how you've grown as a person. If you are looking to quickly move through the ranks, receiving belts on a regular basis there are schools that offer "belt programs". Some will even guarantee that you will receive a black belt in a relatively short period of time. However, this is not one of those schools and this dojo may not be for you if that is your goal. Here belt testing is taken very seriously and there are years between belts.
Do you honor other schools belts and rank?
This is actually a common question, which is usually accompanied by the question, do I make students start over. Please understand that if you have studied in another art I respect the fact that you have spent valuable time, energy, and money doing so. However, the belt that you have earned in yours or any other system has absolutely nothing to do with Donjitsu Do. Contrary to what some may believe, all martial arts and not the same and we do not all teach or believe the same things. I am very confident that the philosophy, techniques, and requirements of Donjitsu Do are very different from many other systems. I would and you should find it very suspicious if yours or any other sensei would allow someone to retain his or her rank in a crossover. Especially to a completely different system. Keep in mind that if someone has convinced you that the color of your belt determines who you are and your skill level, you have been lead astray. Maybe if it were the same system or style but absolutely not from a Korean to a Japanese or Chinese system. Logically it just doesn't make sense. So no, we respect but do not honor rank from other systems. You will not be asked to start over in your study of the martial arts; this is something that no one can take from you. However, you will be asked to humbly arrive with any empty cup and start at the beginning of Donjitsu Do and add what I have to teach to what you already know.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
This is probably one of the most common questions asked by newcomers. The answer to this question varies from dojo to dojo. Some schools can guarantee you a black belt within one to two years (upon signing a contract), others four, and some you can get from the comfort of your home over the internet. The Donjitsu Do Dojo does not guarantee belts nor do we place emphasis upon the belts. The rank you obtain in Donjitsu Do is dependent upon you and how much you are willing to apply yourself to your training. It also says something about you and how far you have gotten in your training. One must keep in mind there is a difference between having a black belt and being a black belt. Today, when someone tells me they have a black belt this sadly means absolutely nothing to me. Until I spend time with the person and observe how they carry themselves and how much knowledge he or she has about the martial ways, they are just another person who has been given a colored belt and not actually earned or understands its meaning. Many times even a novice can spot the difference.
I have been teaching for well over twenty years (and still have a few of my original students) and have yet to have a student earn a black belt in Donjitsu Do. Don't get me wrong, I have trained many students with a great heart and technical skills but who have not yet attained the essence of what it is to be a black belt; that deeper understanding of martial ways. Obtaining a black belt is not the end of the journey or the pinnacle of martial arts training but the true beginning. This is when the time, pain and true reasons for budo training is understood by the student. Then and only then should a student receive a black belt. So how long does it take to get a black belt? ; that is a good question.
I have been teaching for well over twenty years (and still have a few of my original students) and have yet to have a student earn a black belt in Donjitsu Do. Don't get me wrong, I have trained many students with a great heart and technical skills but who have not yet attained the essence of what it is to be a black belt; that deeper understanding of martial ways. Obtaining a black belt is not the end of the journey or the pinnacle of martial arts training but the true beginning. This is when the time, pain and true reasons for budo training is understood by the student. Then and only then should a student receive a black belt. So how long does it take to get a black belt? ; that is a good question.
Is Donjitsu Do a traditional system?
Yes, Donjitsu Do is a traditional system of budo because it upholds the original ideas and philosophies of what nearly every historical martial art was originally designed for, survival. One must understand that traditional Budo is not a particular style or set of skills it is a way of life. Traditional to me is going back to what it was meant to be used for not what it has become today. The black belt or dan ranking system has only been around since around the turn of the century. A man named Jigoro Kano is largely credited for the belt ranking system that we know today. How you move through life and the skills you possess are what is important not a piece of paper or ability to trace your system back to someone who died 200 years ago.
What is the Donjitsu Do lineage?
I began my training in Tae Kwon Do (Chung Do Kwan) as a child like many have. However, I walked away from it over 25 years ago because I realized it did not have what I was unconsciously looking for. I soon discovered that the Japanese philosophies held what I had been looking for all along. Doing research, I realized that the martial arts had fallen apart and had broken into the separate systems that we see today. I set out to put it back together and create a complete martial art; this is when Donjitsu Do was born. I have met and studied with many nice people along the way in the 34 plus years I have been studying budo. If you want to look at it in a traditional sense I might be considered a ronin. I call no dojo home but my own. I do not have any formal certifications other than the ones I received in TKD to show you. However, I know exactly who I am and what I am capable of. If you are interested in becoming my student I feel how I carry myself and what I teach will speak for itself not a piece of paper. Donjitsu Do starts with and may well end with me. I claim no affiliation with any other system nor do I need anyone else to tell me how to layout my dojo, how and what to teach, study or believe. Understand that 99% of everything you see in the dojo from the grounds, building, armor, kamidana, furniture, and the art on the walls I handcrafted myself. It is a reflection who I am, what I teach and believe. It is not me trying to be someone else.
