Welcome to our frequently asked questions!

Here, we will try to answer all of your questions about who we are, what we teach, our qualifications, what ages we teach, our philosophies etc. If you cannot find an answer to your questions here, feel free to email us at kzdojo@gmail.com

Q. What ages do you offer classes and what will they learn?
A. Currently the Kazoku Dojo offers 2 levels of Little Ninja Classes. The first being 4 to 6 Year olds, the second being 7 to 9 Year olds. We also offer a Pre-teen and Teen class for 10 to 15 Year olds (This is the definitive separation between little children's classes) where they actually learn how to fight. We offer Adult classes from ages 16 and up. Please read on for questions pertaining to what we teach the kids and our philosophies regarding training.

Q. Will you be teaching my Little Ninja how to fight?
A. Great question. The short answer is no. We believe it's extremely easy to teach even children how to hurt someone. The trick is teaching them the "when and why." In our Little Ninja classes (4-6 and 7-9), fighting skills are minimally taught. Instead, we choose to focus on Situational Awareness, team building, discipline, decision making skills, balance, falling and rolling safely and the proper use of their bodies. However, we do bump up the fighting skills AND discipline in the 7-9 Year Old Little Ninjas. Any school that teaches small children how to fight is reckless in our eyes, though we do amp things up a little with basics in the 7-9 year class as mentioned earlier. Many of the skills learned by our Little Ninjas are done in the form of competition and and games. We may practice some punching and kicking just to make them feel like they are getting some of that, but by and large we don't teach any REAL fighting skill until the 10-15 age class where they learn exactly what the adults learn, but about half of the curriculum. Even when a child turns 9, it's up to Sensei and their parents to determine whether they are mature enough for the 10-15 class.

Q. What style of Martial Arts do you teach?
A. Officially we teach an ancient Japanese Combat Martial Art called Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. It is basically 1,000 years of battlefield-tested Samurai warfare. It's a well-rounded Martial Art that incorporates striking, kicking, chokes, throws, bone manipulation, ground fighting and of course all weapons from knives and sticks to the fabled Japanese sword. In fact, we incorporate a couple of disciplines into our programs. Our senior instructor holds a 6th Degree Black Belt in Bujinkan and a 3rd Degree in Shorinryu Karate. He has incorporated some of everything into our curriculum based on nearly 40 years of training. It's important to understand that no age level participates in tournaments.

Q. Can my child "try out" a class to see if they like it?
A. YES! Everyone can try a class!

Q. What will my 10-15 year old learn in class?
A. This class is the definitive separation between children playing games and children learning how to fight for their lives if necessary. In this class, the teaching is amped up ten fold. They will learn the exact same curriculum as our adults, but about half of it. They will learn what to do if someone sticks a gun in their face or if someone pulls a knife on them. They'll learn how to use everyday objects as weapons including a broomstick or even a power cord from a computer in a classroom. They'll learn how to control their opponents through skeletal and pain compliance, the proper use of distance, angles and timing, strategic and precise striking and kicking as well as the psychological side of fighting. They'll learn to do all of this through good decision making, a last resort mentality and a desire to keep themselves safe from bullies and those who would do others harm. This program works flawlessly and can be demonstrated on demand. We HIGHLY recommend checking references with our other parents who have kids in our program.

Q. What do we do if we're sick?

A. In this "post-covid" world, it really is quite literally a question for the ages. We have a simple answer: as it has been throughout time, even before covid, if you have symptoms, STAY HOME. If you don't have symptoms, live your lives as usual. As a general rule of thumb, if you can go to work, you or your Little Ninja can train. We believe in our body's immune system. We try to eat, drink and sleep properly as well as get that natural sunlight our body needs to keep our immune system strong. Stress has been shown as a major cause of health issues as well. This applies to most viruses such as the Flu and the Common Cold.

Q. What is the difference between SPORT Martial Arts and COMBAT Martial Arts?
A. Excellent question and a common one. SPORT Martial Arts are riddled with rules due to the nature of competing against other practitioners while considering the safety of the competitors. COMBAT Martial Arts have no rules, hence the reason why there usually aren't tournaments involved. We firmly believe in the age-old mantra that if you train like you fight, you'll fight like you train. In other words, we are creatures of habit. If you train in "rules' day after day, year after year, there's a good possibility that you will introduce those rules into your "street" altercation. That's not necessarily a good thing. This is not a slight on other Martial Arts. We're saying there are advantages to Combat Arts such as training against multiple attackers, training on multiple terrains, learning how to deal with a weapon if introduced etc. Think about it: in a tournament, there is always a referee watching your back, nobody is going to pull out a knife or a gun, your opponents buddies aren't going to jump in etc. Again, any Martial Art can be used for self defense, however, we feel COMBAT Martial Arts are best suited for today's modern theater of urban warfare.

Q. Am I allowed to take pictures and video of my Little Ninja (or any other class) during class?

A. Of course, BUT, we ask that if you are going post them to social media you get them approved by Sensei. We do this so there is context to what you are posting. After approval, we ask that you TAG @The Kazoku Dojo on Facebook etc. Be sure to like and share the dojo page as well.

Q. Why do we have to take our shoes off in the training hall and why does my Little Ninja have to wear socks on the mats?
A. Great question! We are a Japanese Martial Art that practices many of the rituals and etiquette of our Parent Dojo just outside of Tokyo, Japan. It is tradition, for more than a thousand years to remove shoes as to not track in the dirt and mud to your training space. Additionally, we wear Tabi (split toe shoes) on the mats (or socks) because we are descendant of Samurai who did the same. It's also a bit more sanitary.

