There is really no need to go to Japan if you are a beginner or haven’t trained that long. There is plenty of good instructors around the world that you can learn the basics from. We recommend that the right time to go would be when you are a Black Belt 4′th Dan, with at least 8 years of training. So that you can take the 5′th Dan test (you can only make this test in Japan in front of Hatsumi Soke). After this it is recommended that you come back as often as you can.
If you really want to go, you can, there is no rule that says you must be of a certain level before joining a class in Japan! But you should know that some classes can be difficult to follow, and you might not understand so much. Most of the trainings is meant for the highest level of practitioners in the Bujinkan Dojo.
Before you go
You should read these links very carefully so you don’t make a complete fool of yourself and embarrass your own instructor. There is many people training with Hatsumi Soke and want his attention don’t be that guy that always try to get his attention. Please understand that he and the people helping with the administration are very busy, do what you can do to help things run smoothly when you are there.
- Bujinkan Guidelines
- Rules of the Hombu Dojo Classes
- Rules of training in Ayase Classes
- Other Rules to Follow
- Official Hombu & Ayase Classes *
Schedule
This is the usual time and place for trainings with Hatsumi Soke in Japan. Please don’t rely on this list. The Shihan have asked not to have their schedule published, you can see the schedule in Honbu Dojo when the trainings are. There is normally 2-3 trainings every day in Honbu Dojo, plus in the Shihan’s own Dojo’s.
