Q: What style do you teach?

A: Our art is Naga Ryu Karate Do. The sword art we teach is Kenjitsu, meaning "sword fighting".

Q: What exactly is Naga Ryu and Kenjitsu?

A: Naga Ryu Karate is a true combat art devoid of all the ineffective techniques found in traditionalist styles. It utilizes Jeet Kune Do concepts to form a no-nonsense, real-world martial art. Jeet Kune Do is a true fighting methodology (not a "style") developed by the great Bruce Lee. It is a very effective, practical approach to combat training. Practitioners learn a wide variety of kicks, punches, and other strikes as well as grappling techniques, throws, blocks, and defense against all attacks. It is a real-world based art stripped of unnecessary fancy and complex techniques which often are ineffective and more of a danger to the practitioner than the opponent. Students of Naga Ryu learn real fighting skills with which to defend themselves. Gone are the acrobatic ridiculousness which many schools are fond of because it "looks cool". We learn to defend ourselves, not dance. In Kenjitsu, students learn the techniques, etiquette, and history of the Samurai sword. The emphasis in this class is on the kenjitsu aspect of kendo (way of the sword)- the combat application. Sword training is open to ALL students, not just Black Belts like in other schools. All classes are grounded and united by the teachings of Bushido, the code of conduct of the ancient Samurai which encompasses honor, duty, respect, justice, and intellectual growth. The Samurai were the knights of feudal Japan, and this was their code of chivalry.

Q: How is a new student integrated into the class? Wouldn't he or she be lost amid the more experienced students?

A: No. All classes work through the basics learned at day one and build upon these with new techniques as the class progresses. The new student benefits from watching and following the more experienced ones. The new student also has the valuable advantage of personalized attention regardless of the class size. Everyone gets quality instruction. You would be surprises at how many schools pack in students who are simply lined up and are left to follow along as best they can.

Q: What are the age limits for your school?

A: The oldest student we will teach depends entirely on the individual. There are practitioners in their nineties all over the world. It all comes down to the individual's personal health and capabilities. Consult with your doctor before entering into any exercise program. As for children, it's pretty much the same. We would love to meet with you and your child regardless of age to discuss training fully before you commit to anything. What we want to avoid is young children thrust into the arts by well meaning parents who end up paying money for something their children aren't getting. We have seen too many schools pack in classes full of children as young as four or five and attempting to teach techniques with quasi-success. Many have cute names like "Karate Cubs", "Little Ninjas" and the like. Why do they do that? Money. Teaching karate to preschoolers is BIG business. Parents love to brag about their little martial artist tykes and instructors love taking the money. The dojo then begins to look something akin to a day-care instead of a martial arts class. While it is true that it's never too early to give your children positive learning experiences in whatever form you choose, it's important to assess the best leaning vehicle for your very young child. We are by no means suggesting that anyone yank his or her child from their little tykes karate program- IF IT IS PROVIDING VISIBLE POSITIVE RESULTS. Also keep in mind that what we teach at the Naga Ryu dojo is not a sport . We are teaching some no-nonsense self defense. If you and I agree to enroll your child in our school, he or she will learn valuable skills not only to defend him or herself, but will be imbued with the power and strength of character to live a successful life.

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