© 2008 Indianapolis Iaido & Jujutsu, LLC
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
Q: How long will it take to earn a "black belt"?
A: It largely depends on a student’s natural talent and dedication to the art. However, the rank of shodan
(1st-degree black-belt) in Aikijujutsu typically takes the average student between 1-2 years to obtain. In
Iaijutsu, average time to earn shodan also ranges between 1-2 years. That said, shodan is not thought of
as a high rank in traditional Japanese martial arts, and certainly does not mean an expert or master. A
student ranked shodan is simply a serious beginner ready to start training in earnest.
Q: Are women welcome in your dojo?
A: Absolutely! We welcome all sincere students, regardless of gender, age, religious beliefs, or otherwise.
Q: Are there any religious aspects that might conflict with my own beliefs?
A: No. Being traditional Japanese martial arts, there are certain aspects of theJapanese culture that are
infused into training. The dojo has a Shinto shrine andpictures of the founders of our arts that we bow to
before and after class, but bowing is not a subservient or religious act. This etiquette (reishiki) in traditional
Japanese martial arts is similar to nodding one’s head out of respect while shaking someone’s hand. It is
showing respect to the individuals that have (at times) suffered at the loss of their own lives to hand down
these arts to us. The shrine represents the “flow” through time of the arts from their founding to the present
day.
Q: What is “Aiki” and Aikijujutsu? Is this the same thing as Aikido?
A: Yes and no. The modern art of Aikido has the same root art as the Dentokan style (i.e., Daito-ryu
Aikijujutsu), but the term aiki is ancient and literally means “harmonizing energy”. It was first used in the
context of swordsmanship. In essence, Aikijujutsu is similar to Jujutsu but relies more extensively on
internal power and subtle psychological methods to control the opponent, rather than purely physical
means.
Q: Is there a competitive aspect to training in either Aikijujutsu or Iaijutsu?
A: Competition is not a part of training in our dojo and we do not attend tournaments. Both Aikijujutsu
and Iaijutsu are based on formal waza (techniques), many handed down for hundreds of years. We strive
to perfect these arts together, in the spirit of mutual cooperation. That said, as one advances in both arts,
various specific forms of freestyle practice are introduced, but the student will be more ready to deal with
such training at that time.
Q: Are you affiliated with any Japanese organizations or instructors?
A: Yes, that is another important aspect of traditional Japanese martial arts heritage. Our affiliation is with
the All Japan Budo Federation-Nippon Seibukan. In addition, our primary instructors maintain close
connections to their own current or former instructors in Japan, and students of our dojo may have their
ranks registered in Japan if they so desire, or visit affiliated instructors and dojo in Japan if they travel there.
Q: What costs are involved outside of tuition?
A: All that is required to begin training in either Aikijujutsu or Iaijutsu is loose fitting clothing and the desire
to learn. Once one makes the commitment to join the dojo, costs vary:
Q: Are traditional Japanese martial arts for me?
A: There is only one way to find out; do as much research as you can and come to the dojo to experience
training. Traditional martial arts study is not for everyone. These arts are viewed as a lifetime pursuit and it
may take time to find the right dojo, art, or even instructor (sensei). The best advice is to visit a dojo and
carefully observe the instructor and students, then decide for yourself if the training is right for you. One
thing is certain, all students come to the dojo for varying reasons. Some come for the historical connection
to ancient Japan and the samurai heritage. Others come for reasons of self-improvement through
dedicated training. Still others come to learn self-defense skills. All are legitimate reasons to undertake
study in our dojo.
Q: How long will it take to earn a "black belt"?
A: It largely depends on a student’s natural talent and dedication to the art. However, the rank of shodan
(1st-degree black-belt) in Aikijujutsu typically takes the average student between 1-2 years to obtain. In
Iaijutsu, average time to earn shodan also ranges between 1-2 years. That said, shodan is not thought of
as a high rank in traditional Japanese martial arts, and certainly does not mean an expert or master. A
student ranked shodan is simply a serious beginner ready to start training in earnest.
Q: Are women welcome in your dojo?
