STARTING A STUDIO/GROUP/PROGRAM
Should you be resolute that operating a studio, group or program is a responsibility in which you would like to partake; then you are ready for leadership. Operating a dojo is a serious responsibility, nonetheless a rewarding one. People will entrust you with their heart to lead them and uplift them correctly. Should your ego get in the way of your intent, we must remind you that the martial arts spirit will not forgive you and lead you to definite failure. Should you be ready to embark on this journey, we and the universe shall conspire to assist you on your upcoming success.
The first step would be to seek permission from the AJWBA. If the Master is not your direct teacher, then you must ask your direct teacher, if applicable, who is already a member or might be interested in joining. If you can start a branch dojo; then your teacher must seek permission from the AJWBA.
A student member above 5th Kyu (2 years training) may be given permission to open a Group or Program, in which case the student will become a group leader. Black belt level student members may be given permission to open a Dojo, in which case the student member will become a Dojo-Cho. A group leader will automatically become Dojo-Cho, once tested and certified for Shodan.
Should the AJWBA grant you permission to open a dojo/group/program; then you will be required to sign the dojo/group/program contract and make the corresponding donations, including renewal or upgrade, immediately. You will be given a “Registration Certificate”, indicating that you have license (permission) to teach. The “Registration Certificate” will be issued annually (without which you cannot teach). You may ask, or assume a name of your choosing, for legal operation.
Nevertheless, all advertising for this dojo/group/program, including websites, demonstrations, posters, handouts etc. must always have the AJWBA name brand along with your chosen name. All of the official forms for opening and running a dojo, such as Ninpo Taijutsu Promotion forms, Samurai Jujutsu Promotion Forms, Karate, Black Belt Agreement Forms, Membership Applications, Syllabus Forms, etc., can be downloaded from the AJWBA.ORG web site. Application forms are also included at the end of this document.
It is advised that each representative sign a waiver agreement and medical disclosure with each of their student. Should you be a direct instructor under the alliance, then all donations and communication should be sent directly to the AJWBA Hombu. However, if you run a group or program, then your donations and communications should be sent to the AJWBA Hombu via your representative of liaison.
Remember that there are costs associated with operating an organization as well as obtaining a charter for your school; and your contribution is allocated to such an end, and to offer you better educational tools.
SPECIAL DOJO-CHO & INSTRUCTORS COURSE
The aim of the representative / Instructor course is to ensure the growth and consistency of each studio. Assisting other instructors to supplement their own system, and ensuring the correct handing down of our classical and pure techniques, is also addressed. The masters have selected a range of techniques essential to the viability of our organization. The completion of said course does not give a person any rank in any of these areas of study nor does it permit for a teaching license. You must be licensed.
There are three levels of Special Representative / Instructor course, and participation is dependent on rank:
Level 1: Consideration into the Level 1 seminar requires that the member be a Dojo-Cho/Instructor at or above Shodan (1st degree Black Belt). Martial arts history, the anatomy of our teaching methodology and the anatomy of self-defense are the bulk of this seminar.
Level 2: Consideration into the Level 2 seminar requires that the member be a Dojo-Cho/Instructor Black Belt, who has successfully completed the Level 1 course. Continuity of the legacy of pure techniques, and the psychology of martial arts business, are the topics of interest in this seminar.
Level 3: Consideration into the Level 2 seminar requires that the member be a Dojo-Cho/Instructor Black Belt, who has successfully completed the Level 2 course. Not a personal agenda, but a business agenda; and the spirituality training needed to create a well-balanced and thriving business.
Upon successful completion of each level, that person can teach the learned material to their students, engage in public demonstrations or hold seminars for their students; however permission must be obtained beforehand.
Successfully completing any level, attendance, training and passing the test are required at each seminar held by the headquarters of AJWBA. For example, the examination for Level 1 will include a written test of 100 questions and a physical test of 50 techniques. To pass the test, members must get at least 85% in both sections.
Other seminars that are level oriented will be conducted in the near future:
Teaching Curriculum: Kuki Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu Samurai Ju-taijutsu (Jujutsu), Shodoshima Ryu Karate, Goshinjutsu, Bo-Jutsu, Hanbo-Jutsu, Yarijutsu, Bikenjutsu, Shaken-Jutsu Naginata-Jutsu, Jutte-Jutsu, Tonfa-Jutsu, KamaJutsuu, Sai-Jutsu, General healing, Sotai healing, CPR-Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Kyusho Kuden (pressure points), Kuji Kiri, Spirit World and You, etc. It is important for the teacher to test for each level prior to his student; however exceptions can be arranged with both the permission of the teacher and AJWBA.
TRAINING AT THE HOMBU DOJO
Representatives, Instructors and or any member of the AJWBA wishing to train at the Hombu Dojo, at any time, it is advisable to contact the headquarters in advanced and reserve training time. The AJWBA will prepare accommodations for both living expenses and training expenses.
Should a student member wish to come to the Hombu Dojo, without their instructor accompanying them, they are still required to obtain permission from their direct teacher; and their direct teacher must then contact the Director for permission. A full disclosure of the student itinerary must be agreed upon before arrival to the Hombu facility.
It is most important to always remember that a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure/booked a training session. You are responsible to comply with set schedule, even if cancellation is made with less than a 48 hour notice.
CONTACTING THE HONBU DOJO
Any member is authorized to contact the Honbu Dojo by electronic mail, postal mail, telephone, or fax. It is always good to hear from our people.