do I enroll?
1.
What is the class etiquette?
2.
What is the schedule for classes?
6.
What benefits can I expect from Jujitsu?
8. How
long does it take to get a black belt?
9. What is Danzan Ryu
Jujitsu?
11.
Is Red Dragon affiliated with any organizations?
12.
I've never done martial arts before, what can I expect?
13. I've had martial arts experience, how will I be treated? How
How do I enroll?
You can enroll at the
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It may seem intimidating to enter a new place with a
different kind of etiquette. At Red Dragon Jujitsu Club, we follow a few
simple guidelines out of respect for the dojo, or place of learning.
If you cannot remember all the rules, try to follow a senior student’s lead,
and just remember the basic idea of reverent open-mindedness.
If you don’t have a judo or jujitsu uniform (or Gi), that’s fine -
just come dressed in t-shirt & sweat pants or shorts. Bring a water bottle
to stay hydrated. You may also bring a notebook to take notes during class.
If you decide to attend regularly, you will be asked to acquire a Gi
(Jujitsu workout uniform). We can recommend places for you to purchase a Gi,
but you may get one wherever you prefer.
The instructor in the class is called the Sensei, which means “one
who has gone before.” During class, you should address the instructor as
Sensei, Sir, or Ma’am (as appropriate). When outside of class, addressing
your instructors on a first name basis is preferred. Other students who are
currently teaching you are generally addressed as Sir or Ma’am (as
appropriate). This is done simply to show respect for each other. Students
who are NOT currently teaching you are generally addressed on a first name
basis.
The bow, or rei, is the Jujitsu salute. It is done when you begin
working out with a partner, and when you stop working out with that partner.
It shows respect for each other, and is an indication that you will start
(or stop) practicing with each other. The bow is simply done by standing
erect with feet together and hands on the front of the thighs. Then, while
looking at your partner, a bow is made by bending forward and sliding the
hands down the thighs to the knees for about one second, then standing
straight again.
The bow is used when entering or leaving the mat and the dojo. This
signifies two things: First, it lets others know that you are coming on the
mat to practice with them. Second, it signifies that you are leaving the
worries of your life behind you during class. While you practice, you will
do your best to focus on the class and forget about the outside world. Then
when class is done and you bow as you leave, you may again address the rest
of your life.
Students should get permission from the instructor before entering the mat
once class has begun. During class, students should get permission from the
instructor before leaving the mat. These are safety rules to let the
instructor know who is on the mat and that no one is injured.
At the beginning of class the brown belts will be
seated to the Instructor’s left, the blue belts and green belts to the
Instructor’s right. All white belts will sit facing the instructor.
When signaled, the students bow to the instructor and the instructors return
this respect. The class also ends with this procedure.
Sitting on the mat is done in a certain way for the
purpose of safety. Seiza (say-zah), the first and preferred way for
ceremonies and show of attentiveness, is on the knees with your buttocks
resting on your feet. In the aspect of safety, if someone were to fall on
someone sitting in this manner, the person falling would slide off and the
person sitting would not get hurt. Anza, the second way of sitting,
is crossed legged. Unless you have an injury that prevents sitting in Seiza
or Anza, any other way of sitting or reclining on the mat is considered
highly impolite, inconsiderate, and extremely unsafe unless in the execution
of an art.
In jujitsu it has been found that when one wants to show submission, in
place of saying anything which takes a considerable amount of time, he
either taps the mat, himself, or his partner at least twice in rapid
succession. It is easier and faster by far, as well as being safer. If you
are in a position that prevents you from tapping with your hands, you may
tap with your feet or say “Mate” (mät-e) or “Stop”.
3.
No student should engage in
Randori without the instructor’s supervision or that of the senior
students.
4.
The student should never use
any techniques not previously explained by an instructor. Complicated
techniques, without previous experience or training, can lead to serious
injury.
5.
Fingernails and toenails
should always be clipped short to prevent scratching or harming others.
Jewelry must also be removed - it can get snagged or caught and potentially
hurt yourself or your partner. The gi must be free of pins and other hard or
sharp objects which might be hazardous.
6.
Students should maintain the
highest degree of personal cleanliness. Jujitsu is a body contact art.
