FAQ

Will I be expected to buy an outfit right away?

Normally, for the first few classses you can wear loose, comfortable clothing. Generally speaking you shouldn't be buying a training outfit (gi) for the first 4-6 weeks as you are still settling in. However there is nothing to stop you buying an outfit earlier to get more out of the art.

Be wary of clubs or dojos that expect you to buy a club t-shirt and won't let you train in anything else.

What footwear may I wear?

All training is conducted in either bare foot or in tabi (traditional Japanese footwear). Ask your local dojo for their advice on accepted footwear.

Is there a minimum age to attend a class?

This is specific to each dojo. Some dojos offer classes for children aged 8 or over, some to over 16s. It is best to contact the head of each dojo individually and find out. Once you have found one that does, we would recommmend watching a class before allowing your child to attend. Make sure you are completely comfortable and feel free to ask questions.

Do I have to be physically fit? Should I already be attending fitness classes?

It helps if you are in good health but regular attendance to a class will improve your overall fitness. However, training alone won't get you fit. A good diet, plenty of water and avoiding excessive smoking or alcohol will help too. If you have any concerns, please consult your Doctor before attending any classes. Some dojos may require you to provide proof of good health for insurance purposes. This is rare however.

If you are concerned about your fitness from a general viewpoint, consider spending some time looking at your diet. Try keeping a food and exercise diary and consider speaking to a health professional. They will help you set realistic diet and fitness goals.

More on fitness

Am I too old?

As the current head is over 70 then perhaps not. However, Ninjutsu is a physical system so there will be certain areas of training that will not be suitable for certain age groups (such as breakfalls). In these cases it is recommended that you consult your doctor. We would recommend you talk openly with the dojos you are interested in and finding out if you can take part.

How much does training cost?

Some clubs will charge for a month in advance and others on a class by class basis. Some clubs will require you to also pay a membership fee to cover the costs of running the club. Always enquire as to what your membership covers especially when it comes to injury indemnity and insurance. If the membership costs are high and you have to pay insurance on top of that then you may do well to shop around.

Do you cater for women?

Women are welcome to all classes in our experience. If it is a women only class you wish then you should contact the dojo in question as this would most likely be arranged outside of normal dojo hours.

Are there books or videos available?

There are a variety of books and videos available. The best ones to go for are by Hatsumi, Hayes, Sven Eric and Arnaud Cousergue.

A good starting book is Ninjutsu, History and Tradition by Hatsumi.