This page has been designed to answer questions asked of me by students and prospective students over the years.  We have quite a bank of questions going already, and I will be adding a new question (and answer) frequently, so please check back often to see what kind of new information you may find.  If you would like to submit a question, please email it to me at faq@jinenkanseigi.com.  Questions can range from the point of view of someone brand new and knows nothing about the Jinenkan, to someone who has been training for several years and would like clarification on some of the finer points of training.

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What is the difference between the Jinenkan and other mainstream martial arts styles?

This is a very broad question, as there are many different "mainstream martial arts styles" out there, but the main difference is that the Jinenkan is a compilation of Japanese Koryu (literally 'old martial schools') from the warring states period of Japan. This means that what is taught was developed, tested, and used during actual battles in Japan from as early as 1000 AD onward. Over the centuries not only were the techniques themselves refined, but the method for taking a complete novice in the martial arts to the master level. This resulted in a very complete and structured method for teaching written down in the form of densho (scrolls) and passed from teacher to student. This is quite different from most modern "martial arts" in which the teachers "developed" their own style after watching a few inspiring movies, or at best refined their skills over the years in barroom brawls or structured contests and tournaments. There is simply no comparison between centuries of actual combat-tested material and a single generation of mildly proven (if at all) techniques.

What is a shinai and why do we use it instead of a bokken?

What we use is actually called a "fukuro shinai", which is a piece of split bamboo covered in leather. This approximates a sword during training and allows us to attack with much more spirit in order to make sure we are really able to perform the required techniques. It is stiff enough to still hurt when you get hit with it so as to provide some urgency to the need to not get hit, but is also giving enough to not do any lasting damage. A kendo shinai, which more people are familiar with, is made of split bamboo as well but is much stiffer, and designed to be used with kendo armor. A bokken is a sword made of a hardwood (usually white oak). Both the kendo shinai and bokken could cause serious damage in the hands of a skilled swordsman. In fact, there are several stories of famous swordsman dueling and killing with bokken (against an opponent armed with a real sword) because they felt a live blade no longer provided enough challenge. We do still use bokken in training, but only against harder weapons (such as bo) that would damage the fukuro shinai.

What is the difference between jutsu and jitsu, and which is correct?

The short answer to this question is: "Both are correct". The Japanese language did not originally have any way for it to be written outside of kanji, hiragana, and katakana.  We in the west made up a way to write down the sounds made in the Japanese language, and called it "romanji", or the romanization of kanji. Several different versions of romanji have been used over the years and as you can imagine many different forms of "correct" spellings evolved.  I am certainly no Japanese language scholar, but the most prevalent system of romanji I have seen and learned in college would spell the kanji as "jutsu".  I personally would use this spelling, but I couldn't really say the other is "wrong".

What kind of and how much sparring do you do at your school?

We don't really do sparring as many karate or taekwondo schools do, where two people of different skills face off and either slowly or at full speed go all out until someone wins. What we do is called ran dori (free response), of which there are four levels. Level One of ran dori involves responding to any attack while only using kamae (posture). Level Two of ran dori includes responding to any attack using only the kihon happo (eight methods of the true foundation). Level Three of ran dori is responding to any attack using any technique. Level Four of ran dori (the most advanced and difficult) consists of responding to any attack using only a single specified kata (technique). By training ran dori in this structured manner it becomes a much more productive learning tool in which a student can clearly learn to apply their training.  Without the structure students typically forget all of their training rather quickly and revert to unskilled brawling, prior training, or previous habits.

With the Gyokko Ryu and Koto Ryu founded more than 500 years after the Kukishin Ryu, how is it that Gyokko and Koto Ryu form the basis for our taijutsu?

Both Manaka-Sensei and Hatsumi-Sensei (and Takamatsu-Sensei, I would assume, but have never directly heard it from him!) have stated on several occasions that Gyokko and Koto Ryu form the basis for the majority of our taijutsu. After studying the history of each of these Ryu-ha (schools) a little more, I too was confused about how this could be the case.  If you look at only the chronology it seems obvious that the Kukishin Ryu is the oldest of the schools we train in so would by nature be the "foundation" or "basis" for everything. Manaka-Sensei's answer to me was that things change over time. He used the example of our modern army not using the tactics and techniques they used one-hundred years ago, but adapt and change over time to use the most efficient and effective techniques, technology, and strategy.

From here on is simply my conjecture, but Takamatsu-Sensei was the first in our lineage to combine all seven (or nine, depending on which -kan you belong to) of the Ryu-ha in which we currently train. I believe in learning and teaching all of these Ryu-ha some common threads seemed to emerge, and the Gyokko and Koto Ryu provided the best foundation for that common thread. It is in this manner that the claim that the Gyokko and Koto Ryu are the "foundation" of our art makes the most sense to me.

