Martial Arts FAQ

Question 1

Which martial art should I study?

Accepted Answer

Find one you love! All the arts at the JamesMartial Arts Academy are easy to start, and great for fitness, confidence and a winning attitude! Choose one that best fits your personality. If you like Samurai movies and want to swing a sword, iaido is your best choice. If you like competition and a great workout, you'll probably prefer judo. Men and women who like to learn effective self-defense in a safe and systematic way usually choose jujutsu. You are welcome to watch a class to help you decide! See our schedule of classes.

Question 2

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Choose a martial art! Sign up and take 2 FREE intro lessons. Then sign up for a membership. You sign up for one year, but you can opt-out within the first 60 days for any reason. For more information on how to get started, contact us today at ask@jamesmartialartsacademy.com. Your life will never be the same!

Question 3

What is a fair monthly dues rate?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what the school offers. Martial arts schools in the US may charge anywhere between $84 - $445 per month, and each school should offer benefits that justify the price. We've compared legitmate martial arts programs around the country, and we found that a fair price for a month of training at the James Martial Arts Academy- taking into account the convenient classes, the expert instruction, the extraordinary facility, and the other benefits - is $159 per month, but for a limited time, you can sign up for $139 per month ($125 for kids).  If you visit another school with a higher dues rate, ask what justifies the price. Check our Visit Us! page for specific information on how to sign up.

Question 4

Where can I learn more about the different martial arts?

Accepted Answer

We recommend the best-selling martial arts book written by our chief instructor, Nicklaus Suino. The book is called BUDO MIND AND BODY, and it is available at our dojo, or you can order it from Amazon. It's a great place to read about how martial arts training can improve your physical and mental health at the same time you learn self-defense.

Question 5

Will I learn to defend myself?

Accepted Answer

YES, if you take our jujutsu or judo classes. However, don't be fooled by people who say that you can be prepared in just a few lessons. Real self-defense takes time to learn - you need awareness and tactics, and you have to get in reasonable shape. The good news is that martial arts training at James Martial Arts Academy will get you there safely and with many benefits in personality and character development. Our students get in great shape and learn to live positive, balanced lives.

Question 6

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Your intro lessons are FREE! For memberships, our dues are very reasonable when you consider the extraordinary credentials of our teaching staff and the quality of our facility. Stop in to watch a class and discuss specific rates for your training. Our long-time members tell us that the confidence, calmness, and success skills they've learned while training is priceless! You can view our current fee schedule on our program page.

Question 7

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Accepted Answer

The answer is...it depends! There are 10 levels of black belt in Japanese martial arts - the first one is called shodan. The minimum required time to get to shodan in 5 years, but most people take 5 - 6 years. It takes consistency, practice, and a commitment to understanding the principles of your martial art. Beware of schools that promise you a black belt in a set period...they are selling you a belt but not necessarily training you to be good at martial arts. It does take time. But on the way, you'll become fitter and more confident, you'll make good friends, and you'll learn a host of skills that will help you succeed in life! See our Instructors Page for a few of our most prominent black belts.

Question 8

How long have the James Martial Arts Academy instructors practiced martial arts?

Accepted Answer

Our chief instructor, Darryl James, started martial arts training over 30 years ago, and has studied with some of the most famous martial arts masters.  Sigung Darryl is a member of the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He holds a first-degree black belt in Kickboxing, 6 degree black belt in Kajukenbo, and 2 degrees in Kosho-Ryu. Also, he has trained and taught Krav Maga.

Question 9

Is there a chance I will get hurt while practicing martial arts?

Accepted Answer

There is a SMALL chance of injury in all martial arts. The most common are small bruises from a hard grab or the kinds of aches and pains you'd get from any good workout. At James Martial Arts Academy, we take steps to keep you as safe as possible. We teach structured classes, warming up first, and starting with less strenuous techniques before going on to the more challenging ones. We emphasize cooperative practice since everybody is trying to learn and improve themselves. We also have one of the best training floors in Michigan, with tatami mats to cushion your falls, under which is a fully sprung floor to help absorb force. While you train, you'll improve your balance, get fit, and become part of a great community of experts!

Question 10

What is Karate?

Accepted Answer

Karate is a martial art that primarily involves punching, kicking, and blocking. The practice consists of kata (forms), Kihon (basic skills), randori (free practice), and Kumite (sparring). It is an excellent martial art for teaching balance, distancing, and timing, and is very useful for self-defense. At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, striking is taught in the jujutsu program. Although karate practitioners specialize in striking, jujitsu practitioners use striking as an adjunct skill to their takedowns and joint locks. For more on Kosho-Ryu and Kajukenbo, see our adul Page. For more information on our Kids Karate program, see our Kids page.

Question 11

What does traditional martial arts mean?

Accepted Answer

It can mean many things, some obvious and some not so obvious. A few of the major aspects of a traditional dojo include a verifiable lineage in a recognized historical style, a respectful atmosphere, reasonable fees, and observance of basic formalities. One reason many people seek out traditional martial arts is that they are more likely to teach dignity and mutual respect. Martial artists who want to become leaders recognize the importance of the quiet confidence that only traditional martial arts training can instill. For more on this topic, visit the James Martial Art Academy Blog.

Question 12

What is Kajukenbo?

Accepted Answer

Kajukenbo) is a hybrid martial art from Hawaii. The name Kajukenbo is a portmanteau of the various arts from which its style is derived: KA for Karate, JU for Judo and Jujutsu, KEN for Kenpo and BO for Boxing (Kajukenbo) Kajukenbo is known as the first MMA.

Question 13

What is Kosho-Ryu?

Accepted Answer

Kosho - Ryu Kenpo now sometimes called Kosho-Shorei Ryu Kenpo is one of the most thorough martial arts systems. Some teach under the name of Kosho-Shorei Ryu Kenpo, which teaches the psychological aspects of the art; others teach Kosho-Ryu Kenpo, which are the physical aspects.

Question 14

What is Jujutsu?

Accepted Answer

Jujutsu (also written jujitsu or jiu-jitsu) is a Japanese martial art that typically focuses on defense against attacks such as strikes, wrist grabs, chokes, bear hugs, and kicks. After avoiding the attack, the jujutsu practitioner applies a joint lock, strike, takedown, or throw. The practice is systematic, starting with simple, safe techniques, and gradually getting more technical and advanced. However you spell it, jujitsu is useful for self-defense, great for cardio, and a terrific vehicle for personal development. At the Japanese Martial Art Center in Ann Arbor, we teach Nihon Jujutsu, a system founded by the late Sato Shizuya, Chief Director of the International Martial Arts Association. For more on Nihon Jujutsu, see our Jujutsu Page or visit the web site of the founder at Nihon Jujutsu.com.