What to expect in training

Because our syllabus is very large we make no attempt to cover everything in every session. When a grading is coming up training will focus more on the grading syllabus than at other times.

At the start of the class everyone will line up and kneel down in order of seniority. If you are a complete beginner your place is at the left back. If there is one, the teacher will give the instruction to bow to the Kamiza with the words 'Shomen ni rei.' This is to show respect for the art and the training we do. Then the senior student will give the instruction to bow to the teacher, 'Sensei ni rei.'

Each session will begin with gentle loosening exercises followed by some active techniques, such as punching, to get the body warmed up. The main body of training will be filled by whatever the instructor feels has not been worked on recently, this could be throwing, falling, sparring, self defence techniques, kata, groundwork. Some sessions may be physically gruelling, while others may involve more theory. Some classes will be focused on one skill, while others may focus in many different areas. Training is never predictable. Usually the class will end with something more physical, often kicking or sword cuts (suburi). If there has been much kicking there will usually be some leg stretches.

The class often ends with a few minutes Zazen meditation. To close the class off we bow again to the Kamiza and to the teacher. When you bow to the teacher at the end of the class say 'Thank you very much.'