Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect when training, and some pointers on what to do in the dojo.

At what age should you start martial arts training?

There are always benefits to Martial Arts training for every age. Our martial arts training offers a non-competitive traditional fun atmosphere with incredible benefits. Beyond learning real and effective self-defense and Bully Proof skills, and maintaining or improving physical fitness and flexibility, all students will develop:

  • Focus
  • Discipline
  • Respect
  • Self-esteem
  • Goal setting
  • and Confidence

What is Ninpo and Ninjutsu?

To put in basic terms, Ninpo is a collection or a curriculum of several martial art schools called ryu-ha, pronounced "ree-you-ha". Ninpo is considered the higher form of ninjutsu. Ninjutsu being more of the "mechanical techniques", verse Ninpo being the thought and spiritual awareness. The Genbukan student uses two terms, to "somewhat" describe the words ninjutsu and ninpo. These two words are Bumon, (or Martial Arts (the ninjutsu part)), and Shumon or the(Spiritual side (Ninpo part)). Both are taught in tandem so that the student learns both, the physical and spiritual side of the Genbukan.

How is the Genbukan curriculum structured? What will be taught?

The new student will be taught in this order from 10 kyu (White Belt) all the way to 1st Kyu (Brown Belt) some of what they will learn. Children learning will be taught in phases, while adult and teens (16+) will learn full kyu rank:

  • 10th and 9th kyu rank, the basic bows, stretches, rolls, and 2 basic stances, how to avoid different cuts from sword from front and back, and basic fists.
  • 8th kyu rank, 4 new basic postures, striking then jumping with rolls, fist postures and ways to kick, then hand and wrist escapes.
  • 7th kyu rank, wrist grappling, how to escape cuts from swords while standing and in kneeling postures front front and back, defense front punches and kicks.
  • 6th kyu rank, 2 new basic postures, wrist grappling, ways to kick variations, then hand escapes.

    • When will belt rank and graduation take place?

    Q: How do I know if I am ready and my child is ready to graduate?
    A: After successfully completing the required kyu level material (for their age), the teacher will ask them if they are ready to test. Children will have a set schedule, and based on their proficiency and understanding of particular skills, will be tested. The teacher will gather the graduates before or after class when that time comes. The teacher will then give them a "pre-graduation" slip, (a quarter sheet of paper). They will return to class with the slip and with the accompanying certificate fee and testing fee before being tested. The teacher will then send the information and testing scores to Japan, for final processing. Certificate and Testing fees can be found here on the bottom of page 2 and page 3.

    Genbukan Tenmei Dojo USA Pricing

    What if I want to bring a friend?

    We encourage all to bring friends with them. It makes it much easier to have fun, and to learn awesome information and great effective self-defense skills. If you would like to be that person to share this amazing martial art, please have your friend and yourself (if not already a full time student) fill out and sign the visitor form below, and bring it with you when you come in!

    Genbukan Tenmei Dojo USA Visitor Form

    What Are My Actions Suppose To Be When I Enter a Dojo?

    Etiquette and Conduct in the Genbukan is so important. Like any dojo, they have "their" way of showing respect to the Teacher, and Students. Below is what we do when entering and exiting the dojo, as well as show the proper respect and conduct.


    Etiquette and Conduct


    Your correct interaction with fellow students and the teacher is important in the martial arts. The purpose of reiho is twofold. First, it is a way of paying respect to the tradition, the teacher, and the students. Secondly, it provides a degree of safety. Ours is a martial art based on techniques, which if applied to their fullest extent, can cause injury or even death if caution is not observed. Reiho is the base of all traditional Japanese martial arts. While reiho is translated as "formal etiquette", this does not adequately describe its many connotations. Reiho is in many ways a code of conduct or ethics, which should apply to one's life outside the dojo as well. We are all too familiar with "masters" whose personal lives do not reflect the supposed qualities learned through the martial arts.


    Entering And Exiting The Dojo


    To anyone present, shizen rei (standing bow) and say one of the following: Ohayo gozaimasu (good morning), Konnichi wa (good afternoon), Komban wa (good evening). If you are already at te dojo it is customary to stand up and greet the teacher when he arrives.Upon leaving the dojo, shizen rei and say one of the following: Oyasumi nasai (good night), Sayonara (good bye, if you are not returning to train again soon), Shitsurei shimasu (I must be going now, pardon my leaving).


    Entering And Exiting The Training Floor


    Shizen rei (standing bow) at the entrance towards the kamiza on the north wall. If you are late to class, quickly prepare yourself for training. Upon entering the dojo, immediately step off to the side and perform the shinzen rei.