What class is best for beginners? Our general martial arts classes are a good place for most adults. We let beginners start off easy and move into more demanding activities on an individual basis. If you really would like a less physically demanding start we recommend our sword classes. Motobu-ryu was designed so that a person who broke or lost a sword in battle could fight with empty hands without missing a beat. So while you are learning sword you are also learning the same stances, movements and combat principles that you will use without a weapon. It is a very clever method. What is Motobu Udundi? It is the family martial art of the Motobu family who enjoyed royal status when Okinawa was an independent kingdom. It is based upon Chinese, Japanese and Okinawan martial arts. Besides martial arts skills it helped one develop many of the attributes expected of a nobleman- good fitness and a dignified bearing, traditional dance (with hidden fighting techniques), sword skills, philosophy, etc...
Do I have to learn weapons? No. Our weapons classes are separated from our unarmed martial arts classes for two reasons. 1. Those who are not interested in weapons don't need to work with them. 2. Those who are serious about weapons will learn in a class where weapons don't take a back seat to other things.
Will I learn grappling skills? Yes. The techniques that you will learn are applicable to standing, seated and ground defense. Going to the ground is not good self-defense, however. There are hazards (glass, stones, curbs) and the enemy may pick up a stone or stick or his friends can easily attack you if you are fighting on the ground. And rolling in a snowbank with someone bigger and stronger while in boots and a winter coat is a bad idea. We prefer to take the enemy to the ground in a position of restraint- while we stay on our feet.
Is Kodokai affiliated with any other schools? None in this country. From time to time, however, there are schools claiming some relationship to the Kodokai. All of our affiliations are on the island of Okinawa. Is it expensive to learn martial arts? Kodokai is one of the most affordable schools around. There are no registration fees, no contracts, and you will actually learn something of value for your investment.
What do I need to get started? A uniform. If you are learning sword you will need a wooden sword (boken) and a bamboo sword (shinai). If you join our bo-jutsu class you will need a wooden staff (bo). That should be all you need for your first year of training. And we have everything you need in stock.
Will I be the only female in class? No. Proper martial arts instruction is about technique rather than strength, and our atmosphere of respect and support insure that everyone feels comfortable and enjoys a safe training experience. We have many skilled female students.
What if I'm not in shape? Come in and do what you can. We applaud your efforts to take charge of your fitness and will ease you into a healthier body. As a supporting member of the "Physical Fitness Guidelines for Americans" of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, the Kodokai has several ways for you to get in shape in a way that works for you. Of course you should get your doctors approval before starting any physical training method.
Am I too old? We have students begin at all ages. While some of our classes are very physically demanding, we also have places for those who need to take things a little easier. Sword class, for instance, is a great place to get involved at any age.
Can I try a class? Yes, you can try our regular martial arts class. We do not allow people to try weapons or sword classes but watching will give you a good idea of what we do. We also do not allow people to try out tuidi classes because it hurts, it's rough and it's more "hands on" than most people want. Only a very small percentage of our students practice tuidi. Tuidi isn't fun.
How long does it take to get a black belt? Everyone trains differently. Some students come to class only once or twice a week, others come every day. Some never practice, others practice a great deal. The average seems to be about five years. Either way, the belt isn't important. At the Kodokai a black belt doesn't signify the end of your training- it is the beginning. We have the experience and credentials to provide a lifetime of learning, fitness, friends and challenges way beyond the black belt level.
What makes the Kodokai different? Everything that we will teach you we learned in Okinawa. Our techniques are different and our teaching method is different because we have never studied Americanized martial arts. We are the only school around bringing martial arts to you straight from Japan.
(401) 762-2201 175 Eddie Dowling Hwy. (Rt. 146A, Park Square) North Smithfield, RI 02895
