When and where are classes held?
Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at:
NY SPACES RIPLEY-GRIER STUDIOS
520 Eighth Avenue
(Between 36th – 37th Street)
Sixteenth floor
Visitors are welcome to observe. If interested in taking a free class please contact Mitchell Ratchik at (917) 821-1460.
How much are classes?
The monthly cost is $100 per month. There is a one time introduction fee of $100, this helps us pay for new equipment, etc. If the new student had taken the $20 intro class, that would be deducted from the $100 intro fee, making it $80. Students are also responsible for paying annual dues to the Honbu in Japan of approximately $130 (depending on the yen to dollar exchange.)
Students who join New York Budokai are enrolled in Ryushin Shouchi Ryu (RSR), the Japanese-based martial arts organization that preserves and promotes the style of iaido we practice. Membership in RSR allows students to test for rank and attend RSR workshops taught by RSR instructors and the soke (headmaster).
The annual fee of RSR membership is of approximately $120 (variable depending on currency exchange rates), which helps defray costs for travel and accommodation for RSR instructors visiting the United States and helps NYB purchase new equipment and supplies and organize special events.. Fees paid cover a yearly period from April 1 – March 31. This fee is separate from NYB monthly dues. While RSR regularly charges an initiation fee to new students, New York Budokai will cover this cost on behalf of students.
Students may test for rank during special workshops. There will be testing fee, as well as a separate certificate fee when a new rank is received; students may choose not to be tested
Do I need to purchace special equipment?
YES & NO, new students only need purchace a pair of knee pads and dress in workout attire. The dojo will provide an iaito (practice sword), bokken and an obi (belt). Eventually students will be required to purchace an iaito and a practice uniform (dogi, hakama and obi).
Testing and Rank?
New York Budokai follows a dan/kyu system like that used for many other modern martial art forms. New York Budokai is an independent dojo, and the awarding of rank reflects progress in New York Budokai’s curriculum. A student who attends class regularly can expect to test for shodan (first-degree black belt) in two to three years. Regular rankings occur every two to three years, up to the rank of yondan (fourth degree black belt). Godan (fifth degree) rank is usually attained ten years after yondan, at which time the student is permitted to teach on her own if she wishes.
Ranking in Ryushin Shouchi-ryu is overseen by Kunikazu Yahagi, Soke. Most of these rankings are awarded to students when they visit Japan or when Yahagi Soke visits NY.
Is it dangerous?
There is always a fair amount of risk when training in any martial art. However, we use unsharpened swords (iaitos) during practice for safety. There is also a dojo policy to never fool around during class.
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