Training

When do we train?

We currently train Wednesday evenings at a small private Dojo near St Helens.

As this is a private Dojo, owned by a long standing personal friend, we are unable to have an open invitation to new students without first having to meet them (in person or online).

We are hoping to establish an additional training time at a public venue in the vicinity of Ormskirk/Aughton in the near future.

Who can train?

Pretty much anyone. We do not however have children’s classes. Ideally you would have an interest in Japanese culture and Martial Arts.

Is it a fitness class?

Absolutely not. Our focus is on martial arts. Practice is physical and sometimes strenuous, so exercise is a byproduct of training, but its not the goal.

Is it effective for self defence?

Both instructors come to the traditional Japanese martial arts from a background of competitive full contact fighting. Our focus is on the effectiveness of what we teach, and we have good instincts for anything ineffective creeping into our practice.

Are there any religious or mystical aspects?

No! We do not have any religious or mystical beliefs or practices as part of the training. Being a Dojo based on the traditional Japanese model we do however follow Japanese etiquette.

What are the costs?

We do not operate for profit. Both instructors have their own full time careers, and neither have ever taken a fee for teaching a class in the 30+ years we have been involved in Martial Arts. Our costs are typically based on covering the hiring a venue and other insurance costs etc.

What is a class like?

Unlike many schools which focus on learning Kata (individual repetition of a fixed form) we primarily work in groups of two or three learning to apply techniques and principles in different situations.

Can I learn just one art?

Yes, if you just wanted to learn Ken (sword) for example, this would generally not be a problem.

Is there sparing?

Yes and No. We do engage in a level of pressure testing to ensure we are effective, however when we do this it is not about winning or losing, the goal is that both sides learn, in fact it is expected that the more skilful protagonist should let their opponent ‘win’, but in a manner they control. So put simply, the rules we operate under are, no winner, no loser, and no one gets hurt.