|
Testimonials:
These testimonials have been given to the dojo. In each of these cases, the student hopes that more people will find their way to the Genbukan because it has made such a positive difference in their own lives.
~ "I have been training with my son for three years now in a local Karate school. I finally started looking around for something with more actual day to day street level self-defence as we spent so much of the time doing katas over and over, and playing games.
At first, I thought it was fun and my son was enjoying himself. But the fact is that I didn't sign us up to play games. I wanted for us both to learn how to defend ourselves. I want to know he is going to be ok when he gets a little older and starts running into the schoolyard bullies of high school and then when he gets to the age of going to the bars!
So I took the time to look on the Internet for a school that offered real self-defence technniques and I found the Daigo Dojo. I cannot tell you how happy I am with the change. Both my son and I are learning so many things. The focus of the school is on the training, not on the socializing. I have already learned how to handle someone who is trying to grapple with me to the ground and how to restrain a person until someone can call the police to help. I really believe we are finally learning how to actually defend ourselves and I thank Sensei Alan for his teaching.
I hope more parents read this and make the switch! I can tell you first hand that it is worth it."
~SG. 46. Parent
~ "I am very grateful that I've found the Genbukan Daigo Dojo. Finding a quality dojo and instructor was paramount in my search. I did not want to be taught by someone who had a chip on their shoulder nor did I want to get I involved in the dojos that focus on competition and money. My primary goal was to find a dojo that would allow me to focus on my own personal growth. It was also critical that the dojo have students who are supportive of each other's growth and not be another place for the "boys to show off".
Female participation in something like this is unfortunately not very prevalent. Even though I am one of the few females in the dojo, the guys are incredible at making me feel welcome. The only thing they and Sensei ask for is a genuine heart and a desire to learn and grow. Athleticism is definitely not a prerequisite to learning this art form. My improved fitness levels, improved self confidence and feeling of gaining another family has been more than worth the fees that are asked for."
~ FS. 33. Civilian employee with Calgary Police Service
~ "I have been training in the Martial Arts for nearly 10 years off and on. I had the privilege of finding the Genbukan after searching at great lengths for an effective system of self-defense. I have been a Police Officer for over 8 years. My job requires me to be able to defend myself, and those who fall under my protection. Ninpo has given me the skills to do my job better and with more confidence. I have had the opportunity over the years to assist in the instruction of officer safety for many within my department. I could not have done this with confidence, without the Genbukan.
We are instructed in all aspects of fighting from strikes, joint locks, grappling, and various traditional Samurai and Ninja weapons. The Genbukan gives you an environment that pushes you to your limits. This develops the body and the spirit of a person. The Genbukan has taught me about traditional Japanese martial arts, but my job has shown me that these ancient arts are still applicable today.
In the world today, there are many individuals who see the Mixed Martial Arts as the only way to train for modern fighting. I am not a paid fighter like those who do the mixed martial arts for a living, but I must be prepared to deal with these types of people.
As a student in the Genbukan, I have learned that there is more to being a true Martial Artist than fighting. I see people everyday at their best and worst. I am not the biggest guy, the strongest guy, or the most athletic. I needed to find some way to be more effective in my job, as it is part of my job to be the one who people look to for help when the chips are down. I am able to be at my best physically and mentally due to the training I have received for my job, but mostly for the training that I have sought out in the Genbukan.
If you are in search of a caring and experienced teacher, come and see us. We would love to have anyone who is of good character and willing to train hard."
~ WB. 37. Constable. Calgary Police Service.
~ "I joined the dojo about a year ago. Since joining I have lost 15 lbs, am in much better physical shape and have gained knowledge and skills that will help me to protect myself in harmful situations. I look forward to every class; not just to learn the techniques required, but also for the camaraderie of the other students as we work together toward a common goal. My age (52) is not a limitation at all as the techniques we learn are not so much strength related as they are skill related. You would be amazed at how easy it is to disable ANY attacker once you have had the proper training. This martial art is not a sport; it is real life no-holds-barred training that will build confidence and skills that will benefit you for your entire life."
~ GB. 52. Businessman.
~ "The Genbukan has shown me that I have the courage and heart to pursue that which I believe in, to never give up for what I know is right and to stand up when everyone else is sitting down. The Genbukan has shown me that I must take control of my life for it is mine to control and never to turn my back on those who trust in me as I must trust in them. I now know where I stand as a person every time I look in the mirror, do you know where you stand ?
If your the kind of person who wants to push themselves to their limits to see if they can still stand at the end of the day come join others who want to do the same.
When you've pushed your mind and body to the point of physical exhaustion and don't feel as though you can stand - come meet those who will stand by your side, we are the Genbukan."
~ KB. 26. Chemical Engineering Tech.
