Q:  How much does it cost to join?  A:  All programs are $60 per month.  This remains stable no matter how many classes the student attends.  Extra training opportunities are often given, and there is no extra fee charged.  In addition, when classes in Shodo (calligraphy and sumi-e) or other specialized training are offered, there is usually no additional fee for registered students.  Students of the children's and youth's program make a minimum six-month commitment to training.  Adults provide six months of post-dated cheques.

Q:  Is there anything else for a new student to pay for?  A:  The only thing needed to buy is a uniform.  Prices vary according to size and style, so please check with the instructor.  There is no registration fee and no contracts.

Q:  Is there any other equipment to buy?  A:  Weapons and safety gear are provided for use in the dojo.  However, students may opt to purchase their own weapons so that they can practice at home.  Advanced 6th kyu students (yellow belts) are encouraged to obtain a sword for their personal use.  When a student obtains their 5th kyu ranking (orange belt), they are required to obtain a sword as well as a hakama and obi (traditional garments).

Q:  How much does it cost to test for a belt advancement?  A:  There is no fee for belt testing.  The only way to get a belt is to earn it.

Q:  How long does it take?  A:  There are only seven kyu, or levels (coloured belts) in Koyama Tenmon Ryu:  white, yellow, orange, blue, green, brown, black.  Because the program is so comprehensive, it takes a long time to get from one belt to the next.  The advancement to yellow belt from white in particular can take up to a year or more, or for a dedicated student who puts in the practice time, less than a year.  Very young students can expect to take longer for their advancements.  Of course, the more dedicated the student is and the more practice between class, the quicker the advancement.  Belt advancements should not be seen as an end in themselves, but only signposts along the way of your progress as a budoka.

Q:  I am a woman who works different shifts.  How flexible are your classes?  A:  Women who are unable to attend regularly at any of the classes because of shiftwork can request a split schedule combining training in the morning, afternoon and evening programs. 

Q:  I home-school my daughter.  Can we both come to you daytime class, even though she's only 10?  A:  Certainly! 

Q:  What is the difference between the children's, youths and adult programs?  A:  All programs include the same material.  The difference lies in the expectations for such things as co-ordination and balance, strength, etc.  As the younger students learn and grow, they pass from the children's program through the youth program, with its higher expectations, and on to the adult program, where experienced students are expected to be strong and well focused.

Q:  What is a "sensei"?  A:  Sensei means "teacher", and in koryu bujutsu styles, this role is much broader than in sport-type martial arts.  As the student progresses in the Way of the Warrior, and grows in the Seven Virtues of the Samurai, so does his or her gratitude and respect for the teacher.  The sensei becomes the student's advisor, confidante, role model, encourager, and guide through life.  As the student becomes stronger in character and purer of spirit, the link to the sensei and the ideals for which he or she stands becomes a stronger influence for good in the student's life, so that correct life choices are made, many of life's pitfalls are avoided, and the student has the inner peace and strength to face whatever life throws his or her way.  In this way, true students of Budo are equipped to become sensei in their turn, and another generation of youths can be helped and guided to a life of discipline, courage and honour.

Q:  Isn't martial arts a violent activity?  A:  No, quite the opposite.  In fact, the Japanese brush-writing character for "bu" (see above) actually means to "stop the spear".  By training in authentic traditional martial arts, students train to protect themselves and their loved ones from violence, and by the refining of the spirit, to prize peace above all.

Q:  Is the practice of Budo a religion?  A:  No, there is no religion instruction involved in martial arts training.  By learning to look at yourself honestly, clearly and with courage, students are able to bring their true selves, not a "front", into their own religion, whatever that might be.  Students of many different faiths practice koryu bujutsu, in harmony with other students. 

c Donna Murphy 2006.  All rights reserved.  No part of this web page or site may be reproduced without written permission from the author.  For information, see the "Find Us' page.

.