FAQ

What is Ninjutsu?
What is Ju-Jitsu?
What sets you apart from other martial arts schools?
How old do you have to be to join?
I've never trained in martial arts before. Am I too old to start?
Do you spar?
I'm interested in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition. Is CNC the right school for me?
Will I get injured?
I'm not very flexible. Is that a problem?
I'm not very strong. How can I overpower someone bigger than me?
Will I have to perform any religious rituals?
How much is it to join?
Do you offer private training?
Am I required to sign any type of contract?
Is there any type of registration or "initiation" fee?
What equipment do I need to start training?
What type of rank do I recieve, and what are the testing fees?
How long does it typically take to achieve a black belt?
What is class like?
Are forty-five minute classes long enough to learn self-defense?
What can I expect in my first class?
Are skill levels separated?
Do men and women train together?
What is your policy on cross-training at other schools?




Q: What is Ninjutsu?
A: Ninjutsu, which can be translated as "the art of stealth, endurance, or perseverence," is a Japanese martial art that traces back several hundred years into Japan's turbulent history. Predating Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Aikido, the art of the ninja is comprised of unarmed combat, weapons, stealth, survival, camouflage, disguise, strategy, and a multitude of other self-protection skills. Unique strategies are used to defeat bigger, stronger, or faster opponents. Introduced to the west in the late 1970's, it quickly earned the nickname "the art of winning" for its flexible appoach to self-protection. CNC teaches Ninjutsu based on the principles of the Bansenshukai, a historically verifiable Ninjutsu text compiled in 1676 by the ninja Yasutake Fujibayashi. Top

Q: What is Ju-Jitsu?
A: Ju-Jitsu (sometimes spelled "Jujutsu" or "Jiu-Jitsu") means "gentle art." It was the unarmed combat art of Japan's famous samurai warriors, and provides the foundation for Bansenshukai Ninjutsu training. Ju-Jitsu involves the use of striking, grappling, joint locks, throws, chokes, and ground fighting. One of Japan's oldest martial arts, Ju-Jitsu found it's way to the west in the early 20th century, and has since evolved into many different styles and philosophies. CNC teaches American Ju-Jitsu, a contemporary system designed to address modern day self-defense. Top

Q: What sets you apart from other martial arts schools?
A: Many martial arts schools have taken the "martial" out of martial arts, which often leads to a dangerous false sense of confidence for their students. At CNC, we have an honest and realistic perspective on self-defense, and we are very careful to teach techniques in their proper adrenal and legal contexts. Communication is strongly encouraged, and questions are always welcomed. If you have been searching for total self-protection and truly diversified training within a fun, friendly, and non-intimidating environment, then we encourage you to try a free class! Top

Q: How old do you have to be to join?
A: To join CNC, you must be at least 16 years of age. We do make exceptions if a potential student has prior martial arts or wrestling experience, or will be training with a parent. If you are under 18 and would like to try a free class, bring a parent or guardian with you the first time you come in. Top

Q: I've never trained in martial arts before. Am I too old to start?
A: That all depends on you. If you can move and function normally on a daily basis and have a desire to learn, then you're not too old! Many of our students are adult professionals who had never studied any martial arts before joining CNC. Top

Q: Do you spar?
A: Yes. You will gradually train against added resistance, speed, and strikes until you can comfortably and safely spar. Sparring is essential for timing development and learning how to apply techniques to a resisting opponent. Training without sparring is incomplete training, and can develop a dangerous false sense of confidence. Top

Q: I'm interested in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition. Is CNC the right school for me?
A: We're not an MMA school in the traditional sense, so that all depends on your goals. If you are strictly looking for competition training, CNC is not the right school for you, as there are quicker avenues to begin competing. Our curriculum is designed for all-around self-protection, so while many of our techniques translate into competition, some are simply not applicable and others violate Ohio Athletic Commission MMA Rules. If you are primarily looking for self-defense with the desire to possibly compete down the road, then you will most likely enjoy our style of training. Our American Ju-Jitsu affiliate Steve Crawford has trained fighters for events including the Hook'n Shoot, King of the Cage, and the UFC, so many of our training drills are the same ones used by professional fighters. Top

Q: Will I get injured?
A: There is certainly an assumed risk with any physical activity or sport, including martial arts. We place a strong emphasis on safety, but with any activity of this nature, it's realistic to assume you'll get a few minor bumps and bruises throughout the course of your training. Class intensity varies, but you definitely won't be leaving every class feeling 'beat up.' Top

