Jinenkan Seigi Dojo: Testimonials

I have trained in martial arts for the past 25 years: Thai, Philippino, Brazilian, and Japanese. I have found the classical teachings of Unsui Sensei taught to me by Dojocho Matt Stennett as the most combat effective in real warfare. Understanding the basic concepts of Kobudo will teach you both unarmed and armed techniques that can be transferred effectively to modern weaponry as well; understanding that training for sporting events is effective for sporting events, and training for war is effective in war. I believe in the validity of Jissen Kobudo Jinenkan because it has proven itself to me and my training partners from Fort Campbell Kentucky in numerous combat operations and ongoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. If you are interested in training in a classical martial arts system that is designed for combat, I feel that you will not get any better training and mentorship in the Jinenkan system by any other teacher.

What makes the Jinenkan so great is not just that it is the best martial art to be used in real combat, but also that it is a dedicated organization of real martial art specialists who care about nothing but helping and aiding those in the Jinenkan system. You won’t find one Dojocho who isn’t willing to help and teach those willing to train. With this kind of generosity and kindness, nothing comes close to the real Japanese Kobudo of the Jinenkan.

I decided in late 2004 that I wanted to begin training in martial arts. I did extensive research for several months before deciding that only the Jinenkan offered the type of authentic, comprehensive training that I was seeking. My training under Dojocho Matt Stennett has helped me improve my physical fitness, strengthened my mental conditioning, and has provided me with an excellent way to relieve the stress caused by “normal” life. I strongly recommend Jinenkan Seigi to anyone in Middle Tennessee seeking to learn a martial art.

I started training in the Jinenkan in May of 2005 because I was interested in the no-nonsense style the school promised. I'm not interested in learning a few gentle moves for a tournament, or some fancy techniques that look like they came from a movie. I'm interested in a practical and effective way of defending myself and my family. While there's no denying that I'm learning techniques that have already given me more confidence in my ability to respond to situations I hope to never encounter, I've been constantly surprised by other benefits of training. I'm gaining strength, losing weight, and gaining flexibility. Beyond the physical benefits, I'm finding myself more centered. I handle the day-to-day stresses of life better, and I'm not as easily distracted as I used to be. The mental discipline necessary to train has definitely been good for me.

Dojo-cho Matt Stennett takes a real interest in his students and does whatever he can to help everyone overcome their individual barriers, using exactly the right mix of instruction and encouragement. I wholeheartedly recommend the Jinenkan Seigi Dojo to anyone looking to improve themselves and their life while learning a martial art that's effective in the real world.

Even though I have only been training in the Jinenkan for a short time, the benefits are significant. The awareness of how my body moves in space is heightened, I have greater muscle strength and endurance, as well as the best balance and flexibility of my life. I am also learning how much of an effect the mind has over the body and how to use this to my advantage when faced with an opponent. While the techniques require precision, they also offer an exciting challenge for those willing to train hard to execute them properly. Through this process I have gained confidence in my capacity to defend myself and my family.

At this time I am the only female in the class, but I am not intimidated by that fact because everyone there is focused on improving themselves while helping others do the same. If you are looking to study a true martial art that will test the limits of your physical abilities while sharpening your mind and spirit, then look no further than the Jinenkan Seigi Dojo. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.