University of Birmingham Ninpo Budo
What martial art will I be doing?
When do you train?
Where do you train?
Will I get hurt?
What do I have to wear to train?
How much does it cost to train?
I’m not a student. Can I still join?
I don’t want to grade, is that ok?
When can I start?
How do I join?
What do you think of the other martial arts clubs at the university?
Which is the best martial art?
Does the art work on the street?
What martial art will I be doing?
We practice a martial art that we generically refer to as Bujinkan Ninpo - Budo Taijutsu. The 'Bujinkan' prefix identifies us as being part of the Bujinkan organisation, headed by Dr Masaaki Hatsumi. The 'Ninpo' refers to the higher order of the art, and the 'Budo' refers to the warrior path. The 'Taijutsu' means literally 'body art', and this term encompasses the physical techniques that we learn and teach.
We also refer to the physical techniques simply as Ninjutsu. Usually, when you hear of someone practising 'Ninjutsu' it means that only the physical aspects are studied (the strikes , locks and throws etc), whereas when one studies Ninpo Taijutsu, one studies the physical aspects as well as the more esoteric side (which includes meditation, philosophy, psychology etc).
At the University dojo we teach both, and we usually find that an interest in the physical side, the 'Taijutsu' (or Ninjutsu), leads to an interest in the 'Ninpo'.
No-one is made to do anything they don't want to do, and many of our members stay away from the meditation aspects and concentrate solely on beating each-other up, which we are just fine with!
When do you train?
We train on Tuesday nights from 19:30 - 21:30, and on Sundays from 13:00 - 15:00 in the Dojo. And we train on Thursday nights from 19:30 - 21:30 in the Gillett Centre.
Where do you train?
We train in the Dojo which is next to the old Gym. It's located about 200 yards from the Munrow Sports Centre. And in the Gillett Centre on the Selly Oak Campus.
This sounds dangerous. Will I get hurt?
There is always a degree of risk in any martial art, particularly in a combat art such as this. You might get hurt, but you can also get hurt playing Rugby, Hockey, Cricket etc. Most of our injuries tend to be bruises, but we have the odd sprain or strain.. Most injuries come from people messing about. We do our best to minimise the risk and ensure you don't get hurt, but we take out extra insurance all the same.
What do I have to wear to train?
Just come wearing loose fitting clothes such as tracksuit trousers and a t-shirt, which you don't mind getting stretched out of shape. Eventually you might want to purchase a Gi (canvas training 'pyjamas'). Also, leave your jewellery at home.
How much does it cost to train?
You have to join the Athletic Union which costs £10, and then it is £85 for a year's membership to the club. For non-students it is £120 for the full year's training. There are no session by session fees.
I'm not a student at the University. Can I still join?
There is nothing to say that you can't, but we have to give priority to students and training space is limited. You are welcome to come to one of our sessions to observe and discuss joining with us, but due to University regulations it may cost you a lot more if you do decide to join. If you want help finding another dojo we'll be more than happy to help.
I don't want to grade, is that alright?
We place very little emphasis on grades, although anyone who wants to grade is encouraged and supported. We only have three belts: white, green and black if you are male, and white, red and black if you are female. Green/Red belt may be any one of 8 grades and Black may be any one of 15!! This system helps to discourage unhealthy competition between grades and nurture an atmosphere of healthy competition and co-operation in the dojo.
Sounds great. When can I start?
The first session will be the first Tuesday of term. Just turn up and you'll be told all you need to know. Alternatively, come along to the fresher's fair and find our stall. We'll be happy to answer all your questions and give you a demonstration. If you’ve missed these don’t worry, come down to the dojo when we’re training. It doesn’t matter if you’ve missed the first few weeks, people start all year round.
How do I join?
Either come along and see us and we'll give you all the forms, or go to the Munrow sports Centre reception, say you want to join the Ninpo-Budo club, and go from there.
What do you think of the other martial arts clubs in the University?
