Frequently Asked Questions
Q: WHAT MAKES JUNSEI RYU DIFFERENT FROM OTHER
STYLES OF JU-JUTSU?
A:There are
a number of ways in which the Junsei Ryu system differs to other styles of Ju-Jutsu. Firstly we do not teach any sporting
or competition techniques, Secondly, students are instructed in the most traditional manners available, and these include
the philosophical, cultural and religious teachings of ancient Japan.
Q: I HAVE NOTICED THAT SOME INSTRUCTORS USE THE TITLE SENSEI AND OTHERS RENSHI OR SHIHAN. WHAT SHOULD
I CALL MY INSTRUCTOR?
A:The term
Sensei roughly translates into english as 'Teacher' although the actual translation contains numerous nuances that
simply do not translate through into English. All Sensei within Junsei are happy to be referred to as Sensei. Some individual
are awarded honorific titles such as Kenshusei, Renshi or Shihan. These titles are normally only used when talking or
writing about an individual; and it is generally unheard of to call such an individual Renshi or Shihan on each and every
occasion. for example, one might say when introducing somebody to a new group of students "This is John Smith Sensei,
he carries the title of Renshi". You would then refer to him as Sensei for the duration of the training.
Q: DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
A:Being fit when you start training certainly does have its advantages, however
the Junsei Ryu method of training will gradually build up your fitness through a detailed training and exercise regime that
forms an integral part of your everyday training.
Q:
DO I NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE?
A:As
with general fitness, it helps, but it is by no means necessary. Junsei Ryu is a vibrant art involving a wide range of movements.
Individuals who are already flexible will of course find this easier than those who are not so flexible. However, within a
relatively short space of time and under the correct guidance your flexibility will begin to improve noticeably.
Q: IS JUNSEI RYU EFFECTIVE IN A REAL FIGHT SITUATION?
A:The Junsei Ryu system is designed
to be of practical use in any self-defence situations. However, it should be understood that like any form of martial art,
studying Junsei Ryu does not instantly turn anyone into a superhero. The techniques that you study will only be of use to
you if you apply the correct mental attitude required in their application.
Q: IS JUNSEI RYU SUITABLE FOR WOMEN?
A:In a word YES, we have many female students. The techniques taught within Junsei Ryu are designed
to ensure they remain effective regardless of an individuals physical strength or stature.
Q: HOW SAFE IS JUNSEI RYU?
A:The Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei has an excellent safety record. However as with any contact art,
minor injuries (bruising, sprains etc) are occasionally encountered but thankfully thanks to the patience and technical abilities
of our instructors serious injuries are rarely every encountered. The techniques employed are designed to exploit weaknesses
of the human body. So whilst some pain is inevitable, the co-operative training spirit encouraged within the Dojo makes for
very safe practice.
Q: I STUDIED KARATE UP
TO BLACK BELT GRADE, CAN I CARRY THAT GRADE OVER TO JUNSEI RYU?
A:Unfortunately, No. Because the syllabus, technical requirements and training methods are so very
different between Junsei Ryu and other martial arts like, Karate, Kickboxing, Muay Thai the carrying of grades over would
be unfair to existing students and an unrealistic symbol of achievement to the newcomer. However, Junsei Ryu can offer grade
recognition for students of Ju-Jutsu, Aiki-Ju-Jutsu, Kempo and some styles of Kano-Ju-Jutsu (Early Judo). In these cases the
student must undergo a probation period of no less than twelve months and have trained in their previous art for no less than
the number of years required to pass the Junsei Ryu equivalent. After this initial probation period the student will be awarded
a grade relevant to their current skill level, but no higher than their grade upon joining Junsei Ryu.
Q: WHAT AGES ARE SUITABLE FOR TRAINING WITHIN JUNSEI RYU?
A:The youngest age that we can accept students into Junsei
Ryu is Five years old, although due to the nature of the art we generally do not recommend students start training before
the age of Seven years. On the whole the maximum age for students beginning their training varies from person to person. Largely
depending upon their long-term state of their health (Logically an elderly person is far more likely to sustain an injury
during training). that is not to say however that people of more mature years are unable to train with Junsei Ryu, just that
they will focus their training upon differing aspects of the art.
Q: I AM IN MY EARLY FORTIES, AM I TO OLD TO START TRAINING?
A:Not at all, a large proportion of our students (And Sensei) are of middle years and enjoy
the same development and discipline that our younger members do.
Q: ARE THERE ANY COMPETITIONS?
A:Junsei
Ryu is essentially non-competitive and we do not regard ourselves as a sporting activity. In fact Tournaments and competitions
that commend the virtues of individuals overwhelming and defeating opponents run in direct oppositions to the ideals of Budo
and Bushido. This does not mean that Junsei-Ryu does not have a practical self-defence application or that it provides no
opportunity to compare one's own abilities with other practitioners, we simply choose not to focus on that possible avenue
of training.