Q. Is there a discount for multiple family members?
A. Yes! Ask a dojo staff member for details!

Q. Is there a referral program?
A. Yes! For each verified referral, you will receive 10% off of your monthly fees for 2 months.

Q. You say you are "Law Enforcement Endorsed." What does this mean?

A. This means our Dojo's senior instructor has earned the trust of and has trained with many Law Enforcement Agencies in and around Central Ohio. They hold him in high regard as a teacher in good standing, with impeccable character and the ability to teach his community how to stay safe in these turbulent times. Most notably, we carry the endorsements from those LE officials within our own community and surrounding school districts including Canal Winchester Schools, Groveport Schools, Bloom Carroll Schools, Hamilton Township Schools and Pickerington Schools. These written and formal endorsements from over 30 Law Enforcement Officers, including Chiefs of Police are available for anyone to see at the Kazoku Dojo. These endorsements have been cultivated through personal and business relationships of our Senior Instructor that span 3 decades.

Q. What do I do if my child looks to me for help while on the mat?
A. While we understand it happens with our Little Ninjas, it's extremely important
to not "COACH" your child while on the mats. For this very short amount of
time, your Little Ninja belongs to Sensei. Coaching undermines the authority and
credibility of teachers at the Kazoku Dojo. We encourage parents to leave the
training hall if need be. We also encourage you to explain to your child why they
have to listen to Sensei for this short period. He is much like a teacher at their
school. In fact, Sensei means Teacher in Japanese.

Q. What if my child cries during class?
A. It happens. This is very similar to the above question. Sensei has had many
years of dealing with crying students. Most of the time it's out of frustration.
Sometimes Sensei has to encourage through positive reinforcement and sometimes
it takes a foot in their butt. He's pretty good at reading the personalities of
the Little Ninjas. If he needs help, he'll ask.

Q. Why do I have to take my child to the restroom before class?
A. Simple ... so they don't have to leave the mats and miss valuable training time. It's also a discipline thing.

Q. Can I leave while my child is in class?
A. We ask that you not leave the building while your child is here. Just in case
something happens that you are needed.

Q. What do I do if I have to take a phone call during class?
A. We ask that you exit the training hall to answer your phone. Talking can be a
distraction during class so we ask that it's kept to a minimum.

Q. How can I help as a member of the Kazoku Dojo?
A. Kazoku means Family in Japanese. We are very much a family here. There
are many ways to get involved as a Dojo Mom or Dad from helping to keep the
Dojo clean to helping with parades and events to build our family. Ask a current
Dojo Mom or Dad how you can get involved. They'll welcome your help and
Ideas.

Q. Where can I park?
A. We realize it's tricky to park downtown. Usually after 5 it's OK to park behind
the building. Before 5, you risk having your car towed by the not-so-nice Dojo
neighbors. After 5 we say, get in where you fit in.

Q. What do I do if my child gets hurt during class?
A. This is a tricky one. However, it's very similar to other questions here.

Almost 100% of the time, injuries are superficial at best. We do not coddle the
Little Ninjas. Sensei often says, "Rub some dirt on it and let's go." It's important
they don't come running to you for their minor injury. All teachers are well established
with Sports First Aid, CPR and AED (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator).
We have a top notch first aid kit and AED. We think you'll find that your Little
Ninja will be ready to get back at it if not much attention is paid to minor boo
boos.

Q. Is there a discount for the merchandise in the Pro Shop?
A. All students, parents, first responders and Military Personnel get a 10% discount.

Q. Does my child have to get good grades in school?
A. Sensei requires parents to share report cards so they can be honored in
class, or vice versa, lightly reprimanded for bad grades. Sensei has your back in
this area.

Q. Why does my child have to bow in the Dojo?
A. We go back to the Japanese culture and etiquette. It is customary to bow on and off the mats, to
each other and to Sensei as a show of respect. Much like we do a handshake to someone we meet.

Q. How can I help spread the word about the Kazoku Dojo?
A. Tag and Share as much as you can on Social Media! It really is the new way of doing business.
Make sure to LIKE our Facebook page and FOLLOW us on IG.

Q. Can we eat or drink in the Training Hall?
A. Yes and no. Yes, you may have WATER ONLY in the training hall. Anything else is strictly
forbidden. We want to try and keep our carpet and furniture nice.

Q. If I have an issue with the way a teacher handles my child, what do I do?
A. Sensei is very "Old School" when it comes to training. By default, he is firm but fair with the
kids. He's funny and good natured but at the same time expects the Little Ninjas to listen and be
respectful of each other, parents and of course, the teachers. There is a time and a place for
talking with Sensei about it if you have an issue. On the floor and in front of others
is not that place. Sensei is always willing to discuss anything at any time.

Q. I know the Japanese culture is steeped in Eastern religion. Does the Dojo follow
this?
A. While Sensei is a Christian, he does apply some of the principles of Buddhism such as
being kind to others and nature and treating others how you wish to be treated. We never
discuss politics or social issues unless they directly affect our safety in terms of self defense.

Q. Why do I have to use "WHATSAPP" on my phone?
A. Whatsapp is a secure text, video and attachment app that allows large groups like
ours to communicate. It's how we share information about events, schedules and
other important information. It is a necessity for at least one parent, but preferrably
both.