~ "I am 15 years old and am a member of the Genbukan Ninpo Federation as well as the Genbukan Daigo Dojo headed by Sensei Alan. I joined the Genbukan when I was around 13 to 14 years old. Ever since then, I have learned a lot about what a TRUE Ninja really is, what Ninpo teaches besides self defense and a lot about my self as well. I have practiced discipline, kind heartedness, and spirit and it has accelerated my training exponentially, at least I think so.
On the self defense side of things, I have learned that a lot of the basic techniques of Ninpo are just thinking in common sense; get out of the way first, hands up, have spirit... those kinds of things, which, when you think about it, are basically the fundamentals to any type of Martial Art, the more advanced stuff comes later but first, like everything else, you must learn the basics.
As Sensei always says, Real Ninpo isn't like in the movies, it's not flips through the air and using Giant swords that only an elephant could carry, it is just learning how to defend yourself from others using every possible way we can. Real Ninpo is a way of life, a way of survival, and a way to turn the other way when violence is unnecessary. Now, this is only what I have learned in a couple years, I can only imagine what I will learn in the future."
~ LG. 15. Student.
~ "I’ve been with the Genbukan Daigo Dojo for about two and a half years now and have thoroughly enjoyed all of the training. I’ve been involved with many different styles of martial arts over the years and can say without a doubt that the Ninpo and Jujutsu techniques taught by Sensei Alan are second to none. The quality of training is much more important than belt levels that one receives and we’re constantly pushed to be better. Classes are often mixed with current syllabus training but often we’re working on additional advanced techniques that allow us to grow and see what the real potential of advanced Genbukan training can offer."
~ KA. 39. Network Engineer.
~ "Training at the Genbukan Daigo Dojo is a great experience and upon entering, you are immediately surrounded by great people. The Genbukan has given me a life long goal to strive to be a better person physically, mentally and spiritually. My only regret is not joining sooner than I did!"
~ CS. 27. Designer - Power Systems.
~ "Since I was very young I have been interested in martial arts but I never had the chance to train in any while I was young. The interest never faded as I got older and one day I decided that I wasn't going to deprive myself of my curiosity and fascination and I began to look for a place to train. I am no stranger to the many different types of martial arts and I knew that I wanted something traditional and true to the art form, rather than just a place where people slug each other. The Genbukan is everything I was looking for and more. Each class I attend I learn so much more than I had ever hoped and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have found something so fulfilling and challenging. In the Genbukan there are so many opportunities available and there is always something new to learn. I am thankful to have found a place where the teachers have the right mind and right attitude to be teachers. I have a deep, ever growing respect for my Sensei and all of the Genbukan students and leaders who have taught me so much. Being a student of such a wonderful school has made my life better in more ways than I thought."
~ MF. 23. Student.
~ "My son also was diagnosed Pervasive Development Disorder not otherwise specified (PDD NOS). He has Autistic as well as Asperger behaviour traits. In school he was bullied. He gave up reporting anything to the school teachers because he felt no one could help him. In October 2008, I enrolled him in the Genbukan Daigo Dojo Youth Program.
The first class he ran out part way through the class. At this time in his life he would not look at any strangers in the eye. It was very difficult for him to deal with the class at first. After a while it became part of his routine. I make sure that he does not miss any classes (other than summer vacation)
At his last visit to the his psychiatrist, the psychiatrist was quite happy with how my son has progressed. He initiates conversation and looks people in the eye. I credit a lot of these changes and successes to the Genbukan classes. He has not been bullied this year.
Genbukan Ninpo and Jujutsu training gives my son fitness, an outlet for stress, and interaction with others. He has progressed remarkably well since his first class.
As for myself, I started training at the Genbukan Daigo Dojo in Dec 2008. My blood pressure was erratic (at times very high). I was under a lot of stress due to many things in my private and public life.
Before finding the Genbukan, I would work out at the Gym to exhaust myself so that I could sleep. I practiced Tai Chi too, but as we were asked more and more to consciously relax I found that my mind wandered and I could no longer relax.
Genbukan training gives me 6 hours a week where I forget all my troubles and shut off the noises in my mind. I feel that when I am under the most stress, I need an outlet. I need the "mind break". I really miss class when I am sick or when the dojo is closed for holidays."
~DK. 51. Electrical Engineer.
~ "Through all of my travels, life experiences, and other martial arts I have studied, nothing has quite compared to what the Genbukan has shown me and helped me to feel. My awareness is constantly growing, allowing me to see things with new light and different perspective. I approach difficult situations with more ease, because of this deep knowingness and strength I am discovering in myself through proper instruction.
As I develop a better understanding of how to move and react properly, my understanding of all other things increases as well; the pathways that we allow to open affect all other levels within us. I always look forward to attending class or dojo related activities because of the comradery that I have earned with the other students and Sensei, and also because there is always something new to learn and practice. I recommend joining the Genbukan to anyone who wants to learn 'true' martial arts, and who want to create an amazing life experience for themselves. "
~RO. 29. Journeyman Mechanic
