Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bujinkan?
The Bujinkan is a martial arts organisation with its headquarters based in Noda city Japan. It was formed by Masaaki Hatsumi in order to propagate the essence of the nine schools of Japanese martial traditions of which he is grandmaster (soke).

How can I join Bujinkan Dojo Brisbane?
You only need to come to a class a few minutes before training and introduce yourself.
If it is your first night (or few nights) of training, one of the senior students will help you with the basics until you are able to join in with the rest of the class. If you have trained at another Bujinkan dojo or have a good background in other martial arts training you can usually just join in with the rest of the class. The training fee for a class is $10 and you will need to sign a disclaimer. You do not need to pay the membership fee until you decide you want to join our dojo so please feel free to try a few sessions first. For at least the first month you do not need to buy a uniform or any equipment. Please just wear something comfortable and suitable to train in.

Are there any restrictions on age / fitness / physical ability / etc?
We are a senior club and you will need to be age 15 or over to join. There is no upper age limit and you can enjoy training regardless of fitness or physical ability although a medical clearance may be required in some cases.

Can I just come and watch a session?
Yes


What is the uniform of your club?
We wear a black karate-style uniform called a do-gi or keikogi. In warmer weather it is allowable to wear just the do-gi trousers and a t-shirt but you should bring along your do-gi top and belt as it is sometimes necessary to practice certain techniques. It is also common to wear a split toe shoes called tabi but it is fine just to train in bare feet. At out club all beginners wear a green belt and those of first dan and above wear a black belt.


Can I train in another Bujinkan dojo at the same time as I train here?
Yes

Can I train in another martial art at the same time as I train here?
Yes

What is the Bujinkan ranking system?
The system of menkyo (diploma) in the Bujinkan is unique. Menkyo are given in Bujinkan Dojo Budo Taijutsu and are issued from Japan.
Kyu Levels – Beginners
1st Dan to 4th Dan – Ten (Heaven) / Shoden (Lower Level)
5th Dan to 9th Dan – Chi (Earth) / Chuden (Middle Level)
10th Dan to 15th Dan – Jin (Man) / Okuden (Advanced Level)
The 11th to 15th Dan are broken into Chi (earth), Sui (water), Ka (fire), Fu (wind) and Ku (void).
The 5th Dan test is to avoid a training sword cut at you from behind by a 15th Dan. The test must be performed under the supervision of the grandmaster. Once a person is 5th Dan they may be issued with a shidoshi menkyo (teaching license).

How long does it take to get a black belt?
With regular training it takes about two to five years at our club.

Who is Masaaki Hatsumi?
Born in 1931 in Noda City Japan, Hatsumi-sensei trained in various martial arts including judo, karate, kendo, aikido, boxing and koryu budo, attaining qualifications in each before finding his life’s mentor Toshitsugu Takamatsu. For the next fifteen years he studied under him, becoming the grandmaster of the nine styles of ancient martial art. He later unified these nine styles under the umbrella of the Bujinkan organisation.

Is this a school of ninjutsu?
The Bujinkan is often thought of as a school of ninjutsu and many people enquire who are interested in the ninja and ninjutsu. Hatsumi-sensei describes the name “ninjutsu” as only a nickname and a great deal of his media work in TV, film, magazines and books has focussed on the topic of ninjutsu. Also within the nine schools of the Bujinkan three of them contain the name “ninpo”. Even so it should be made clear from the start that our school is a school of “Bujutsu” (traditional Japanese martial art) and not a “ninja school”.