7.
Students must be punctual at
all scheduled meetings.
8.
Students must obey the
instructions of their seniors and their instructors.
9.
Students should always be
courteous and helpful to each other.
10.
Report all injuries to the
Sensei
The Jujitsu class schedule is:
Tuesday and Thursday: All belts, 6:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Fourth Sunday of the Month(black belts only), 1:30 pm
- 4:30 pm
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$65.00 per month for residents
of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District and $75.00 for non
residents.
Monthly dues can be paid
at the rec center or online at
www.ssprd.org
Other costs include Purchase of a workout uniform (Gi)
and Fees to cover rank advancement costs.
Gi Price List - MS Word
Gi Price List - pdf
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As with any physical activity, there is always the
possibility of injury. However, safety is a vital concern and always comes
first when studying Jujitsu. The curriculum is set up so that students start
with simple, easy, and safe techniques, and move on to more complicated ones
as their skills increase. One of the first things you will learn to do is
how to fall safely. Everything is done slowly and carefully in the
beginning. Then, as your skill progresses, the speed of technique will
increase. In addition, we work around any disabilities, or injuries to
prevent further injury. Along these lines, everyone MUST inform their
instructor and workout partner of any injuries, disabilities, or other
physical challenges. One of the principal goals of Jujitsu is to maintain
your personal safety; so all necessary steps are taken to protect the
physical well being of every student in class
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Jujitsu literally means the “Gentle Art”. The
primary goal of Jujitsu is the perfection of character, not to learn to beat
up someone. In the
Danzan Ryu system of
Jujitsu you will learn how to resolve conflict through alternative,
non-violent means. If you are attacked and unable to avoid a fight, you will
learn a range of techniques to deal with that attack, from stopping the
attack without anyone being hurt, to subduing the attacker with painful
joint locks that may or may not cause injury, to more aggressive techniques
that can cause serious injury if you have no other alternatives.
In class you will be learning self defense
techniques, but more importantly you will learn self confidence, self
control, and respect and caring for others so that violence is not needed.
With Jujitsu, as with other martial arts, your knowledge of self defense
will give you a great deal of self confidence when confronted with a
potentially violent situation. This confidence can free your mind and your
ego so that you think clearly about how to peacefully resolve the situation.
Consequently, learning Jujitsu or other methods of self defense will make
you LESS likely to become involved in fights or violent situations.
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The potential benefits of
Jujitsu are many, and they will vary from person to person. The following is
a list of some benefits you can receive from your Jujitsu practice:
o
Greater self confidence
o
Greater self control
o
Caring and respect for
others
o
Discipline
o
Increased fitness
o
Increased agility
o
How relax in stressful
situations
o
Self defense skills
o
How to overcome your
fears
o
Increased Awareness
o
Increased Focus
o
Restorative techniques
o
Increased Mental and
Physical Tenacity
o
Friendship
o
Commaraderie
and much more!
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In Jujitsu we wear a Gi, which is a strong, loose
uniform that we use to practice in. For your first few classes, just wear
sweat pants or shorts and a t-shirt. Once you decide to attend regularly we
will ask you to acquire a Gi, and we can tell you where to buy them. A Gi
will typically cost $30-$60, and it will last several years. We typically do
not wear anything on our feet, though martial arts shoes and/or socks are
acceptable.
Women should wear a sports bra and t-shirt (not a
tank top) under their Gi. Men may want to wear a jock strap.
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There is no set time period to earn your Black Belt,
and we do not have any contracts or guarantees for earning a black belt -
either you earn it, or you don’t. The length of time it takes to progress
from rank to rank will vary a lot depending upon your personal skill level
and how often you practice. A Black Belt can be earned in as little as 2
years or it can take as lon as 10 or more years. The average length of time
is usually 4-5 years with consistent practice. The amount of time it takes
does not matter. You are not in a race and no one will be keeping track of
how long it takes you to earn a higher rank. One of the goals of the various
colored-belt tests is to prepare you for your Shodan (first Black Belt)
test. Generally, you will test for Shodan when your Sensei is confident you
are ready and you are able to demonstrate successfully the proficiency
required for that rank.
