Things to Know

People are attracted to the martial arts for various reasons.  With regard to the lesser known arts, many people have unrealistic expectations.  Although this martial art has been handed down from the time of the samurai, it will not transform you in to one.  Neither will it provide mysterious powers or turn practitioners into cinematic super ninja.  There are many articles on the web, with a variety of information and opinions, on what to expect when you join a traditional martial art from Japan.  We encourage you to seek out these articles.  If you wish to visit or observe a class, please send a message to hawaiinaginatafederation@gmail.com.

The Legal Stuff

After the initial observation visit, persons interested in participating in classes will be asked to complete forms with contact information, a certain degree of medical information, and Liability Waivers for the Hawaii Naginata Federation and the location(s) where classes are held (if they require a release).  We have never had a student sustain any major injuries during Naginata training. However, as with any physical activity, participants must understand that there is always the possibility of varying degrees of injury to self and others. Injuries are often the result of inattention or recklessness. Therefore, it is essential that all participants accept their responsibilities to others and for themselves.

During periods of heightened health precautions, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional health assessments will be required.  While the classes have historically been open to all, during those times, restrictions regarding number of persons and visitors will be in effect.

Membership

Members of this group have ranged from age 4 through senior citizens in their 70’s, 80's and beyond.  We do not have a segregated training area or separate adult or child classes.  Families of members who are minors should plan to either make practice a family affair, or have a supervising adult from the family present during classes.  Naginata training involves a lot of physical space, with weapons moving quickly and with substantial force.  Therefore, it is important that the weapons be treated as such, and not as casual implements or toys.   Parents will need to determine whether their child has the maturity to be aware of their surrounding space and recognize potentially dangerous situations.   Knowing that there may be misconceptions regarding training, the expectation is that a person would train for a period of time to determine if this is an art they are willing to pursue.  When a determination has been made that a trainee is committed to pursuing the art, the prospect of membership will be discussed (see Costs below)

Expectations

Naginata is not for everyone.  Training in a martial art that utilizes a blade at the end of a seven-foot pole may be viewed as impractical in the modern world.  Persons seeking immediately practical self-defense training are better served looking somewhere else.

While a vigorous activity, when we train we also attempt to cultivate our awareness and mindfulness through the Naginata art.  Traditional weapons and forms are brought to life and sustained through practice and interaction. 

Interested individuals should expect to train earnestly and still be mindful of the potential for harm with these wooden weapons.  Participants should expect to keep an open mind as they interact with the patterns of the ryu, doing their best to understand and internalize the logic and principles of the forms as they develop the physical vocabulary of the ryu.  

It is also important that individuals fit in and work well with others.

Attendance

Regular attendance is an expectation.   You will get the most out of the art if you train with regularity and sincerity.  The persons instructing the sessions receive no compensation for their time; their knowledge and expertise was purchased through dedicated training, and they do their best to transmit what they have learned.  Knowing that Life throws our expectations challenges, when you know you will not be able to attend a session, it is your responsibility to let a senior member know by sending an email to the address on the home page or calling a senior member if you have a contact number.

Dojo Maintenance

We are fortunate to be able to use various public and private spaces for classes.  Preparation and cleaning of the dojo begins 20-30 minutes before the start of class with the sweeping of the floors and wiping down of surfaces, if required.  Especially during health crises, attention to the sanitization of surfaces is a high priority.

Training Attire

Prospective students should come to train in comfortable clothes that do not restrict movement.  Good judgment should be used in selecting attire that is appropriate-- as with most traditional arts, the preference is for clothes that are modest and conservative.  If you would  like clarification, please ask.  Once a decision has been made regarding membership, information on traditional attire will be  given.

Costs

Once a student has been training for a while, it should become apparent whether this art is something worth pursuing.  If a practitioner decides to continue training, the next consideration would be the prospect of membership in the ryu.

Costs encountered will fall into two categories:  One time, or as needed, and ongoing.  Among the first category are weapons, keikogi, and hakama.   The cost for these items is variable but, once these items are purchased, the only reason to re-purchase would be due to normal wear or the desire to have a spare.  Please note that, as of the post-pandemic period of the 2020's, wooden weapons from Japan have experienced a steep rise in cost.  The demand increase from everyone trying to find something to do during the shutdowns led to the using of wood being saved and cured for future years.  This, combined with the aging craftsman population, has created a critical shortage of Japanese wooden weapons.. 

Among the second category are Operations Costs (Facilities Rental and Insurance Coverage), Membership Dues, and Testing Fees.  Members are expected to contribute toward the expenses associated with operations, which consist primarily of the hall rental and insurance premium.  These amounts are somewhat variable and based on how many official members we have on our roster when the collections occur.  Miura Sensei shared this art voluntarily and directed all funds collected to the benefit of the membership, the Hawai'i dojo hopes to continue this policy.

The only other regularly encountered fees are the annual dues to the Shutokukai, the ryu headquarters in Japan, and testing fees. The annual dues are the equivalent of paying membership dues to the world headquarters of an international organization.  This allows a member to be registered and recognized in Japan as being in good standing with the ryu.  Registration with the ryu opens eligibility to take exams and participate in the annual seminars in Japan.  As with many traditional Japanese arts, there is a registration fee for the exam as well as a licensing fee if the exam is passed-- these fees are sent to Japan and do not stay with the Hawai'i dojo.  

As of the current editing of this web page, the Hawai'i dojo does not collect dues for itself nor charge a fee for instruction.  We are a non-profit organization where no one receives compensation for services and/or duties.  Training in this dojo should be taken as a serious responsibility to the continuation of Miura Sensei's legacy.