Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a uniform (Gi)?
Not initially. Unlike many clubs that require uniforms from day one, you can begin your study at Inukshuk Bushido Kai in a t-shirt and sweat pants. After the first month or so, if you decide that you enjoy your study and want to continue, you can purchase a uniform. We recommend medium or heavy-weight Judo/Jiu-Jitsu gis, and have wholesale accounts with several top tier gi manufacturers, which we can procure for students at discount prices. We often have a limited supply of custom IBK gi's produced by Maeda/Kingz available at the dojo as well.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No! Unlike some other martial art clubs that require a contract and commitment to long-term memberships, we simply expect payment at the beginning of each month. We do however have discounts for longer-term payments, so please talk to one of our Head Instructors if this is an option that would interest you.
Do I have to attend every class?
No. While it is certainly encouraged, you are free to train and learn at your own pace. Each class teaches standalone techniques, so if you miss a class you won't be behind, you'll just learn the techniques in a slightly different order than other students. Our instructors will teach techniques that are appropriate for the students' level, and will provide individual instruction for anyone who needs it. You will have lots of opportunity to learn and practice everything.
Will I have to fight other people?
Certainly not at lower belt levels, and only under strictly controlled circumstances at higher belt levels. Our philosophy is primarily based upon self-defense, not competition; however there are opportunities specifically for those seeking this kind of training. Our core training involves some randori (Judo-style grappling), grappling, and sparring/Sport Jujitsu at higher belt levels to help prepare for real self-defense situations, however you are certainly not required, nor will you be pressured, to engage in these activities if you are not comfortable doing so. Sparring and grappling are not a requirement for advancement through Mudansha (colored belt) ranks, and only one of many methods to learn techniques, and the practical application thereof.
What if I'm older or out of shape?
Everyone can benefit from the study of Jujitsu; our student base often consists of a wide range of people, from children and teens through to ages 50+. We expect our students to push their limits and improve, but at their own speed and based on their own abilities. You will not be required to perform any techniques, exercises, or drills with which you're uncomfortable. Challenge yourself. That is all we ask.
Does it hurt to practice Jujitsu?
A little. Anything worthwhile in life requires some degree of courage and self-sacrifice. You may get a bruise or two and you may have a joint or two twisted uncomfortably, but in doing so you will ultimately learn to fall without getting injured (which could save your life by itself!) and you will learn to twist the joints of an attacker in a way that can make a 200lb man cry like a baby. This type of knowledge should not be taken lightly, which is why our study and practice is performed with the greatest attention to safety, so that we don't risk unnecessary injury. We all must return to our workplace or school the next day, and our training respects that.
How are belts awarded?
As Sensei Rod was always fond of saying: "Your belt covers 2 inches of your butt. You've got to cover the rest yourself..."
But in all seriousness, the process is as follows:
For each belt level, we have a prescribed list of techniques (syllabus) that students must be proficient in in order to progress to their next belt, with each successive syllabus building on the ones preceding. A student's proficiency will be considered in concert with their having put in a sufficient number of mat hours, and displaying an appropriate attitude towards their training, their fellow students, their instructors, and the Dojo.
During classes, our instructors will keep an eye on each student's progress, and when they feel the student is ready to advance they will be invited to take a grading test. During a grading, the instructor(s) will run the student through the techniques for their level , and each level preceding it, along with demonstration of the ability to apply these techniques in a variety self defense applications. If the student is successful, they receive their next belt. Each grading concludes with a thorough debriefing, where the instructor(s) will provide detailed and constructive feedback to assist with the continued growth and refinement of the student's skills.
As the student's rank increases, so too does the length of time and level of proficiency required to attain the next. IBK is not a belt factory, and we do not hand out black belts lightly. 5-8 years for achieving one's 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) is common for all but the most dedicated and adept students.
Not initially. Unlike many clubs that require uniforms from day one, you can begin your study at Inukshuk Bushido Kai in a t-shirt and sweat pants. After the first month or so, if you decide that you enjoy your study and want to continue, you can purchase a uniform. We recommend medium or heavy-weight Judo/Jiu-Jitsu gis, and have wholesale accounts with several top tier gi manufacturers, which we can procure for students at discount prices. We often have a limited supply of custom IBK gi's produced by Maeda/Kingz available at the dojo as well.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No! Unlike some other martial art clubs that require a contract and commitment to long-term memberships, we simply expect payment at the beginning of each month. We do however have discounts for longer-term payments, so please talk to one of our Head Instructors if this is an option that would interest you.
Do I have to attend every class?
No. While it is certainly encouraged, you are free to train and learn at your own pace. Each class teaches standalone techniques, so if you miss a class you won't be behind, you'll just learn the techniques in a slightly different order than other students. Our instructors will teach techniques that are appropriate for the students' level, and will provide individual instruction for anyone who needs it. You will have lots of opportunity to learn and practice everything.
Will I have to fight other people?
Certainly not at lower belt levels, and only under strictly controlled circumstances at higher belt levels. Our philosophy is primarily based upon self-defense, not competition; however there are opportunities specifically for those seeking this kind of training. Our core training involves some randori (Judo-style grappling), grappling, and sparring/Sport Jujitsu at higher belt levels to help prepare for real self-defense situations, however you are certainly not required, nor will you be pressured, to engage in these activities if you are not comfortable doing so. Sparring and grappling are not a requirement for advancement through Mudansha (colored belt) ranks, and only one of many methods to learn techniques, and the practical application thereof.
What if I'm older or out of shape?
Everyone can benefit from the study of Jujitsu; our student base often consists of a wide range of people, from children and teens through to ages 50+. We expect our students to push their limits and improve, but at their own speed and based on their own abilities. You will not be required to perform any techniques, exercises, or drills with which you're uncomfortable. Challenge yourself. That is all we ask.
Does it hurt to practice Jujitsu?
A little. Anything worthwhile in life requires some degree of courage and self-sacrifice. You may get a bruise or two and you may have a joint or two twisted uncomfortably, but in doing so you will ultimately learn to fall without getting injured (which could save your life by itself!) and you will learn to twist the joints of an attacker in a way that can make a 200lb man cry like a baby. This type of knowledge should not be taken lightly, which is why our study and practice is performed with the greatest attention to safety, so that we don't risk unnecessary injury. We all must return to our workplace or school the next day, and our training respects that.
How are belts awarded?
As Sensei Rod was always fond of saying: "Your belt covers 2 inches of your butt. You've got to cover the rest yourself..."
But in all seriousness, the process is as follows:
For each belt level, we have a prescribed list of techniques (syllabus) that students must be proficient in in order to progress to their next belt, with each successive syllabus building on the ones preceding. A student's proficiency will be considered in concert with their having put in a sufficient number of mat hours, and displaying an appropriate attitude towards their training, their fellow students, their instructors, and the Dojo.
During classes, our instructors will keep an eye on each student's progress, and when they feel the student is ready to advance they will be invited to take a grading test. During a grading, the instructor(s) will run the student through the techniques for their level , and each level preceding it, along with demonstration of the ability to apply these techniques in a variety self defense applications. If the student is successful, they receive their next belt. Each grading concludes with a thorough debriefing, where the instructor(s) will provide detailed and constructive feedback to assist with the continued growth and refinement of the student's skills.
As the student's rank increases, so too does the length of time and level of proficiency required to attain the next. IBK is not a belt factory, and we do not hand out black belts lightly. 5-8 years for achieving one's 1st Degree Black Belt (Shodan) is common for all but the most dedicated and adept students.