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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get started? Can I try it out before joining, or just watch a class?
Visitors are always welcome. There's no need to request permission: just come and visit us when you can! If you'd like to participate in class, please wear loose, comfortable clothing: sweat pants and a t-shirt are just fine!
The best way to make a decision about whether our club is right for you is to visit a class. Just come on down to the martial arts room in the rec center. Come early if you can. We're a friendly bunch: just stop on by and watch a class, or jump right in and participate. If you have any questions, feel free to ask any of the students: we're all more than happy to talk with you. We are traditional but informal.
How much does it cost?
If you decide to join, dues are $60 per semester, and when promoted we do charge for the belt (~$3).
Do
I have to have a Gi to work out?
No. All you need to wear is something loose/comfortable that allows for maximum flexibility and should cover your knees. Most students wear sweatpants and t-shirts during the first few weeks of training, but jeans should be avoided. Old gi's from previous martial arts are also acceptable. Most students buy a Gi once they know they will begin to train seriously. A Gi will typically cost $30-$60, and last several years with proper care. If you don't have a gi, it is taken out of your first dues payment, at no additional cost to you. We typically wear socks on the mat for safety and hygiene reasons. Women should consider wearing a sports bra and t-shirt under their Gi.
Can I start any time, or is there a joining period? Will I feel left behind if I jump right in?
There are always new people in class, so keeping up is never a problem: usually the class splits up into smaller groups once warmups are over. As a new student, you’ll get a lot of personal attention from one of our blackbelts to make sure you understand the basics of our classes. The classes are divided into two 1 hour training blocs for Beginners and Intermediates. During Open Mat classes, you will usually be put in a group of people with a similar experience level.
I've never done martial arts before, what can I
expect?
If you don't have a Judo or Jujitsu uniform (gi), that's fine - just come dressed in T-shirt & sweat pants. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. You may also bring a notebook to take notes during class. We have an introductory program where one of the other students will introduce you to our club, etiquette, and work with you on basic rolls, falls, and a few hand techniques. When you are comfortable, you will join the main class with the rest of the students.
I have martial arts
experience, how will I be treated?
People who have had previous martial arts experience typically adjust to our system quickly. You will need to talk with Sensei about your training experience, your goals and to help integrate your previous experience into our regular class. Unless you have come from another Danzan Ryu Jujitsu Dojo, you will start out as a White Belt, learning our system from the beginning. Progress in rank will occur as you demonstrate increasing proficiency in the arts.
What’s the training progression?
You will start with meditation and ChiGong then rolls and falls. Next you will move onto the basic techniques of the art - our Yawara list. As you grow more comfortable with these techniques, we introduce you to other technique lists - throwing arts, self defense arts, etc. We also spend some time training in massage, first aid/CPR, and we also have a recommended reading list.
How do the belt rankings work?
Every school has its own belt ranks, but in general the rankings for Danzan Ryu are fairly consistent throughout the community. They are:
Jukyu (white belt)
Rokyu (blue belt)
Gokyu (2nd degree green belt)
Yonkyu (1st degree green belt)
Sankyu (3rd degree brown belt)
Nikyu (2nd degree brown belt)
Ikkyu (1st degree brown belt)
Shodan (1st degree black belt)
How do promotions work?
There is a published curriculum detailing the requirements to complete for each belt. There are no scheduled belt tests – except for Shodan----they just happen when people are ready. Every day you show up and train is your test. Sensei will go through everything on your requirements list and may ask you questions about the techniques.
The study of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu requires a notebook, there is simply no way to remember all of the techniques and their variations. Sensei will go over the requirements for maintain this notebook. Briefly, you will write one art per page with a short description of how to perform each technique. The notebook can be used to store other relevant Jujitsu or martial arts information as well. The purpose of the notebook is to better learn and remember your techniques.
How long does it take
to get a Black Belt?
You don't actually get/earn a black belt, you become one, and therefore there is no set time period. We do not have any contracts, guarantees or a payment plan for earning a black belt. The length of time it takes to progress from rank to rank will vary depending upon your personal skill level and how often you practice. It can take as little as 2 years or it can take as long as 10 or more. Assuming regular attendance, and diligent training the average length of time is usually 3-5 years. But remember, it's not the years it's the mileage. The question you need to ask yourself is "What kind of a black belt do you want to be?"
This FAQ was assembled with gracious help from following three clubs:
Salem Budokai
Red Dragon Jujitsu Club
Colorado University Jujitsu Club
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