An added complication is that the Kukishin Ryu history is very jumbled and confusing. For example, Manaka-Sensei has told us of a man named Otomo no Furumaro, who came to Japan from China around the year 754 and eventually formed the basis for what would later become known as Tosui Ryu (a part of Kukishin Ryu in a way), so you could actually trace the Kuki roots much farther back than simply 1000 A.D. To add further confusion, the actual name "Kuki" did not appear until Yakushimaru Kurando Takamoto saved the life of Emperor Godaigo around 1336 A.D. and was given the surname "Kuki" (nine demons). Along the way variations of the family have split off as well so there are actually four different Soke (sort of "head of the family") alive and practicing/teaching today. I write all this not to overwhelm, but to explain that history this old and complicated is bound to get confusing. The founding date so often quoted of 1000 A.D. is a nice round number that actually refers to the time Nawa Shinzaburo Motonaga revived the Tosui Ryu and became its first Soke. The techniques we currently train in however, can be traced to several hundred years before and after that time period. The Kukishin Ryu holds some of the oldest history of all the Ryu-ha we learn (and is one of the better documented Ryu-ha in many different sources), but the Gyokko and Koto Ryu form the foundation for our overall movements.

I noticed on the web site functional weapons (i.e.: swords). Do you have training where students use functional weapons?

Absolutely! The only way a student will learn to really use a sword is to actually cut things with a real sword (a "live blade" with an edge). We spend a fair amount of time working with shinai and bokken to make sure a student is safe to themselves and others, but in the end the more a student trains with and handles a real sword the more they'll understand the weapon and become a better swordsman. After demonstrating a certain level of proficiency with the weapon, every student is encouraged to use a live blade any time they are not working with an opponent. We also spend time doing tameshigiri (cutting practice) in which we cut everything from water-filled jugs to rolled tatami-omote and green bamboo (and anything else we can get our hands on).

All of this applies to not only the sword, but every other weapon we use as well. While training with a partner there are certain steps that must be taken to ensure both the attacker and defender are not injured, but whenever possible we will train with "live" weapons in order to really understand the weapon in a complete manner. Ask anyone who has trained with the kusarifundo about the first time they tried any of the techniques with a live kusarifundo after training for weeks with the cotton flannel version - it's a whole different world!

What is the rank system and how do I test?

In the old days of Japanese martial arts there were no belts, and someone simply trained until they received Menkyo Kaiden (sort of a certificate of mastery and license to teach) or some other kaiden. The belt systems were a western idea, used to help provide more positive feedback and encouragement to students to keep so many from getting discouraged and quitting. Many schools use it as a fundraising tool as well, charging outrageous promotion fees and giving rank promotions several times a year to help drive their incomes up.

The Jinenkan makes a small compromise here, but still keeps the belt system very simple. A new student begins with a white belt, called mukyu (no level). They then earn their green belt, called sankyu (third level), followed by a purple belt (nikyu, or second level). A brown belt (ikkyu, or first level) is the last step before the student moves on to dan ranks (levels of black belt). When a student achieves shodan (first degree black belt) they earn the right to wear a hakama (the long pleated wide-legged pants worn by samurai). Currently the highest ranked student in the Jinenkan is a godan (fifth degree black belt, only held by one student at this point), and there are only a few yondon (fourth degree black belt) in the world.

Testing is closed to observers and is a very private affair. The tests are extremely strict and difficult, and it is very rare that a student makes it through their entire martial arts career without ever failing a test at some point. Students average around a year in between each test, but this time can vary substantially based on their physical condition, past experience, and amount of time each day they can devote to training. There is a small "challenge fee" ($10) to take the test, and should you pass there is a promotion fee of $50 for each kyu rank (more for the dan ranks). You must be at least an Associate Member of the Jinenkan to attain any kyu rank, and a Full Member to attain any dan rank.

What gear do I need to begin training?

The only "gear" you really need is a mind open to learn and a body not afraid of hard work. Because we train outside, and the weather conditions can be pretty hard on a "formal" uniform, I am a little lax on the dress code normally held at a Jinenkan Dojo. You are welcome to wear whatever you are comfortable in (and don't mind getting dirty) to train. I have to warn everyone that if they don't have a nice strong gi to grab we are forced to grab skin, which is much more painful (although very good for the rest of our training, as it's rare to run into someone on the street wearing a gi). For that reason, a good gi is a smart thing to buy fairly early on, and a good pair of tabi helps keep the feet light and your traction good.

As far as weapons and training tools, the need changes with the topic we are currently studying. Overall, I would say a good bokken (wooden sword) would be the cheapest and first purchase a student should make. A fukuro shinai (split bamboo sword) is a little more expensive and must be shipped from Japan, but it is easily the training tool a student will use most often. After that, a sword bag is nice to collect and carry all of your training tools to and from class. We are currently studying the tanto, so a training tanto is a necessity for the next few months. Several students have bought real tanto as well to take advantage of any live blade cutting we have along the way.