Q: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TRAIN?
A: Many of our venues offer two training
sessions per week and most people find that this a sufficient amount of time to make a steady progress. Attending only one
session per week will inevitably slow your progress but there is no minimum requirement.
Q: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE ME TO GET A BLACK BELT?
A:In short you can purchase a black belt at any time you please!
Whilst the grading system used within Junsei Ryu provides a practical means to measure a student’s progress, acquiring
grades is not the ultimate objective. With regular dedicated practice, most people will be ready to take their first grading
examination (White belt) after around three months. Thereafter, the grading opportunities will arrive in three to six month
intervals with a one-year minimum between brown belt and black belt. In short, with regular dedicated practice it is possible
to attain a black belt grade in around five or six years. All across the western world a black belt is often perceived as
the mark of one who has mastered an art. In Junsei Ryu this could not be further from the truth. The Shodan grade (Black-belt)
translates from the Japanese as “First-Step” and is the point at which a student’s true learning begins.
Q: ARE THE PHILOSOPHICAL COMPONENTS LIKELY
TO CONFLICT WITH MY BELIEFS?
A:Whilst
the Philosophical teachings of Junsei Ryu are based in Japanese Shinto and Buddhist ideals, Junsei Ryu embraces a practical
modern day philosophy and is concerned with issues faced in everyday life regardless of religious distinction. Training within
Junsei Ryu does not require that its students make any fundamental change to their beliefs. However, the religious and philosophical
teachings do form a vital component of practice and all students are required to adhere to its religious and cultural traditions
within the Dojo environment. We are after all a Shinto-Buddhist organisation (See the FAITH page for more information) Furthermore
all students are required to demonstrate their understanding of the Philosophical and religious concepts in order to advance
through the grades. For this reason some devout Christians, Jews, Sikhs and Muslims will find training with Junsei Ryu Unsuitable.
If this is that case as a gesture of good-will Junsei Ryu will try whenever possible to assist the student in locating another
quality organisation that focuses less on the spiritual, religious and cultural aspects of the martial arts.
Q: IS THEIR
A BEGINNERS CLASS?
A: In essence,
as the basics of training are covered in every session, there is little need to for a separate beginners session. In fact
it is generally accepted that novice students progress faster and more effectively when training with other more experienced
students. Please do not feel intimidated by the apparent experience and ability of other students in the class, we have all
had to start from the beginning and build up our abilities from there.
Q: WHEN CAN I JOIN?
A:
Unless your local venue has made other arrangements for beginners, you'll be welcome at any time. Simply confirm the details
with the instructor prior to attending the class. In many cases the instructor will be happy for you to watch the first session.
Q: HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
A:After a small initial outlay, training within Junsei Ryu
is by no means expensive, when compared to other sporting or hobby activities. Membership to the Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei
costs £30 (£20 for children) and is annually renewable. Costs of training will be no more than £5 per session,
but will vary slightly between different locations. On the whole Equipment requirements are minimal (with the exception of
Batto-Jutsu and Kobujutsu classes) and inexpensive. A heavyweight-training outfit (Keikogi) will cost in the region of £45.00
and is available from most branches. But you are not required to purchase a Keikogi until you are sure that you wish to continue
practice. Prior to that, loose sportswear will suffice.
Q:
DO I NEED A SEPERATE LICENCE TO TRAIN IN THE DIFFERENT ARTS WITHIN JUNSEI RYU?
A:No, a Junsei Ryu licence carries across all styles studied within Junsei Ryu.
Including but not limited to Junsei Ryu Hoshin Jutsu Renmei (Ju-Jutsu), Junsei Ryu Sakura Batto Jutsu Kai (Batto-Jutsu, Ken-Jutsu)
Junsei Ryu Sen-Ha Kobujutsu Kai (Mixed Classical Weaponry).
Q: CAN I TRAIN UNDER MORE THAN ONE JUNSEI RYU SENSEI?
A:On the whole most Junsei Ryu Sensei have no problem with you training under Sensei other
than themselves. But as a matter of courtesy it is best to speak to all Sensei concerned beforehand.
Q: Q: WHAT DOES THE JUNSEI RYU
LOGO MEAN?
A:
Junsei’s Mon (Emblem) embraces the wisdom of 'Happo No Kamae'
(The Eight Directions Of Defence And Attack), which also represents the eight circles of attainment and knowledge that are
gained through the grading system. Starting with the outer most circle and working inwards towards true self, the innermost
circle, which Junsei, acknowledge as the true beginning, Black Belt Shodan.