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Danzan Ryu is an effective system of self-defense
which incorporates physical and mental training within a philosophy of
ethical and moral development. The founder, Master Henry Seishiro Okazaki,
designed this system to include defenses against knife, sword, clup, gun,
bayonet, and empty hand. He stressed the ancient principles of philosophical
and moral training while retaining the best arts of self-defense and
physical restoration. This synthesis of ancient and modern elements combined
to form a complete system of Judo and Jujitsu that we practice today.
Danzan Ryu is the most widely taught self-defense Jujitsu system in the
Jujitsu literally translates to “Gentle Art”. This
ancient martial art is believed to have originated with the Samurai who used
Jujitsu when confronted with combat situations where they were unable to
employ their weapons. Jujitsu uses the principles of leverage and blending
with an opponent’s energy to defend one’s self. Typically done with throws,
joint locks, chokes, and grappling. It is called gentle art because
it relies upon the application of leverage on weak points rather than hard
strikes and blocks. It is called a close-in art because you must be close
enough to your opponent to grab him/her to use Jujitsu techniques.
Visit the section
about us
for more information about Jujitsu and the Danzan Ryu system.
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You will be given a list of requirements to complete
for each belt. When both you and your instructor feel that you are ready,
you will test for your next belt. There are no scheduled belt tests – they
just happen when people are ready. Most techniques involve one person (the
Tori) performing a technique on another person (the Uke). For
your test, you must ask someone of equivalent or higher rank to be your Uke
for your test. It is typically considered an honor to be chosen as an Uke
for a test. During the test, the Sensei will ask you to perform a technique
that is on your requirements list. You will tell the Uke what he/she must
do, and then demonstrate the technique. The Sensei will go through
everything on your requirements list and may ask you questions about the
techniques. The Sensei will grade your test and inform you about whether or
not you have passed. If you pass, you will soon be given your new belt. If
you fail, you will continue to practice your techniques, especially ones you
may have had trouble with during the test. When you and your instructor
again believe that you are ready, you will take the test again.
In Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, we require that every student
keep a notebook of his or her Jujitsu studies. In this notebook you will
write 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.
You will also have a list of notebook requirements for each belt. Before
each test, you must turn in your completed notebook to your Sensei for
grading. The purpose of the notebook is to better learn and remember your
techniques.
There are no fees for belt tests. The goal of these
belt tests is to prepare you for your black belt test. Generally, you will
not even take the test until your Sensei is confident that you will pass it.
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Yes. Red Dragon Jujitsu Club is a member of the
American
Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF). The
American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt
corporation represented by Jujitsu, Judo and other martial arts schools
across the nation, and the world. Most individual members of the AJJF are
associated with AJJF schools, although this is not a requirement. Membership
in the AJJF is non-discriminatory.
The AJJF promotes the DanZan Ryu system of Jujitsu,
an effective system of self-defense that incorporates physical and mental
training within a philosophy of ethical and moral development. As a member
of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation, you become part of a national
organization that provides the many benefits described below.
The AJJF tests and
certifies DanZan Ryu Jujitsu Black Belt ranks. High standards of skill,
knowledge, proficiency and ethical conduct are required for a nationally
recognized AJJF DanZan Ryu Jujitsu Black Belt rank.
Hundreds of men and women
currently hold AJJF Black Belt ranks.
As a member of the Red Dragon Jujitsu Club, you will
also be asked to join the AJJF. With this membership you may attend any of
their national or region conventions, and your black belt will be certified
by the organization. This means that your belt will be recognized in any
other AJJF school. The AJJF also develops and manages the student
curriculum.
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If you don't have a Judo or Jujitsu uniform (gi),
that's fine - just come dressed in T-shirt & sweat pants or shorts. Bring a
water bottle to stay hydrated. You may also bring a notebook to take notes
during class. We have an introductory program where someone from our
Kokua (welcome) Team will introduce you to our school, our
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. If you decide to attend regularly, you will need to
purchase a gi uniform that we can provide for you for a modest charge.
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People who have had previous martial arts experience
typically adjust to our system rapidly. Someone from our Kokua Team
will talk with you to discuss your training experience, your desired
personal outcomes and help integrate you 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 proficienty in the arts.
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