- If an incoming student has previous rank in another system are they allowed to wear their earned rank?
- As the classes are taught in two and three hour blocks, is a student showing discourtesy by arriving late and/or leaving early?
- What are students to call instructors?
- How many years does it take to achieve a first degree black belt?
- Do Southern Pine Institute of Martial Arts students compete in grappling or mixed martial arts tournaments?
- Is the training in Nan Sho Kempo Jujutsu for everyone despite physical size, strength, or gender?
1. If an incoming student has previous rank in another system are they allowed to wear their earned rank?
Typically, when an individual is interested in trying classes before joining, wearing another system’s uniform and earned rank is welcomed. Upon joining Southern Pine Institute of Martial Arts, new students begin with a white or black gi and a white obi (belt). Previous experience will show in the movement level and etiquette displayed. Any previous study in the martial arts is regarded as a step in the path of understanding concepts and philosophy rather than a level of sustained achievement. (top)
2. As the classes are taught in two and three hour blocks, is a student showing discourtesy by arriving late and/or leaving early?
No, students train as their schedules see fit and are not required to participate in the formal class beginning and ending. It is preferred that the student is punctual, yet individual schedules can be difficult to predict. (top)
3. What are students to call instructors?
Gakusei (students) are to refer to instructors as Sensei. Senior students (brown kyu ranks) are referred to as Sempai. (top)
4. How many years does it take to achieve a first degree black belt?
Typically, a first degree rank in Kempo Jujutsu takes three to five years, depending upon frequency of training. Seho-Ha Iaido does not have black belt ranks, rather 3 distinct levels of understanding and ability subjective to a student’s grasp of this ancient martial art. (top)
5. Do Southern Pine Institute of Martial Arts students compete in grappling or mixed martial arts tournaments?
The physical training and tactical knowledge taught at Southern Pine Institute of Martial Arts are not meant for tournament purposes and are strictly for defense of self or others. (top)
6. Is the training in Nan Sho Kempo Jujutsu for everyone despite physical size, strength, or gender?
The inherent aspects of Kempo Jujutsu relate to all body types. The translation of Kempo (fistic law) relates to open hand, including weapons based movements. The translation of Jujutsu (soft method) refers to the natural laws of physics all biomechanical movement is based upon. Training in Kempo Jujutsu applies to the natural tendency for one body type to move in a particular way over another. Once the student has a basic understanding of natural movement, Nan Sho teaching emphasizes the untapped potential of any given body type as an effective resource for self defense. (top)