There are a number of martial arts that run at the University, and as far we know all of them provide excellent instruction in their field. We would encourage you to go and look at them all before choosing to settle on one. Find out which one is suited to your needs. If you want to do a something sport based look at Judo, Jitsu or Taekwondo. If you want a more traditional art look and the Kung Fu clubs, Muay Thai, or Karate. Try them all, find the one that suits you, and give it a go. As far as we know we are the only club that teaches all areas of combat which include weapons work; punches; pressure point and nerve strikes; kicks; locks; throws; grappling; floor work, and the mental aspects involved with dealing with an attack. So if you want to learn a comprehensive and complete system that can quickly be learned and applied on the streets, we don't think you can ask much more than that.
Which is the best martial art?
We get asked this a lot, and our answer is always the same. That question simply does not make sense. A fight is not won by a martial art, it is won by the person fighting. A good street fighter with no formal training will often beat a skilled martial artist who has spent years perfecting his technique in a dojo. We are all a little biased about the art we study, but that is because we know it and it suits us. Different arts were designed for different purposes, and each art, when applied correctly, can be just as effective as the other. Beware the martial artist who claims the total superiority of his art. This only proves that he does not understand the martial arts, and he should be avoided. The only thing worse than having no instruction at all is having bad instruction from someone who does not understand the techniques he/she is teaching. It gives a false confidence and can be fatal. Always question your teacher. Challenge him/her and push him/her to the limits of their teaching ability. Only then will you know if you have found a genuine teacher. If you are not allowed to do this, this may be a sign that something is not quite right.
Does the art work on the street?
Yes and no. Any martial art that tells you they can teach you self defence in a short period of time is lying to you. For a martial art to be effective it has to be reflex and instinct. Ninjutsu, as with all martial arts takes years of training before it is natural enough to be used outside of the dojo, once it has though it is highly effective. The basics such as how to fall and how to step away from an attack can be learnt quickly and can help in avoiding all kinds of situations. We emphasise survival rather than "winning". Any fight that you walk away from is a win.
When do you train?
Where do you train?
Will I get hurt?
What do I have to wear to train?
How much does it cost to train?
I’m not a student. Can I still join?
I don’t want to grade, is that ok?
When can I start?
How do I join?
What do you think of the other martial arts clubs at the university?
Which is the best martial art?
Does the art work on the street?
What martial art will I be doing?
We practice a martial art that we generically refer to as Bujinkan Ninpo - Budo Taijutsu. The 'Bujinkan' prefix identifies us as being part of the Bujinkan organisation, headed by Dr Masaaki Hatsumi. The 'Ninpo' refers to the higher order of the art, and the 'Budo' refers to the warrior path. The 'Taijutsu' means literally 'body art', and this term encompasses the physical techniques that we learn and teach.
We also refer to the physical techniques simply as Ninjutsu. Usually, when you hear of someone practising 'Ninjutsu' it means that only the physical aspects are studied (the strikes , locks and throws etc), whereas when one studies Ninpo Taijutsu, one studies the physical aspects as well as the more esoteric side (which includes meditation, philosophy, psychology etc).
At the University dojo we teach both, and we usually find that an interest in the physical side, the 'Taijutsu' (or Ninjutsu), leads to an interest in the 'Ninpo'.
No-one is made to do anything they don't want to do, and many of our members stay away from the meditation aspects and concentrate solely on beating each-other up, which we are just fine with!
When do you train?
We train on Tuesday nights from 19:30 - 21:30, and on Sundays from 13:00 - 15:00 in the Dojo. And we train on Thursday nights from 19:30 - 21:30 in the Gillett Centre.
Where do you train?
We train in the Dojo which is next to the old Gym. It's located about 200 yards from the Munrow Sports Centre. And in the Gillett Centre on the Selly Oak Campus.
This sounds dangerous. Will I get hurt?
