FAQ
Our Philosophy & Curriculum
Siljun Dobup "Real Sword Training" calms the Mind, hones the Body and nourishes the Spirit.
Sword Martial Arts Training for the Mind, Body, and Spirit. Siljun Dobup "Real Sword Training" incorporates individual Art Form (kata) practice; test cutting (tameshigiri) practice; kamae (8 Forms) mindset/stance practice and partner practice drills to train versatile sword Martial Artists.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to continue the expansion of Siljun Dobup "Real Sword Training" while also improving our own self-development in order to better our lives and the lives of those around us through Sword Martial Arts training.
School Etiquette
Three Levels of Respect.
1. Respect towards the national flag: Respect towards the national flag, shown by bowing, signifies Siljun Dobup’s principle of loyalty towards one’s nation. This will be done as one enters and leaves the school as well as at the beginning and the end of practice sessions.
2. Respect towards the master or instructor: Respect towards the master or instructor shown by bowing, signifies Siljun Dobup’s principle of respecting one’s parents, teachers, and elders.
3. Respect towards other students: Siljun Dobup also teaches that there should be respect among fellow students. One must treat other students with respect to be treated with respect by other students shown by bowing. This signifies Siljun Dobup’s principle of treating all human beings and all living things with respect.
What are the benefits of training in Sword Martial Arts?
There are many benefits of Sword Martial Arts that bring great value to your life such as:
What should I wear to my first class?
Please wear comfortable gym clothes to class until a school uniform can be purchased. Please also note that we practice barefoot. Come and join us, relax, ask questions and enjoy your first Sword Martial Art class experience!
When will I receive my sword?
Students begin their training in Siljun Dobup with a wooden sword (bokken) and will advance to a practice blunt sword (iaito) when they have become familiar with fundamentals of the sword as well as the principles of sword safety.
When will I start cutting targets with a real sword?
Typically students will begin test cutting practice (tameshigiri) after a few months of real sword training.
Students begin cutting practice on soft targets and will advance to tatami omote targets when the Head Instructor determines.
Are there any levels or a ranking system?
Yes! In Siljun Dobup we utilize the Geup (student ranks) and Dan (master ranks) ranking system. The Geup level ranks (from level 9 to level 1) serve as the foundation and the development of solid basics within the Art Form.
In the Dan level ranks students continue their training in Set Ji (Earth), Set Soo (Water), Set Poong (Wind), Set Hwa (Fire) and Set Cheon (Sky).