Along the way as we focus on different weapons students usually buy or make both a "live" and a "training" version of that weapon, but there is no reason to wait if there is a specific weapon that interests you. A few students have bought naginata, for example, and on the occasion that only one student shows up for class it is by tradition a "private lesson", and we can practice anything that student wishes.

Students are not required to buy anything through the dojo, but I try to take all of the guesswork out of  purchases and make it easy for a new student to find quality training materials at a reasonable price. Check out our most commonly sold items on our For Sale page, and don't hesitate to ask (sales@jinenkanseigi.com) if you are looking for something you don't see there.

What's the real story behind the myths of the ninja and the poisoned throwing stars?

Senban shuriken (the flat type of throwing stars) were used by the ninja and known more as a "secret/invisible sword" than an immediate killing device. The shuriken simply do not penetrate deeply enough to do serious damage and would never really kill someone from sticking it right in their forehead as is seen in the movies. They were more used as a distraction or a type of psychological warfare, being thrown from a hidden position at an unsuspecting enemy. The shuriken would hit and cut the enemy and in most cases fall hidden into the grass or bushes, and all the enemy would know was that he was suddenly cut but saw no attacker (hence the "invisible sword" moniker)! The movies did get one thing right though - the idea of poisoned shuriken. This was not fast-acting, immediately incapacitating poison as is seen on the big screen, but most commonly the shuriken were simply left outside to rust. In feudal Japan no one really knew about tetanus yet, and the same unsuspecting enemy who was struck with this "invisible sword" found himself dying a slow and extremely painful death over the next several weeks from the tetanus brought on by the rusty shuriken. The ninja took full advantage of this idea and used it to maximum effect. After watching their buddy die a horrible death from a ninja's "invisible sword", many of the ninja's enemies were very reluctant to chase or fight them any more.

How do I get started?

If this looks like something you might like to do, the best way to know for sure is to come and try it! Everyone gets their FIRST CLASS FREE, so you can come try a single class with no obligation and see if you like it - simply email info@jinenkanseigi.com to set up an appointment. One word of warning - we study an incredible volume of material, and on a given night we are working on a very small portion of that material. Just because you don't see it on your single free class DOESN'T MEAN that we don't study it. Please feel free to ask any questions you have along the way.

Why do I just "feel better" outside of class when we only train two short nights a week?

Not really a question, but a newer student mentioned that he just "felt better" in general after just a few months of training. This sparked an interesting short discussion that I thought was worth posting here:

Bob mentioned tonight that he has noticed lately how he just "feels better" both in and out of training, and we shared stories for a few minutes about how amazing it is that training just a few hours a week can make such a difference in every other hour in your life. I really think it's not just about exercise, although the physical work certainly puts us in better shape and makes us feel physically better all of the time. The hard work and continued improvement also gives great mental feedback - strengthening the mind and calming the nerves.

The most important aspect that not everyone seems to notice right away, however, is the "spritual" (for lack of a better word) benefit to training. Everyone has hard days at work, or days when they are tired or don't feel well. It is precisely those days when your mind is trying to talk you out of training - it would be so easy and feel so nice just to sit home on the couch and watch TV in the comfort of your air-conditioned living room (or so says your mind, working hard to distract you). These are the days when it is MOST important to train anyway. The feeling of accomplishment and "victory" you receive after finishing a hard class on a day that you weren't at the top of your form teaches both your body and mind what can happen when you don't give up. In most cases after just 30 seconds of warm-ups that lethargy is gone and your spirits are lifted. Even on the days when it's all you can do to slog through the entire class - the stress that you burn, the benefit to your body, and the sense of accomplishment leave you feeling easily one-hundred times better than you would have if you would have listened to your weak mind and stayed home on the couch.

The Japanese character 忍 (pronounced "nin" or "shinobi") as in "ninjutsu" can be translated in one respect as "perseverance." The kanji is made up of the character for "sword" over the top of the character for "heart", symbolizing the steel will or resolve one can impose upon the tender heart - making the combination much stronger than either could ever be on their own. Many people think this one character sums up the key to training in martial arts (some even say life in general). Learning to put into use and practice perseverance is just one of the benefits of training as we do. I'm glad someone thought to bring it up tonight - thanks Bob!

Elizabeth added her own comments: "That is precisely why I love to train so much- it is as challenging to the mind and spirit as it is to the body. Now If I could get my mind into training more outside of class...that would be even better. Training also helps rid me of the instant response to pull back or flinch when faced with an attack. I am learning more of how to be calm when I am grabbed or punched at and focus on moving my body in such a way as to turn the attack to my advantage and be in total control of the opponent. Even though I am not even close to being a master of the techniques I am learning, there definitely is much more confidence to be had when you have experienced being attacked and doing something about it, whether it is getting out of the way or deflecting it and re-attacking, or hitting the ground safely and at a good enough distance from your opponent."

