Bujinkan Manitoba | New Student Reality Check

Prior to contacting us about joining our Dojo, please give the following careful consideration.

The Demands of Martial Arts

If the "Budo-bug" bites you, your life is going to change. Sometimes you will wonder just what the hell you got yourself into. Never mind figuring out why.

Budo demands a lot; a lot of time, energy, sweat, etc. You may be able and prepared to give it, but are the significant others in your life (girl/boyfriend, wife/husband, children, etc.) going to accept it.

Will they understand when you are out for a walk, or talking with friends/family, or eating dinner and they see that far away look in your eyes? The one you get when you are thinking about the latest technique/kata/concept you've been working on in the Dojo. Will they understand when you are continually excusing yourself to go off and practice? Will they understand when you take time (and money) away from them to attend a seminar on the other side of the country? Will they understand when you spend most of your savings on a trip to Japan?

If the obligations in your life - work/school, significant others, family and friends, hobbies and activities - will not accommodate your involvement, it is unrealistic for you to apply to join our dojo.

While that sinks in, let's talk about danger.

Martial Arts are Dangerous

Our training involves a great deal of body contact; with the ground, other people and training weapons. The majority of techniques are practiced "hands-on", with one or more training partners. Bruises are a given and, on occasion, sprains occur. Beyond that, and for the most part, our training is safe/as safe as it can be. Instructors continually stress safety and the correct body mechanics relating to every technique we practice. However accidents can/have/do happen.

Further, some emotional stress is to be expected; an integral part of our practice involves stretching personal comfort zones and psychological limits. This is a necessary part of discovering our greater potential.

If you are unwilling to work in close proximity with others, enduring all that entails, - giving them your body to punch and kick, grab and twist, throw and choke, strike at with training weapons, AND exhibiting the necessary self-control when they reciprocate - do not apply to join our dojo.

Considered the points above and still have a genuine desire to join our practice? See this page for more information.