Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interesting in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and grappling, does your school do that?

Yes and no. Grappling is an integral part of Niseido® Ju Jitsu, however we ARE NOT an MMA school. Let’s face it….concrete hurts and there are very few cages on the street to use the tactics taught in MMA. Niseido® Ju Jitsu is primarily a self defense system that teaches you how to protect yourself and your family in real-world situations. This involves knowing what to do if you have to “go to the ground” but we are not a grappling-oriented art. There are several good MMA schools in the Louisville area, and we happily encourage you to seek those schools out if your primary interest is cage fighting. We enjoy MMA and respect its practitioners….it’s just not what we do.

I’m looking for an art for my son/daughter, do you teach kids?

Sorry. At this time, the Louisville Niseido® Ju Jitsu club only accepts students 16 years old and above. Special provisions and waivers can be made for children 15 years old, but the criteria is strict. If you think your child has the special qualities that it takes to study Niseido®, please contact the instructor here.

What do you mean by “traditional” jujitsu?

Niseido® Ju Jitsu is an organized martial system. In other words, we teach a curriculum that is rank specific. Our students do not just come in and “work out” or train haphazardly. Niseido® is organized so that specific techniques are taught at each rank which serve as the foundations of more advanced techniques learned as you move up in skill and rank.

Does that mean Niseido® is a Koryu system?

No. By lose definition, Koryu refers to classic arts of Japan. Niseido® is 20 th Century art with an emphasis on modern self-defense. Rather than the sword, bo staff, etc., we train to defend against weapons such as pistols, knives, sticks, baseball bats, etc. (weapons you are likely to encounter in today’s society).

Can I work out in shorts and a T-shirt like I see on TV?

As previously mentioned, Niseido® Ju Jitsu is a traditional martial system. As such, students are required to wear traditional Judo Gi’s (uniforms). Gis must be white and free from any patches or insignia (other than manufacturer’s labels). New students can wear comfortable clothing while awaiting a gi to be delivered and prospective students can wear comfortable clothing during their trial period, but gis are required for long-term study.

I used to train in Judo (or Brazilian Jiujitsu) and have a blue gi, can I wear that?

Sorry. While it is common practice in judo/Brazillian jiujitsu to wear blue gis, colored uniforms are reserved for only the highest ranking instructors within the Niseido® Ju Jitsu system. Fifth-degree black belts are allowed to wear black gis if they so choose, but only Professors (sixth-degree and above) are allowed to wear blue gis.

Do I have to learn a bunch of funky names of techniques?

Yes. You do not need to know how to read Japanese, or be fluent in the language, but like other traditional martial arts (Judo, Karate, Aikido, Tae Kwon Do) almost every technique you learn has a traditional Japanese name that students are required to know and remember. This keeps with the traditional values we adhere to in Niseido® Ju Jitsu. Trust us, it’s really no big deal.

I hold (insert rank here) in (insert name of martial art here), will Niseido® recognize my rank?

More than likely your previous training will give you an advantage as you begin your journey through Niseido®. However, it is federation policy not to “trade” ranks with other arts. You will probably find subtle, but important differences in the way Niseido® techniques are applied than from your previous art and we ask that you enter our dojos with a beginner’s mind. This starts by donning the white belt as a sign of "MAKOTO" Sincerity: Honesty, Genuineness, Truth of heart, Mind and Spirit."

* Students who have achieved the rank of Black Belt in a legitimate, recognized martial art may be allowed to wear their black belts at some federation gatherings. Your instructor will fill you in on those details when the time comes.

Do you give self defense lessons?

Yes. On occasion members of the Lousiville Ju Jitsu club will conduct a one-day basic self defense seminar depending on the audience or group. It is important to note however, that these courses are NOT designed to make you an expert, nor are they designed to take the place of regular, good old fashion hard work and dedication. That said, you can pick up a great deal of knowledge in one day that could potentially save your life. We are happy to discuss this with you further. Please e-mail the instructor here.

How long does it take to make Black Belt in Niseido®
Ju Jitsu?

“For some, it may take a lifetime. For one who would ask, NEVER!”

This is our standard answer to that question. By way of explaniation, if you are primarily interested in achieving a particular rank, you should probably seek instruction elsewhere…we are NOT a belt factory. We are looking for students who seek knowledge, not rank.

I don’t necessarily want to learn a system or art, I just want to learn how to fight !!!!

That’s very simple. Find the nearest police officer and turn yourself in….you’re probably headed for jail anyway.