Why do you train outside? Wouldn't it be easier just to rent a building with heat and air conditioning? How can you have a dojo without an actual building?

We train outside for many reasons, but I think the most important reason is that I feel it embodies the original spirit of the training more than a simple building. In old Japan, in many cases training was performed wherever you happened to be. Only the richest teachers who were employed by daimyo (sort of Dukes or "warlords") could afford to have buildings dedicated purely to training. In many cases (Koto Ryu and Shinden Fudo Ryu especially), training in nature was a very important part of one's path. Knowing how to use what you have around you is an important skill to learn, and learning how to live with nature as your ally instead of your adversary will make you that much more comfortable in many situations in which you may find yourself. If our sempai (seniors) in old Japan didn't need a building we certainly don't need one now either.

Some people have asked: "What do you do when it rains?" - We get wet. Others ask: "What about the cold or the snow?" - We get cold and we get covered in snow sometimes. In the extreme heat we get hot and sweat profusely, and in severe thunderstorms we get very wet very quickly! No matter what the weather condition, we keep going. By doing this we learn that none of these normally disturbing conditions will cause us any harm and that we can easily work through them. Training in this manner teaches perseverance and focus in the face of any type of distraction. If you can perform a technique in the driving rain, soupy mud, or extreme heat you truly know that you can perform that technique when you actually need it, no matter what else might be going on around you.

In addition to the above benefits, training outside allows me to have very few bills to pay. With monthly bills piling up it is easy to lose hold of your principles and do whatever it takes to make enough money to keep the doors open and the lights on. Many wise men have said that a good dojo can never be successful monetarily, as the training is too difficult to appeal to the masses. With a low overhead it doesn't matter if we only have a single student - the training will be good and it will always go on. I am not running a school to be successful in money; only to continue my own training and pass on that which has been handed down to me. I would much rather train a single committed student than teach whatever the "popular" martial arts fad of the day is in order to have a hundred students.

Are there any unarmed techniques or ideas in the Jinen Ryu, or is that scroll only armed techniques that Sensei felt were missing from other scrolls?

I am best served here by quoting Manaka-Sensei directly (from Reflections of Manaka Unsui):

"Since juttejutsu [art of the truncheon], tessenjutsu [art of the war fan], kusari-fundojutsu [art of the weighted chain], tantojutsu [art of the knife], and bikenjutsu [art of the sword] were not systematically taught and included in the system of any densho [scroll] that I hold, I added the natural motion which I have accumulated over the 40 years or more of my practice, and combined it as Jinenryu."

"I established Nitojutsu [art of two swords] by applying the taisabaki [body movement] and waza [techniques] from the ryuha I studied in the past and harmonizing it with a daitou (long sword) and shoutou (short sword)."

Why do we have to "clean the dojo" after each class? Are you trying to tell me that I am paying you to make me rake sand and pick up sticks? You must be crazy....

With an indoor dojo it is tradition to clean the dojo after each class to show respect to the training hall, keep it in excellent condition, and learn humility and concentration by doing menial tasks that take repetition and focus (instructors included).

With an outdoor dojo we will still perform small amounts of similar daily maintenance after each class, except instead of cleaning bathrooms and sweeping mats we will be raking sand and picking up sticks and debris. Because we have moved to a new location and are currently developing a brand new training area from scratch, there may be some "harder" work from time to time as well. For those that haven't trained here lately, we have recently had 20 tons of sand delivered to provide a new type of surface on which to practice (and to help get us out of the mud all the time!). Spreading out the sand to make a flat and even training surface is proving to be very hard work, but with all of us working together for just ten minutes at the end of each class we will quickly have it finished. In addition it provides an excellent opportunity for cardiovascular training, as it is very easy to get your heart rate up and get you breathing hard when moving shovelful after shovelful of heavy sand!

This is an excellent example of "Shikin Haramitsu Daikomyo" (the sentence we repeat during bow in/out). In one respect, this sentence means "may we find enlightenment with our next act" - the idea being that every seemingly menial and trivial task has something to teach us, and if we approach these tasks with the correct spirit we can polish that spirit and learn from every little thing we do. Whether it be learning patience and perseverance from finishing a seemingly insurmountable task (such as moving and flattening 20 tons of sand with simple hand tools), learning to improve your physical condition and better protect yourself and your family through martial arts training, or simply learning to stop and enjoy the moment from a dog laying in the sun, there is something to learn from literally every action we take each day. We can choose to stumble through life oblivious to these lessons, complain about all of the "bad luck" we've been getting lately, or look at each instance with a sincere and open heart. Only one of these options will make your life better with each breath.