Introduction
In this slightly different post we are going to capture some of the most frequently asked questions that our students ask us when they start training with us. We hope that both the questions and the answers are of interest to you, so don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything we haven’t covered.
What are the requirements to be able to practice ninjutsu?
The most important requirement is a willingness to learn. It is a very technical martial art and learning takes time, patience and an open mind. The next most important thing is to have a good attitude towards others, to treat someone who is starting out well, as we will do with you.
Is there a maximum age? Or a minimum one?
Obviously the body changes with age, but there is no theoretical maximum age to start practising Ninjutsu. It is true that with age comes ailments (some of us get them earlier) and, as we have said before, if you have not been doing anything for a long time, it is advisable to have a small medical check-up to rule out serious pre-existing problems.
What equipment do I need?
To start training, all you need is comfortable workout clothes, preferably with upper and lower body warmers (we will make an entry for this) and socks. Later on, we will ask you to buy a kimono. In a later post, we will help you choose the most appropriate one for you.
How many days a week would be ideal?
Everyone. You have to distinguish between coming to class and training. You come to class so that the sensei can see the evolution of the students, but you always train. You train at home, reviewing with your body or with your mind (notes, audiovisual material, this blog…). You train in the street, adopting the zanshin attitude. You train in life. Considering that the training sessions almost never require a submaximal physical effort, unlike a HIIT session, you can go to class without any problem four days a week. We do think it is good to leave rest days so that the feedback systems of our organism can benefit from a certain rhythm.
We have a post dedicated to the importance of regular training: read it here.
Is Ninjutsu compatible with other sports?
As answered in the previous question, there are usually no physically demanding sessions, so there is no absolute contraindication. You may find that certain activities and training routines may be more suitable on the days before doing Ninjutsu, while others work better on the days after. It also depends on your particular physiognomy.
What are the risks?
In any physical activity there is a risk of injury from an accidental bump, trip or sprain. In this case, the risk logically increases because you are looking for situations where this can happen. It is part of the purpose, to prepare for the dangerous aspects of life.
What are the benefits?
THere are some of them:
- Improved physical fitness: endurance, flexibility, reflexes and strength.
- Increased confidence.
- Mental stimulation.
- Stress reduction.
- Development of a broader perspective
How long will it take to see results/improvements from my practice?
It depends on each person and each competence. Some aspects show rapid improvement, while others take a long time. As a general rule, the learning curve is not very steep.
How is the belt (grade) issue going?
There are two explanations to this question. We will focus on the superficial one, and leave the deep one for a separate entry. Beginners start with a white belt until they know the etiquette of the Dojo well, and are fairly fluent in the first sections of the Kyu syllabus. After a successful examination, they begin their journey through the 9 steps of the Kyu Syllabus, which will take them down the descending ladder from 9th Kyu (less advanced) to 1st Kyu (more advanced) for years. In this period, you will wear a green or red belt, depending on whether you are a man or a woman, respectively. This is followed by the 1st Dan examination, with a black belt. From 1st to 4th Dan the practitioner is evaluated by his sensei while he is promoted. And then, then comes the Sakki Test, which we will talk about in another post…
Am I going to take a lot of hits?
Esperamos que sí, y que cada uno te enseñe algo importante. No esperamos, ni queremos, ni suele pasar, que te lesiones como consecuencia de estos golpes, eso sí.
Are there championships?
No.
Is it effective for self-defence?
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a traditional Japanese martial arts system that focuses on self-defence and adaptation to real combat situations.in terms of its effectiveness as self-defence, Bujinkan has been used successfully by individuals and security forces in real self-defence situations. However, it is important to mention that as with any martial art or self-defence system, effectiveness will depend on the individual’s level of skill and training. In general, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu can be effective as self-defence if it is properly trained and applied in real self-defence situations. However, it is important to keep in mind that Bujinkan training is not only about learning techniques, but also about developing awareness, adaptation and combat mind.
What does a typical classroom protocol look like?
The usual classroom protocol revolves around several key moments:
- When people arrive on the tatami and proceed to greet the Shinden and the senior person who is already present.
- Initial greeting
- Content of each class (highly variable)
- Final greeting.
What is the meaning of the opening greeting?
This salutation refers to the search for truth and spirit in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu training. Shikin” refers to the truth of the heart, i.e. the inner knowledge and wisdom that is acquired through training. Haramitsu” is the divine power of the spirit, i.e. the power of the mind and spirit to overcome obstacles and achieve success in training. And “Daikomyo” is a Japanese term that refers to the great divine energy.
When will I get the ukemi right?
Keep practising or, in the words of the Venerable White Dragon (Hatsumi Sensei): Keep going!
Conclusion
Keep on trainig.