The budding leaf, containing the kanji "JI" (nature), symbolises youthful vitality. The new green of the leaf means a new beginning. These classes are ideal both for beginners and for those further along the budo-path. People from other federations and martial arts are welcome as well.

We train (among other things) according to the japanese expression SHIN GI TAI (one of several possible translations is "Heart, Technique, Body").

Heart

Everyone gets motivated, and encouraged not to aim too low. We expect, from all students alike, that they eventually reach a higher level of skill and confidence. This is training for the Heart.

Technique

We specifically focus on performing all exercises highly technically correct. This is training for Technique.

Body

During keiko (training) we dedicate a lot of attention to improving (y)our fitness-levels and building explosive/functional power. Even at an advanced age you have to be able to demonstrate our style of moving and fighting, when your strength and fitness may long have withered. But the better your fitness-levels are the better your body-movement will be. Dedicating time to this outside of regular classes is encouraged. We advise everyone to keep improving their own skills. By learning our martial methods you will get to know your body better, will learn how to move better, how to develop and control your body. This is training for the Body.

Just to even begin to understand authentic japanese martial disciplines takes time. Hence, perseverance is the message to remember. Qualities like dedication, patience, passion, respect, and (self-)discipline will serve you well.

Japanese martial arts have always been associated with more "spiritual" topics like zen, esoteric buddhism, pagan beliefs like shinto, and so on. What we train can not be viewed as standing completely apart from all of this.

Yet - there are several ways of developing yourself. One of those is hard physical training, and that's clearly the one we prefer. Learning from your mistakes and becoming something more than you were before. This is where our focus lays.

Concentrating on the feeling of a certain technique whilst moving is valuable, no doubt about that. Sitting down and meditating, performing breathing excercises do have their value in our system - but there is a time and a place for everything.

In each case, do not expect light-headed new age-circumstances: we remain with both feet firmly rooted on the ground.

Of course, we do spend considerable attention to japanese culture, traditions, and philosophies.

"Spiritual training can be done in everyday-life as well. Decide on a manner of thinking, and be faithful to it in all your actions"... - Manaka Sensei