- What happens in a class?
The first thing you will notice about our classes is that they tend to start with every one lining up in order of grade and we all come to attention and bow to each other. In this action we are really showing that we are commencing the training activity of Kempo Jutsu. Next we do a series of stretching exercises followed by some light callisthenics. None of these exercises are difficult or complex. We might run on the spot, do some push ups, star jumps and knee lifts etc. You do not need to be super fit nor young to do them (I am 70 years of age). Next up we usually practice some simple moves such as striking or kicking. At this point we usually separate the beginners from the others so that we are able to teach them how the techniques are done. At the end of the class we all get together again and we bow out.
- Will I get hurt?
In all the years I have been training I have never seen a beginner get hurt in training. By contrast I have been hurt many times by beginners particularly when sparring as it takes a while to develop control. Beginners could theoretically trip over their own feet or walk into a door but we never place them in a position of being hurt during training. The reason is very simple: we want to teach people not hurt them. Our instructors all place safety of our students above any other matter at all times. They are all Government accredited to teach and they are all caring people.
We will not hurt you. You will however have sore muscles from exercise and stretching for a little while.
- Do I have to fight people?
In class we do what is called sparring. You may be invited to spar with one of the most senior students present but I guarantee you they will NOT be trying to hurt you. Beginners are encouraged to feel how draining it is to move around and do the things we teach. It is a lot like shadow boxing. The only fighting you will ever do is if you decide to get into a disagreement somewhere a long way from our classes.
- Will I look silly besides advanced students?
Every one of us in class will remember how awkward we felt the first few times we attended class. It is something you never forget. You will not be made to look or feel silly by any of us because we want to help you do what we do. We all welcome a student to be better than us, that way our system can perpetuate itself long after I have gone to that great big Dojo in the sky. Initially some of the things we do will slightly confuse you, this confusion is only there because some of the moves are new to you. Once you do them several times they become easy to repeat. In over 40 years of martial arts training I have never seen a student who could not do our moves after several practice attempts.
- Do thugs and hoodlums train with you?
The nature of what we do and the nature of thugs and hoodlums oppose each other. Our system takes so long to master that if someone did join us who liked to hurt others, by the time they achieved any ability they would have changed their basic style as a person. Our instructors are ever vigilant for new students that might be, let us say over boisterous and if that ever occurs, a simple private word of encouragement usually results in them either leaving our system or changing their attitude towards others.
- How will I know if I am getting better?
The acquisition of our skill set is slow because the skill set is huge therefore you will not notice your own advancement. One day you will look back and realise there are new students in the room that need some help and at that time you have progressed. We have a series of 9 coloured belts and these are awarded as you gain ability. The more senior you become the more difficult the system becomes but by that time you see the challenge for what it is- a challenge to improve yourself beyond anything you have ever imagined. You will know when the time is right just how good you have become.
- Do I have to bow and scrape in subservience?
We do not subjugate our students, you are encouraged to question and offer suggestions. There are times when we do ask for quiet and amongst these times are when we are teaching something that is dangerous if not done correctly. This is usually to senior students but at these times we need to be sure that everyone understands what is to be done, thus avoiding any injury. Also when we bow in or out it is a solemn occasion and for that reason we ask for peace.
- Does bowing have anything to do with religion?
In a nutshell- no. We do not have any religious belief to push. We do not care whether you are a Catholic, Church of England or believe in Islam. That is clearly your business. We only ask that you keep your strong personal beliefs to yourself whilst in our class.