There is always a degree of risk in any martial art, particularly in a combat art such as this. You might get hurt, but you can also get hurt playing Rugby, Hockey, Cricket etc. Most of our injuries tend to be bruises, but we have the odd sprain or strain.. Most injuries come from people messing about. We do our best to minimise the risk and ensure you don't get hurt, but we take out extra insurance all the same.
What do I have to wear to train?
Just come wearing loose fitting clothes such as tracksuit trousers and a t-shirt, which you don't mind getting stretched out of shape. Eventually you might want to purchase a Gi (canvas training 'pyjamas'). Also, leave your jewellery at home.
How much does it cost to train?
You have to join the Athletic Union which costs £10, and then it is £85 for a year's membership to the club. For non-students it is £120 for the full year's training. There are no session by session fees.
I'm not a student at the University. Can I still join?
There is nothing to say that you can't, but we have to give priority to students and training space is limited. You are welcome to come to one of our sessions to observe and discuss joining with us, but due to University regulations it may cost you a lot more if you do decide to join. If you want help finding another dojo we'll be more than happy to help.
I don't want to grade, is that alright?
We place very little emphasis on grades, although anyone who wants to grade is encouraged and supported. We only have three belts: white, green and black if you are male, and white, red and black if you are female. Green/Red belt may be any one of 8 grades and Black may be any one of 15!! This system helps to discourage unhealthy competition between grades and nurture an atmosphere of healthy competition and co-operation in the dojo.
Sounds great. When can I start?
The first session will be the first Tuesday of term. Just turn up and you'll be told all you need to know. Alternatively, come along to the fresher's fair and find our stall. We'll be happy to answer all your questions and give you a demonstration. If you’ve missed these don’t worry, come down to the dojo when we’re training. It doesn’t matter if you’ve missed the first few weeks, people start all year round.
How do I join?
Either come along and see us and we'll give you all the forms, or go to the Munrow sports Centre reception, say you want to join the Ninpo-Budo club, and go from there.
What do you think of the other martial arts clubs in the University?
There are a number of martial arts that run at the University, and as far we know all of them provide excellent instruction in their field. We would encourage you to go and look at them all before choosing to settle on one. Find out which one is suited to your needs. If you want to do a something sport based look at Judo, Jitsu or Taekwondo. If you want a more traditional art look and the Kung Fu clubs, Muay Thai, or Karate. Try them all, find the one that suits you, and give it a go. As far as we know we are the only club that teaches all areas of combat which include weapons work; punches; pressure point and nerve strikes; kicks; locks; throws; grappling; floor work, and the mental aspects involved with dealing with an attack. So if you want to learn a comprehensive and complete system that can quickly be learned and applied on the streets, we don't think you can ask much more than that.
Which is the best martial art?
We get asked this a lot, and our answer is always the same. That question simply does not make sense. A fight is not won by a martial art, it is won by the person fighting. A good street fighter with no formal training will often beat a skilled martial artist who has spent years perfecting his technique in a dojo. We are all a little biased about the art we study, but that is because we know it and it suits us. Different arts were designed for different purposes, and each art, when applied correctly, can be just as effective as the other. Beware the martial artist who claims the total superiority of his art. This only proves that he does not understand the martial arts, and he should be avoided. The only thing worse than having no instruction at all is having bad instruction from someone who does not understand the techniques he/she is teaching. It gives a false confidence and can be fatal. Always question your teacher. Challenge him/her and push him/her to the limits of their teaching ability. Only then will you know if you have found a genuine teacher. If you are not allowed to do this, this may be a sign that something is not quite right.
Does the art work on the street?
Yes and no. Any martial art that tells you they can teach you self defence in a short period of time is lying to you. For a martial art to be effective it has to be reflex and instinct. Ninjutsu, as with all martial arts takes years of training before it is natural enough to be used outside of the dojo, once it has though it is highly effective. The basics such as how to fall and how to step away from an attack can be learnt quickly and can help in avoiding all kinds of situations. We emphasise survival rather than "winning". Any fight that you walk away from is a win.
Frequently Asked Questions