You or I do not need piece of paper to tell us who we are or how we should lead our lives. Being able to be traced back to someone 100 or 200 years ago does not define who you are. Unfortunately, for many this is what they feel actually defines and legitimizes them as a martial artist. This sadly shows that they have missed the point of studying martial arts. I have been told many times that I needed to affiliated with one group or another to be taken seriously. I live, breathe, study, and teach budo (martial ways) every day of my life. I study budo as a necessity for my survival and inner balance. What I teach is based on the actual use of combat techniques for self-defense and enlightenment. It is not a game or hobby and not something to be done for fun. It is how you do your job, treat others, make decisions, draw discipline, and find center. I teach my students how to kill if necessary but more importantly how to appreciate life. Today the belts, rank and certificates are more important than the actual skill and meaning of the lesson. Its become about what rank someone has been given not the character, skill, and experience one has. There were no belts and ranks in the beginning like we see today. It was about one's ability to walk off the battlefield time and time again. It was about survival. If its important to you to be able to trace me back to grand master whats-his-face then this is not the dojo for your. I wish you the best of luck on what you are searching for.
You or I do not need piece of paper to tell us who we are or how we should lead our lives. Being able to be traced back to someone 100 or 200 years ago does not define who you are. Unfortunately, for many this is what they feel actually defines and legitimizes them as a martial artist. This sadly shows that they have missed the point of studying martial arts. I have been told many times that I needed to affiliated with one group or another to be taken seriously. I live, breathe, study, and teach budo (martial ways) every day of my life. I study budo as a necessity for my survival and inner balance. What I teach is based on the actual use of combat techniques for self-defense and enlightenment. It is not a game or hobby and not something to be done for fun. It is how you do your job, treat others, make decisions, draw discipline, and find center. I teach my students how to kill if necessary but more importantly how to appreciate life. Today the belts, rank and certificates are more important than the actual skill and meaning of the lesson. Its become about what rank someone has been given not the character, skill, and experience one has. There were no belts and ranks in the beginning like we see today. It was about one's ability to walk off the battlefield time and time again. It was about survival. If its important to you to be able to trace me back to grand master whats-his-face then this is not the dojo for your. I wish you the best of luck on what you are searching for.
What will I have to show for my training?
Your actual ability to defend yourself and your family is very important and a great deal of time will be devoted to that very goal. Studying practical realistic self-defense techniques and tactics will achieve this with techniques designed for real world application. However, aside from this ability dispatch a wood-be attacker what you will have to show from your training here may be very different from what you might expect. You may even find it difficult to explain to others. From the beginning, you will be taught to avoid physical confrontation, to keep your training to yourself, and not show any of the techniques and training to others. It is also suggested that you not to invite others to the dojo unless you feel they would benefit from the training. Donjitsu Do is not some secretive martial art; the core of the training will be about how it applies to your personal life, mind, body, and spirit. Lessons are taught on a personal level. What you take from a given lesson will be very different from someone else. I will often pull one to the side and explain how it applies to their personal training. Another seemingly obvious reason would be keeping dangerous techniques out of the hands of someone who might not understand the consequences of their use, it is not something that one should freely share or boast about with others. This is also part of being humble. In many cases, it can bring unwanted attention especially when dealing with children or someones ego. There are no competitions or trophies to show your achievements to friends. You will spend a great deal of time trying to conquer your own insecurities and/or ego. In addition, as I have mentioned before, testing is something that does not happen very often so you may find yourself wearing the same belt for years. In our dojo, the focus is on personal growth, knowledge, and the deeper understanding of the material - not the color or number of your belts.
Therefore, in the end, you will find that you will not really have anything tangible to show for all of your hard work, blood, sweat, and tears other than being in better physical shape. You may be wondering why you would study the art it if you were ask to keep it to yourself, not allowed you use your fighting skills outside of the dojo for fear of being kicked out, there are no competitions of any kind which means there is no fame or trophies and rank belts are few and far between. You will have nothing physically to show for it other than something you feel you could achieve from joining a gym. It is important to understand that the truly important benefits of budo training are mental not physical. You will begin to carry yourself differently, see the world through different eyes, have a better understanding of who you are and a different way to approach and cope with life. How you feel, carry yourself, and move though life are the true benefits not fighting prowess, belts or trophies.
Therefore, in the end, you will find that you will not really have anything tangible to show for all of your hard work, blood, sweat, and tears other than being in better physical shape. You may be wondering why you would study the art it if you were ask to keep it to yourself, not allowed you use your fighting skills outside of the dojo for fear of being kicked out, there are no competitions of any kind which means there is no fame or trophies and rank belts are few and far between. You will have nothing physically to show for it other than something you feel you could achieve from joining a gym. It is important to understand that the truly important benefits of budo training are mental not physical. You will begin to carry yourself differently, see the world through different eyes, have a better understanding of who you are and a different way to approach and cope with life. How you feel, carry yourself, and move though life are the true benefits not fighting prowess, belts or trophies.
Further Questions?
If you could
not find the answers to all of your questions, you have a specific question or
you would like to make an appointment to meet, please feel free to click the
contact button below and it will direct you to our contact page. Fill in
your information; submit your question and I will be happy to get back with you
with an answer.
Keep in mind that if you make an appointment to visit the dojo and your plans change please be courteous and call to reschedule or cancel your appointment. This is something that could keep you from being allowed to visit our dojo. I am not interested in meeting anyone who makes an appointment, does not show or contact me, and then wants to reschedule. I find this rude and very disrespectful. If you cannot commit to a visit, why would I think you could commit to the training?
Keep in mind that if you make an appointment to visit the dojo and your plans change please be courteous and call to reschedule or cancel your appointment. This is something that could keep you from being allowed to visit our dojo. I am not interested in meeting anyone who makes an appointment, does not show or contact me, and then wants to reschedule. I find this rude and very disrespectful. If you cannot commit to a visit, why would I think you could commit to the training?