A.  Go-Dai Bujutsu is more of a combat philosophy than simply a martial art. Go-Dai is the five element theory of the earth, water, fire, wind and void. Each element has specific characteristics which relate to human (and animal) behavior. Bujutsu is combat sciences of the samurai. We learn and practice combat self-defense techniques based on each of the five elements, including unarmed techniques of Aikijutsu and the sword methods of Kendo & Iaido along with various other weapons. We also practice relaxation and meditation techniques which allow us control the balance of our relationship to the elements and the attitudes that they stimulate within us.

FAQ's

A.  Any age is good to start martial arts training. In fact, the earlier the better. However, it is my personal and professional opinion that in most cases, it would be a waste of time and money to enroll a child under the age of 5 years. Before five, the best thing you can do is personally set aside a few hours each week and practice basic balance, coordination and cardio vascular exercises. There are some schools that specialize in children under 5, but I don't personally know of any within 300 miles of El Paso, so be very skeptical, and evaluate the class very carefully. Be honest with yourself. If you only want an hour of daycare, hire an experienced baby-sitter, the children will be safer and benefit more.

    It is never too late to start a martial arts program. Do not let your age hold you back. I have taught beginning students as old as 70 and I know of teachers with beginning students much older. I currently have beginning students (male and female) from ages 6 to over 40, and I welcome all ages over 5 1/2. Be prepared to take your training seriously, be honest with yourself and push yourself but don't push beyond your physical limitations. Always get your doctors approval before beginning an exercise program and inform your teacher of any and all physical, psychological or emotional limitations, difficulties, impairments or conditions you might have.

FAQ's

A.  As with any activity, progress depends on the aptitude and dedication of the student and the curriculum of the school. At Scorpion Dojo, the average student, training 2 - 3 times per week might achieve black belt in 4 or 5 years. Don't be fooled by the school offering a two year black belt. Two year systems are generally exercise programs or entertainment / light competition oriented and have little practical self-defense value. If all you want is fifty new friends and a good work out, join a two year program. If you want a good physical and spiritual and intellectual workout, choose carefully. Think about this... how much did you learn in the first two years of high school... did that prepare you for life?

    In the long run, don't concern yourself with getting a belt. Be concerned with how much you will learn by the time you earn the belt. A Black Belts are easy, a good one costs about $6.95, a knowledgeable one is priceless.

FAQ's

A.  In the United States and most other places, rank and teaching ability have little relationship. Don't be fooled by the high rank (or Oriental last name or appearance) of a teacher or studio owner. It is far more important to judge the teaching ability without initial knowledge of rank. Ask the students and their parents or spouses for their opinion of the teacher's abilities. Unless you are very knowledgeable of the martial arts, a rank or title might deceive you. Rank requirements between systems very greatly. Some systems have 5 dan levels (dan is a black belt degree), many systems have 10 dan levels and some have 15. Find out how many years experience the teacher has, often this is more relevant than rank. If you still feel that rank is an important issue, please see our instructor biographies page.

FAQ's

A.  In combat martial arts, you will learn many techniques that are potentially crippling or fatal. A good instructor will only teach these techniques to those who are emotionally capable of handling the responsibility of such knowledge. It is more important that we learn the nature of such techniques so as to recognize them when defending against such aggression. A full range of techniques from preventive & evasive to life taking are necessary so that you will have the ability to ultimately preserve life in any situation you face.

FAQ's

A.  As with most of the frequent questions, this one merits an entire book. In short, physical, spiritual and intellectual fitness practiced in a good martial art develops good health and self discipline. Functional self-defense gives one self-confidence and allows you the self supporting attitude (and ability to back it up) necessary to become a good leader or supportive self-thinking team member.

FAQ's

A.  Most of the unarmed techniques we practice are combat oriented and not suitable for the confines of the rule of competition. We do have the ability to compete and the children often do. We also offer Kendo (Japanese fencing) which involves frequent competition which can be very exciting and educational. Scorpion Dojo does not insist on students competing. If you wish to be a tournament competitor, we will support you and offer special instruction in that area. Our primary focus is on realistic self-defense, spiritual refinement and self-improvement.

