Testimonials: Australia
I have been training for 6 months in the art of Bujinkan Ninjutsu at the
I have found a greater teacher of Bujinkan here in
I have been training in various forms of martial arts for over 20 years, including Shotokan karate, Shorinjiryu karate, American kenpo, jujutsu and aikido. During all of those years I feel like I have been on a "quest" to find a complete martial art, and all the systems that I have trained in have left me feeling that something was missing.
After discovering Paul Johnstone's Defensive Measures International, incorporating Bujinkan Ninjutsu and Street-Edge defensive tactics, I have found my martial arts "home". Bujinkan Ninjutsu uses natural body movement and contains strikes, joint locks, throws, use of weapons and much more. Classes focus on how the ancient art of Bujinkan Ninjutsu can be applied in the real world.
Street-Edge defensive tactics teaches close quarter defensive tactics and covers techniques against various punches, kicks, knives, firearms, and improvised weapons incorporating scenario based training.
Training is made as realistic as possible, while maintaining a high level of safety. Classes are conducted indoors and outdoors, and there is always something new in every class.
We have a great group of students who leave politics and egos at the door, and enjoy learning from an instructor who clearly has a passion for what he teaches and who is always encouraging students. Raymond:
The training I get from Shidoshi Paul Johnstone at the Bujinkan Brisbane Ninjutsu Dojo is an interesting blend of traditional martial arts and modern training methods.
Shidoshi Johnstone combines state of the art combatives training with the traditional heart and soul of Ninjutsu. You will learn the traditional skills of taijutsu (unarmed combat), ancient weaponry and the historical/ cultural aspects of the art.
However, then you will take those skills and practice them in realistic scenarios against single or multiple opponents. These opponents could be armed with a range of modern weapons. Then you train on uneven ground in a low light environment. This training is about as realistic as you can get without actually fighting.
That is not the best thing about the training though. The best thing is the people you train with. No Ego B.S. just a great bunch of people, not least of whom is Paul himself. This is a school with heart." Bryn:
Although I was very sceptical at first, I went along to a class to satisfy my curiosity after speaking to a friend about it. I knew what I was getting myself into since I had done martial arts as a beginner a long time ago. What I saw there in class was a real eye opener for me. Firstly, there was a whole bunch of guys who really seemed to know what they were doing and most of them were wearing the same coloured belts. They looked really mean but later turned out to be a real nice bunch of guys. Secondly was the teaching style. This was what really changed my attitude towards what I held as the martial arts stereotype. I realized that I was entering a journey that would not only change my physical aptitude but my mental attitude as well.
The way Paul teaches is very easy to understand and to follow. I like the way that you improve on things you don’t even notice until Paul tells you that you have improved. It has really helped me develop personally and now I always look forward to the classes. They are always structured, challenging and are a real way to develop your own sense of being as well as improving your weaknesses. I also like the way that the ancient philosophy related to the art is brought into modern day life and how at the end of every class you go home with your own sense of satisfaction that you have learned something new. With this art, you are always realizing things that you never realized before. You learn how to respect yourself and others and have a great time whilst developing. Nobody criticizes or picks on anybody and everyone is treated the same. That is why I am not sceptical anymore and am going to keep attending classes as long as I can!!
Boris:
Confucius says: "he who adds new knowledge and keeps the old a kindled is fit to be a teacher" and this is very evident in our dojo. It is a school where I am never in fear for my safety, a training environment free of judgment and I am very much enjoying the training offered here.
It only took a few lessons in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and street edge defensive tactics for me to develop a good appreciation for this kind of instruction. It is a skill not only of the body but also that of the mind and spirit, and without getting too metaphorical I have to say the combination of these two combat arts makes for a very well-rounded and effective martial fighting system. But it isn't always as simple as that - for we students do not study to become good fighters, but good warriors. This is testament to a well experienced and passionate teacher. In short - thank you Sensei Johnstone.
Alexander: