The Kuro Washi Bujinkan Dojo, located at the Mockingbird Hills Community Center in Omaha, Nebraska, is committed to teaching the traditional samurai and ninja martial arts of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, as taught by Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. Our school offers excellent training in real life self-defense through the ancient training methods of Japanese martial arts, and regularly host local seminars and training trips abroad, including Japan. We have group and women's self-defense classes, as well as private instruction that is also available by request. We invite you to read our "Frequently Asked Questions" list below, and check our 'events link' for upcoming seminars. Our classes are conducted exactly how they are done in Japan. Because of our summer schedule, we train outdoors as weather allows, so call or email, before you visit us, in case we are having special training at a different location. Frequently Asked Questions: Q: What is Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu? A: Budo Taijutsu/Ninjutsu is a Japanese martial art that incorporates strikes, punches, kicks, throws, locks, tumbling, weaponry, stealth, and an unlimited universe of henka (variations). This system is much older that Judo, Karate, or TaeKwonDo, and retains it's warrior heritage of personal combat survival. This 1000 year old tradition is ideal for personal self-defense, since it relies on distance, interval, using angles, and natural movement, not speed or strength. Q: I'm a little worried that I might not be able to handle the classes, or won't fit in with the group. What should I expect? A: For the first part, you do what you can. You don't have to be under thirty to be able to learn Budo Taijutsu. To get the most out of the art, being fit enough to squat down and roll slowly is a helpful minimum starting point. If you need to stop and rest, do so. Classes usually start with a very brief bowing in ceremony, and then the instruction starts. Techniques may be strikes, kicks, joint locks, staff or sword work, or just about anything else encompassed in our art. About the time you are feeling overwhelmed, it's time for a quick bowing out ceremony, and you've survived another class. Pretty soon, the techniques and principles start to make sense. Q: Is it a good style for women? A: Women actually have some advantages in Taijutsu because of a lower center of gravity. Also upper body strength is not a large factor in performing Taijutsu techniques. The classes are fairly informal and most taijutsu practice is done with a partner, so you are always working with opponents of different body sizes, shapes, and kinds of movement. The defense skills you'll develop are fast, effective, and realistic. Q: I saw a couple of Ninja movies... A: (Groan...) Although you can find some truth in many forms of media entertainment, most "Ninja movies" are just that...entertainment. Please feel free to ask the instructor any questions you might have about our history and traditions. Q: Can I watch a class and if I like it, how much are classes? A: Absolutely! You are always more than welcomed to watch or join a class to see if you like it. Simply bring comfortable clothing with you and an open mind. Classes are $10 per class, or $60 per month. You can go to as many classes as you'd like and there are no monthly or yearly contracts. If you are travelling from out of town and want to stop buy and train with us, make sure to let us knw beforehand so that we assist you with housing arrangements. We do our best to keep prices competitive and reasonable for martial arts classes in the Omaha/Lincoln metro area. Other costs include uniforms, equipment, membership in the Bujinkan organization, and rank fees. Seminars are available from time to time, as are opportunities to travel to Japan to study. Simply email or call the instructor for any details regarding pricing or training.