FAQ's

A.  The primary difference is that we train for self-defense and personal/spiritual refinement. Teachers and students at Scorpion Dojo take our training seriously, whether as a hobby or a career. It is an important part of the process of self-improvement rather than a way to make a "quick buck."

FAQ's

A.  These three martial arts are all very different. They each have many similarities, but they are based on different philosophies and designed for different purposes. Aikido was developed from Aikijutsu and has very heavy influence from other arts as well. Aikido is designed to help you develop internal and external harmony and therefore defend yourself through very peaceful means. Aikijutsu is very combative, harmonizing with the force of an attack or attacker to add intensity to your counter attack. Hapkido is a Korean art that uses many of the same type of joint locks and throws, but also focuses on a wide range of kicking techniques. In reality, Hapkido is very different. With the media attention of Aikido through Steven Segal, a sort of "Aikido Boom" has occurred and many schools would like to cash in on this and tell you that Hapkido is the same thing... It's Not!  A Hapkido master would probably tell you it is not. The bottom line is: find a martial art that will stimulate, entertain and protect you. Make sure the art you pick is right for you and your needs and not just a "saw it in a movie fantasy."

FAQ's

A.  No, this not a religion. The meditation and relaxation exercises we use are meant to help one maintain a union between your body, your spirit and your mind. If you wish to use these techniques to assist you with prayer, that is up to you. Scorpion Dojo recommends that you maintain an active relationship with whatever church that you belong to. The philosophy we embrace is one of simplicity and goodness complementing the majority of popular eastern and western religions.

FAQ's

A.  Price varies according to your needs and the program you choose. I can assure you that the benefits you receive will far outweigh the fee that you provide. Once you have enrolled, you will find that the challenge of the course will be the biggest price as well as the biggest reward. If you mention that you saw our web site, you are welcome to a free trial before deciding on a program. If you need specific program pricing, please call us at 915-849-1363 or by em@il at ScorpionDojo@SaintSilver.com.

FAQ's

A.  Often times one can learn a series of techniques much more quickly when taught in a private or semi private setting. Private classes also have drawbacks, most notably, cost. In private lessons students can never learn the full range of a technique because you only train with an opponent of fixed size, strength and mind set. At Scorpion Dojo, private instruction is available, but is recommended only as a complement to group classes. Group classes allow students to use techniques and variations on many different body types, thus expanding your understanding and skill.

FAQ's

A.  There is a great deal to learn from books, videos, the internet and interactive CD-ROM's. I recommend using as many of these as you can to enhance your supervised training. You need an experienced teacher to make corrections to the fine details that can not be seen in videos & books. A near suitable alternative would be to video tape yourself and submit it for comments and critical analysis. Sometimes this will work, but you should get direct instruction whenever available, even if you have to travel periodically to find it.

FAQ's

A.  Scorpion Dojo has a continuing mission to improve not only the community, but the entire world by spreading the philosophy of Go-Dai Bujutsu and the martial arts. We firmly believe that by teaching others to teach (by example) discipline, respect and honor, the world will become a better place. We are also a sponsor studio for the Project Action Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to placing "at risk" and under privileged kids into positive peer groups in an effort to curb juvenile crime. We actively raise funds for and accept students under there program. If you would like to help in our efforts, see our "Action Page".

FAQ's

A.  Scorpion Dojo would like to provide everyone with an opportunity to learn martial arts, but training with the city's finest instructors can be expensive. To help your budget, we have created programs to accommodate every budget. We offer family and work study discounts, as well as a scholarship program. Work study and scholarship availability is very limited and applications are only provided after an interview and normally require a letter of recommendation. For more information or an appointment, please call 915-849-1363 or em@il us at ScorpionDojo@SaintSilver.com.

FAQ's

FAQ's