The Art of the Samurai
The traditional martial arts of the samurai are almost lost today. Most modern martial arts have been adapted to become more relevant in today's society as they are no longer required for war and the majority have become sports, which has significantly changed the techniques and emphasis of martial arts training. At Bushijutsu, we look to keep the spirit of the samurai alive by training in the techniques of the samurai to help maintain these traditions which are fast becoming lost.
Bushijutsu literally translates as "The Art of the Warrior", this style includes the study of kenjutsu (art of the sword), jojutsu (art of the short staff) and taijutsu (art of the body). Studying the arts of the samurai also incorporates strict etiquette and discipline as well as knowledge and history of the samurai. Each art incorporates training in basic techniques, partner practice and forms
Our Kaiso (founder) Sensei David Nips established our school in the spirit of the samurai, with over 20 years of martial arts experience.
Everything you need to get started
It's easy to start with Bushijutsu, we offer a FREE introductory lesson. Bookings are essential so please click on the booking button to reserve your free introductory lesson.
Then in order to continue training, you will need to pay your membership and first months training fee.
Your membership gains you access to the members section of our website which contains all the information you will need for your training, advise you of any upcoming events as well as allow you to apply for gradings. You will also be provided a digital member card on your phone that you scan at each class.
Your training fee entitles you to train at any class, anytime for the next month.
We don't carry cash at classes so payments can be made online or by Credit Card/Visa Debit at the dojo.
OUR FEES
| Monthly Training Fee | $50 |
| Annual Membership | $40 |
| Grading Level Application Fee | $20 |
| Nyumon Kaiden Application Fee | $120 (incl. Shinai) |
| Competition Application Fee | $30 |
STARTER PACKS
| Item | Individual Price | New Members $70 (Save $20) | Weapons Kit $55 (Save $10) | Uniform Kit $150 (Save $20) | Basic Starter $120 (Save $35) | Full Starter $250 (Save $75) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly Membership Fee | $40 | |||||
| Monthly Training Fee | $50 | |||||
| Bokken - Wooden Practice Sword | $30 | |||||
| Jo - Japanese Short Staff | $35 | |||||
| Keikogi - Training Jacket | $70 | |||||
| Hakama - Traditional Japanese Pants | $65 | |||||
| Obi - Belt | $35 |
We have 3 age groups starting from 7 years of age. Whilst all groups train at the same time, students train amongst their own groups. The safety of our students and visitors is important so you are asked to read our Dojo rules before attending and to abide by these at all times.
Age Groups
Dojo Kun - Rules
Below are our locations and times. Once enrolled, students are welcome to train at any location
Samurai did not have a formal ranking or grading system, they were tested in combat, you either lived or you died. Black belts are only a recent concept, instead students were typically granted licences or certificates after a certain amoumt of time which recognised the student had completed their mastery over the techniques learned. There was also a strong emphasis on passing on your knowledge and continuing the ryu (schools) lineage. So traditionally ranks were awarded in recognition of mastery over a set of techniques and licence granted to pass these techniques on. In our school we have developed a system based of some of the more common ranks used with their approximate time to study, although of course the samurai studied full time our ranks are not equivalent to the time spent by the samurai. Ours students are tested in two ways, through Shinsa (gradings) to assess ones own understanding of technique and through Shiai (tournament) competition against another to simulate the combative aspect of the samurai life.
SHINSA - GRADING TESTS
At the start of a new rank, students are issued a makimono (scroll), cataloging the techniques they will be learning at that level. Students then have a minimum time frame you spend studying these techniques. Each rank is divided into 4 levels to give feedback on your progress until you are ready to apply for a full licence. You will receive a certificate at the completion of each of these levels and there is a minimum amount of time and lessons that you need have completed before you can be assessed which varies for each rank. The final level is a comprehensive assessment of all the techniques at that level. Once successful you will receive the licence for that level and the next ranks makimono. Gradings are held monthly and you can apply provided you meet all the criteria.
**Gradings require that student has current membership and full uniform**
Ranks
| Rank | Min. Time | Min. Lessons | Min. Time between levels | Sword |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyumon | 1 year | 50 sessions | 3 months | Bokken (Wooden Sword) |
| Okuiri | 2 years | 100 sessions | 6 months | Shinai & Bogu (Bamboo Sword & Armour) |
| Sho Mokoroku | 4 years | 200 sessions | 1 year | Iaito (Metal Practice Sword) |
| Go Mokoroku | 8 years | 400 sessions | 2 years | Shoto (Short Sword) |
| Menkyo | 20 years | 1000 sessions | 5 years | Shinken (Live Blade) |
Levels within each Rank
SHIAI - TOURNAMENTS
Informal Shiai are conducted regularly to allow students an opportunity to test their skills against other students. Once a year we run a formal Shiai (tournament) where students compete within their age groups in a knockout style tournament in solo forms, partnered forms and in higher levels sparring and test cutting.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our art, please contact us below
or complete the form on the right to book your FREE introductory lesson.
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