Young people and martial arts. 

The Tengu Bujutsu Dojo, Sheffield, is a private martial arts school and club teaching a modern combined system called Ju-shi Ryu. The system is influenced mostly by techniques, training principles and philosophies of the Japanese arts of Karate, Ninjutsu and Kenjutsu (Japanese fencing).

It has long been known that training in martial arts can be of tremendous benefit to young people. Development of self-confidence, respect for others and rules of behaviour, self-discipline and physical fitness are all obvious benefits to be gained from the dedicated practice of skills in an environment of strong discipline and mutual respect. There are however other advantages which may not be as apparent to non-practitioners. For example, the Tengu Dojo has its own Code of Behaviour, based upon the sort of rules followed traditionally in a Japanese dojo. Not only are words such as respect and dedication involved but also included is the word dignity and Japanese words such as Shoshin (beginner mind) and Kime (meaning literally to tighten the mind, to focus and concentrate). Shoshin refers to the attitude of having an open mind and never being swayed by pre-conceived ideas in reference to practical knowledge or the feelings and ideas of other people. The usefulness to young people of training in Kime is, of course, obvious. Another aspect which may be difficult for those inexperienced in martial arts to understand is that training of this type can in fact help people to understand one-another better, to be more tolerant in life and to become less aggressive and more relaxed and controlled. Although self-defence is the main objective of martial arts training, and the Ju-shi Ryu system is indeed very effective in this way, in my experience young people who practice these arts are less likely to allow themselves to be frightened or bothered by the actions and words of more foolish individuals. It is therefore very easy to see the great advantages of this type of training to young people who are, for example, the victims of bullying .

At the Tengu Dojo we only ever work in small group classes or one-to-one. It is my personal policy to treat all students as individuals, not simply the member of a class. Every member knows that the club exists in order to help each student, adult and junior, train and behave to the best of their abilities.

The dojo has a traditionally based atmosphere, very different indeed from most sports halls and community centre based clubs, however the environment is relaxed and friendly.

All junior students are only allowed into the dojo in the company of an adult parent or guardian, in front of whom all of the training takes place. Free tea, coffee and other refreshments are available to adults.

The charge for training at the Tengu Dojo is £10 per week, for this the student, in the company of their adult parent or guardian, can attend up to five lessons a week. Remember the training is always small group workshops or one-to-one so the level of training and tuition for the price is one of the best, possibly the best, anywhere in Sheffield.

Finally, a word on safety in training. Many people these days are often overly concerned about the levels of risk young people are exposed to and as with any physical activity there is always a small chance of injury, however the form of Ju-shi Ryu practiced by the junior students is non-contact and the highest possible standards of safety and discipline are followed at all times. Because all juniors attend with an adult, an additional safety precaution exists in that supervising adults are in a position to authorise all exercises as and when they happen.

Adult students/members

Training in the martial arts is extremely useful for the improvement of mental and physical health. Development of self-confidence, self-discipline and physical fitness are all obvious benefits to be gained from the dedicated practice of skills in a relaxed environment of mutual respect.

Self-defence is, of course, the main objective of martial arts training, and the Ju-shi Ryu system is indeed very effective in this way, however there is much more to martial arts practice than simply learning how to ‘hit back’. The training also helps develop mental focus, drive and personal commitment. At the Tengu Dojo we only ever work in small group classes or one-to-one. It is my personal policy to treat all students as individuals, not simply as part of a class. Every member knows that the club exists in order to help each student, adult and junior, train and advance to the best of their abilities.

The charge for training at the Tengu Dojo is £10 per week; for this the adult student can attend up to four main lessons, four special additional workshops and also five junior-focused lessons a week. The junior lessons are one hour, the adults’ main lessons are two hours in length. Because the junior sessions are mostly non-contact it is safe for adults to access them for additional training but juniors are not allowed into the adult lessons.

Membership itself is free after you attend three lessons. All training equipment is provided by the dojo, students are only expected to purchase their own gi (training clothes) and belts upon grading.

Tengu Bujutsu Dojo

Ancient martial arts for the modern world

Japanese Martial Arts, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

The Tengu Dojo Code

Kime

(Focus, concentration.)

Dignity

(Know yourself, and behave in a way that shows respect to yourself.)

Respect

(Honour the dignity of others, always be prepared to bow.)

Shoshin

(Beginner Mind; a relaxed, open mind without preconceptions.)

Dedication

(Understanding that true skill and knowledge comes only from continual practice and effort.)

Mushin

(No Mind; not over-thinking but feeling and knowing.)