Learning a traditional bujutsu, koryu, or comprehensive martial art is best approached as a serious endeavor. Learning martial arts should not be a simple, lighthearted hobby. Although many might pursue learning one with a hobbyist mentality, in the end, you wind up playing and not learning deeply as it should be done. It is often not what one wants to hear, but learning classical martial arts is a serious endeavor. It might be fun to learn a sport or martial art as a hobby. Some sport martial arts that get you moving about and thinking are beneficial. To excel in their techniques and study bujutsu properly, these more profound classical arts require strict physical, mental and spiritual discipline and dedication.
Time
You must have time. You need to have the time to devote to whatever training is required in the particular discipline that you have chosen to study. How much time will you need to study bujutsu? That depends on how much you want to learn and how well you want to learn it. There is a base time of four hours per week. That is the very minimum I would estimate for an average ryu-ha (school). Ten to twenty hours a week would be better. Not just for physical practice but for other studying and contemplation that is required.
Learning a classical bugei (martial art) is similar to enrolling in a university. You will have to spend a lot of time studying to uncover even the most essential elements of martial arts. Spending 5-10 hours weekly is a minimum recommendation in Shinkan-ryū Kenpō. Good self-management and the support of your family or friends are certainly required. If you decide to train, then your family and friends should understand and support your bujutsu study. For example, if you have a spouse, they should be ok with the time used in the pursuit of your goals in these types of martial arts. These arts take decades to learn. One should be prepared for at least 10 years of training to gather the proper basics. There Is no short-term learning in these arts. It is a life-long endeavor. Another consideration is that your spouse might need to take care of your children as well during that time spent training. Your friends should also be supportive of your endeavors and not be out to get you drunk the night before training or an event for the school. Time being critical is one reason Shinkan-ryū Kenpō's guidelines do not allow training in another martial art while a student of this shool.
Support of friends, spouses, and families is paramount.
Money
Contrary to some beliefs, bujutsu is not best when it's free. It is normal for teachers to charge tuition to keep the school activities running. You should have enough financial freedom to pay the school tuition and help support it and the teacher. You need to have enough to maintain yourself during your study of bujutsu as well properly. Average martial arts tuition in the U.S.A. is between $70-$130 per month. You should be prepared for such commitments.
Maybe your teacher holds training in an expensive area, and tuition might be high. One thing to always remember is true martial arts is not a commodity, and your teacher never owes you anything because you pay tuition. You earn your next technique through dedication and practice. Your teacher is not obligated to give you the next lesson just because you pay tuition. It is important to understand the payments made to the school are there to support the school. The teacher is also supported by that, of course. Be it wholly or in part from the tuition, the teacher does get support. This support is in line with the school, however. The school does exist within the head teacher.
Always leave some room for equipment that will be needed for training. As well as travel. Some events or training might be held in another country or area. It is best to think about that and have something to spend in case you have a chance to further your training by going abroad, for example.
Mental Resources
Above all, we should have the mindset that will allow us to study bujutsu well. We should be flexible and understanding. If we have many opinions and ideas, they will get in the way of learning. You are studying an anachronistic fighting method. Your 21st-century opinions and concepts need to be put on the back burner for now. Enter without preconceptions and follow the flow of things. You must have a very supple mind towards your teacher and do things his way and follow the way of the school. That is all within reason, of course. Always be aware of cults and dishonest teachers.
Mental flexibility is crucial to studying bujutsu. For the most part, you need to follow and trust your teacher. You must listen to the prescribed methods of training. Each school has its ways of doing things. If your teacher suggests you do such and such an exercise for five months, then you should do so without hesitation. It is not a democratic process of learning in such an environment. It can be severe and complex, unpleasant as much as it is exciting and enjoyable.
Patience is essential. If you are stuck on one technique or at a certain point, then you should ask yourself why. It is possible the issue is internal and needs to be addressed within yourself.
In the beginning, joining a martial arts school was a little overwhelming, but soon, it became easier. You will get used to how things are done and what is expected of you. If you go in with the proper time and support of your family, have enough money for tuition and equipment, and readied yourself mentally, then you will do well and thrive. This is not the kind of school to join just because it is convenient to your lifestyle or schedule. Learning online is a serious commitment. This is a serious commitment. If you are not prepared to devote time and energy weekly to it, then this type of school is not a good fit for you. DO NOT waste your time or mine. Your application will be closed if it becomes apparent you did not read this article.
If you are thinking about learning iaido online, then you will need to also think about the space for your training.
©2022 S.F.Radzikowski
ラジカスキー真照
館長Saneteru Radzikowski is the head sword instructor of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō. He lives and teaches Iaijutsu and Kenjutsu from Nara, Japan.
What does Budō mean?
I’d like to discuss briefly discuss what Budo or Bujutsu means. I’m not a scholar...
Fear Isolation Martial Arts
Budo does not begin and end when you pass through the dojo, or step on...
Budo Thoughts
There are techniques and scrolls and teachings all over the dojo. What does it matter...
Teaching yourself Iaido and Swordsmanship
The Challenges of Self-Learning Swordsmanship In martial arts, particularly in the study of swordsmanship, a...
Shugyō and Keiko Martial Arts Practice
Practicing and Studying There are two main words used about practicing and learning in martial...
Narrow Minds Walk Narrow Paths
Narrow Minds Walk Narrow Paths There are a lot of martial arts to enjoy. There...
Jealous Martial Artists
Martial artists should be aware of what can live in the shadow of righteousness; jealousy...
Budo Don’t
Don’t be in love with your weapon. Don’t be in love with your uniform. Don’t...
Too Many Martial Arts
The koryū of Japan are not self-defense arts. Although they can be authentic and certainly...
What Is A Good Senpai In Budō?
I have discussed teachers and students within martial arts. The senpai-kohai relationship is just as...
Martial Arts Cults & Lies
I once had an interaction with someone who referred to their school as a genuine...
Sword Grip Tenouchi Iaido Video
This video describes basic hand grips (tenouchi) for using a katana (Japanese sword).
Learning Koryū Kenjutsu & Iaijutsu Traditionally
Study The Self. Learn The Sword
Learn the sword or budo and learn of yourself. Learn about yourself to learn budo....
Learning Iaido Online: The Japanese Art of the Sword
Learning Iaido online is a wonderful challenge. Iaido or Iaijutsu can be deceptively simple in its...
Iaido Tachi & Seiza Waza
Demonstrations of unique iaijutsu and complimentary techniques between standing and sitting.
Components of Iaido Iaijutsu
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent="no" hundred_percent_height="no" hundred_percent_height_scroll="no" hundred_percent_height_center_content="yes" equal_height_columns="no" menu_anchor="" hide_on_mobile="small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility" status="published" publish_date="" class="" id="" background_color="" background_image="" background_position="center...
Bujutsu Thoughts
Training in iaijutsu (or any bujutsu) means doing the same thing over and over and...
Kata: Classical Japanese Samurai Training Method
Bujutsu Kata Training in martial arts can be done in different ways. One of the...
Mastering The Martial Arts and Basics
I will be talking about basics and mastery. Before I begin, I want to say...
Dominando las Artes Marciales y las Bases
Hablaré acerca de bases y dominio. Antes de comenzar, quiero decir que usaré la palabra...
6 Years of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō
Last week marked the 6th year of Shinkan-ryū Kenpō. I want to thank the faithful...