A: Absolutely! We welcome all sincere students, regardless of gender, age, religious beliefs, or otherwise.
Q: Are there any religious aspects that might conflict with my own beliefs?
A: No. Being traditional Japanese martial arts, there are certain aspects of theJapanese culture that are
infused into training. The dojo has a Shinto shrine andpictures of the founders of our arts that we bow to
before and after class, but bowing is not a subservient or religious act. This etiquette (reishiki) in traditional
Japanese martial arts is similar to nodding one’s head out of respect while shaking someone’s hand. It is
showing respect to the individuals that have (at times) suffered at the loss of their own lives to hand down
these arts to us. The shrine represents the “flow” through time of the arts from their founding to the present
day.
Q: What is “Aiki” and Aikijujutsu? Is this the same thing as Aikido?
A: Yes and no. The modern art of Aikido has the same root art as the Dentokan style (i.e., Daito-ryu
Aikijujutsu), but the term aiki is ancient and literally means “harmonizing energy”. It was first used in the
context of swordsmanship. In essence, Aikijujutsu is similar to Jujutsu but relies more extensively on
internal power and subtle psychological methods to control the opponent, rather than purely physical
means.
Q: Is there a competitive aspect to training in either Aikijujutsu or Iaijutsu?
A: Competition is not a part of training in our dojo and we do not attend tournaments. Both Aikijujutsu
and Iaijutsu are based on formal waza (techniques), many handed down for hundreds of years. We strive
to perfect these arts together, in the spirit of mutual cooperation. That said, as one advances in both arts,
various specific forms of freestyle practice are introduced, but the student will be more ready to deal with
such training at that time.
Q: Are you affiliated with any Japanese organizations or instructors?
A: Yes, that is another important aspect of traditional Japanese martial arts heritage. Our affiliation is with
the All Japan Budo Federation-Nippon Seibukan. In addition, our primary instructors maintain close
connections to their own current or former instructors in Japan, and students of our dojo may have their
ranks registered in Japan if they so desire, or visit affiliated instructors and dojo in Japan if they travel there.
Q: What costs are involved outside of tuition?
A: All that is required to begin training in either Aikijujutsu or Iaijutsu is loose fitting clothing and the desire
to learn. Once one makes the commitment to join the dojo, costs vary:
- For Jujutsu/Aikijujutsu, the required uniform is a white Karate or Judo gi and white belt (obi).
The cost of these items runs approximately $30-$100, depending on quality. The dojo will assist
new students in acquiring these items.
- For Iaijutsu, one may wear the same uniform as Aikijujutsu with the addition of a black hakama
(samurai trousers) and a traditional sword obi (wider and much longer; color is irrelevant). The cost
of these items are around $60-$100 total. A student should also acquire a bokken (wooden
sword) with plastic saya for around $35 and eventually, a quality Japanese made iaito (practice
sword) approved by the instructor. These typically range between $250 and $800, depending on
quality. A real sword, or shinken, is recommended for practice after one year of training and will
cost the student between $300 and $1,500 for a basic sword.
- Testing fees for both arts are $75 per black-belt rank. There are no testing fees for ranks below
the black-belt level.
Q: Are traditional Japanese martial arts for me?
A: There is only one way to find out; do as much research as you can and come to the dojo to experience
training. Traditional martial arts study is not for everyone. These arts are viewed as a lifetime pursuit and it
may take time to find the right dojo, art, or even instructor (sensei). The best advice is to visit a dojo and
carefully observe the instructor and students, then decide for yourself if the training is right for you. One
thing is certain, all students come to the dojo for varying reasons. Some come for the historical connection
to ancient Japan and the samurai heritage. Others come for reasons of self-improvement through
dedicated training. Still others come to learn self-defense skills. All are legitimate reasons to undertake
study in our dojo.
R I S H I N K A N D O J O
A T r a d i t i o n a l I n d i a n a p o l i s M a r t i a l A r t s S c h o o l
A T r a d i t i o n a l I n d i a n a p o l i s M a r t i a l A r t s S c h o o l
