Budo 101 - Frequently asked questions

Welcome to Budo 101, a quick reference guide for those interested in the basics of traditional martial arts training. Whether you’re just starting out or have trained for years, you might be surprised at what there is to learn!

• What’s the difference between traditional and modern martial arts? Are traditional martial arts practical?
• Will I/my child get hurt in your dojo? Do you guys beat each other up?
• I’d really like to do martial arts, but I’m too out of shape/overweight/old for it now. How difficult are your classes?
• What age can my child start training?
• I trained at another martial arts school. Do I have to start over at white belt?
• How is martial arts training going to help me if someone has a weapon or a gun?
• How long does it take to get a black belt? How often do you test?
• What’s all the yelling about? Do I have to do that?
• Why do you teach so many kata?
• How many times a week do I have to go to class?
• Why are you bowing all the time? Are martial arts like a religion or cult?
• I’m not good with languages. How much Japanese do I have to learn?