Training at our dojo 道場
Training in Bujinkan Kobudo exposes you to a diverse curriculum that addresses multiple combative areas. Our practice draws from the unique characteristics, strategies and methodologies of nine different comprehensive martial traditions. Because of this, Bujinkan training offers the practitioner a wide range of options for self-protection and personal development.
Kenjutsu 剣術
Bujinkan Kenjutsu (sword skills) utilize an assortment of blade types and sizes.
Taijutsu 体術
The taijutsu (body skills) of Bujinkan Kobudo consist of striking and grappling methods.
Bukijutsu 武器術
Our curriculum comes from nine schools. Each with their own specialized tools and weapons.
Bojutsu 棒術
Bujinkan Kobudo training makes use of a variety of different sized stick weapons.
What to expect during training
As a dojo, we like to practice in a way that will help us embody the techniques that we are learning. This is accomplished through engaging in high repetition of the basics along with deep practice in which we study the material to understand how it works and why it does. In a 'standard' training session, the group usually follows a pattern like this:
Junan Taiso (stretching & conditioning exercises)
Ukemi Gata Taihenjutsu (rolls, breakfalls & movement drills)
Sanshin no Kata (three heart patterns)
Kihon Happo Gata (eight fundamental techniques)
Appropriate Curriculum Practice (material for your rank)
Session Focus (variety of topics.)
On occasion there is a deviation from this, but this is the standard way we practice at our dojo. Members of all ranks practice together during the session and frequently are working together to study the curriculum. The Bujinkan is a unique martial art system, that while it was born on the battlefields of the Sengoku era Japan, it still has significance in the world of today.
White Belt 白帯 • MuKyu 無級
A white belt is where the process begins. An unranked student wears this belt until they pass their first rank evaluation. Mu Kyu literally means 'No Rank'.
The ZuiUn Dojo ranking system
Ranking structure in the Bujinkan
As it was set up by Hatsumi sensei, rank in the Bujinkan followed the following system: beginners wore a white belt, 9th - 1st kyu wore a green belt. Black belts were worn by all of the dan grades. There was also a system of silver or gold stars, along with a patch which designated the individual ranks.
Internationally, a few dojo introduced a slightly different system for ranking. At the ZuiUn dojo, we use a few color belts that are non-standard when comparing to the Honbu (Headquarters) dojo in Japan.
The ranking system used within our dojo is based on the TenChiJin Ryaku no Maki and is set up to motivate students as they progress in their journey. Each section of the TenChiJin is divided into three kyu (rank) levels and a colored belt, along with a stripe is used to differentiate the rank. We decided to utilize this system in an effort to be transparent in regard to what is expected in terms of rank advancement within our dojo, along with allowing the student to know what to expect from training in each rank.
As a dojo, testing for rank advancement is held four times a year. Students that feel ready to test and have the minimum amount of time in their current rank can test at the next scheduled test date. Within the system we use, the process from beginner to a black belt usually takes around four to five years of dedicated practice. As a dojo we feel that the purpose of training is not to chase after ranks, but to gain knowledge of the curriculum and ourselves through the process of training and practice. Rank and belt color mean nothing if you do not have the ability.
Green Belt 緑帯 • 9th - 7th Kyu 九-七 級
At our dojo, the green belt is worn as students are studying the Ten Ryaku no Maki 天略の巻 (book of heavenly strategies) which covers the first three kyu ranks in the Bujinkan.
Blue Belt 青帯 • 6th - 4th Kyu 六-四 級
At our dojo, the blue belt is worn as students are studying the Chi Ryaku no Maki 地略の巻 (book of earthly strategies) which covers the second three kyu ranks in the Bujinkan.
Brown Belt 茶帯 • 3rd - 1st Kyu 参-壱級
At our dojo, the brown belt is worn as students are studying the Jin Ryaku no Maki 人略の巻 (book of human strategies) which covers the last three kyu ranks in the Bujinkan.
Black Belt 黒帯 • 1st - 4th Dan 初-四段
Once a student reaches shodan 初段 or first degree black belt, they work on refining their knowledge of the TenChiJin Ryaku no Maki 天地人略の巻 and begin to study the individual schools of the Bujinkan.
How to join the dojo
If what we do sounds interesting and you would like to join the dojo, contact the dojo and introduce yourself. Once we have met, you will be invited to come and try two training sessions for free.
We currently meet on Tuesdays 7pm - 9pm, Fridays 7pm - 9pm, and the third Sunday of each month at 10am - 12pm.
You can also take a moment to print and fill out our liability release to the on this page. We look forward to training with you.