Q: I'm not very flexible. Is that a problem?
A: Not at all. Most of our techniques are performed within the natural range of body motion, and your flexibility will increase as you train over time. Top

Q: I'm not very strong. How can I overpower someone bigger than me?
A: Through the use of proper technique and body dynamics, you will learn to use your body's larger muscle groups against a stronger person's smaller muscle groups. With some consistent training, you'll probably be very surprised at what you're capable of. Top

Q: Will I have to perform any religious rituals?
A: No. We only train on the physical and mental aspects of Ninjutsu, and only reference its spiritual roots for historical purposes. Top

Q: How much is it to join?
A: Our tuition system is simplified and unique in that we charge by the belt, as each rank level is an all-inclusive course. The first course is 4 months and breaks down to about $75/month, with subsequent courses breaking down to about $99/month. There are no other fees at CNC outside of course tuition. For those who only want occasional training and are not interested in testing for rank, individual classes can be purchased for $15/class or $25/night for two classes. Top

Q: Do you offer private training?
A: Yes. Private training sessions are 30-minutes, and can be purchased for $40 individually, $70 for two, or $120 for four. Two or more people can split the cost of a session and train together. If desired, the student may choose the material covered, and is responsible for bringing the necessary training equipment. Private training sessions are usually scheduled before and after the regular group classes. Contact us for other scheduling options. Top

Q: Am I required to sign any type of contract?
A: No. We believe the quality of training should retain students, not contracts. Top

Q: Is there any type of registration or "initiation" fee?
A: No. The only up-front cost will be for the required training equipment (listed below) and tuition for your first belt course. Top

Q: What equipment do I need to start training?
A: You will need the following equipment to train at CNC:

A Black Uniform and a White Belt
A pair of Tabi or Wrestling Shoes
A pair of Padded Fingerless Gloves or MMA Grappling Gloves
A Square Hand Target

All of the required equipment can be found at most martial arts supply or sporting goods stores, or can be found at our Online Store. Additional training gear will be required as your training progresses.
For a list of the equipment and local martial arts supply stores, use this file: Required Training Gear Top

Q: What type of rank do I recieve, and are there testing fees?
A: CNC students receive dual rank in Bansenshukai Ninjutsu and American Ju-Jitsu. There are no separate testing fees, as they are included in the cost of each training course. Top

Q: How long does it typically take to achieve a black belt?
A: There are 10 kyu levels (degrees under black belt), with the recommended time between them being 3 months. It does, however, vary with each individual. Students are permitted to test for kyu ranks whenever they feel comfortable with their current requirements, as there is no set time in grade until black belt. It is possible to fail tests at CNC. Tests are held on the last Tuesday of every month. Top

Q: What is class like?
A: Our classes are generally fast-paced and very challenging. We cover quite a bit of material, and every class is different. We follow some formalities, but nothing like the typical "militant" atmosphere usually associated with martial arts schools. We like to have fun while training, yet we also maintain an appreciation for the seriousness of the techniques. Almost all techniques are done with a partner, which is essential for learning actual self-defense. Top

Q: Are forty-five minute classes long enough to learn self-defense?
A: Absolutely. We stay busy the entire time, and avoid lengthy and unnecessary technique explanations. Virtually all of the time is spent drilling techniques with different partners to develop muscle memory. We do not do kata (choreographed patterns), and sparring is a part of every Level 2 and 3 class. Top

Q: What can I expect in my first class?
A: You will get to jump in with the class and follow along as if you are a regular student. We will guide you through techniques and build your confidence in those techniques. Safety will also be heavily emphasized. We will teach you how to fall properly, apply techniques safely, and how to acknowledge techniques applied from others. You will not be asked to try anything that you are too uncomfortable with. We generally have senior students work with potential students to help guide them and answer any questions they may have. Top

Q: Are skill levels separated?
A: Yes. Anyone may train in Level 1 or Level 2 classes, however only students of the appropriate rank can train in Level 3. Anyone can attend Open Mat. All students, regardless of rank, are taught to be mindful of their partner's skill level, and we strongly encourage communication between students for both safety and learning. Top

Q: Do men and women train together?
A: Yes. It is important to work with a variety of body types, especially so for women, since men are their most likely attackers. Top

Q: What is your policy on cross-training at other schools?
A: While most of our students train at CNC exclusively, we do not discourage anyone from exploring or supplementing training at other schools. Top