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Training in Japan?


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I've studied martial arts on and off since I was 15. (Used to box when I was 11 though..private lessons). I'm currently in my early 20s and would like to fufill a dream of mine = training in Japan. How would one go about doing this? I can't just show up can I? I have no family in Japan. All my family is in the US and Phillipines. I'm am American citizen and was born here.

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

Thank you

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You can just 'show up' and train in Japan. I was reading a magazine article the other day about a Shotokan black belt who went on holiday to Japan and just decided one day to go train with the JKA Hombu dojo. It sounded as though he was made welcome and that any grade was accepted to train there - a person doesn't have have to be a Dan grade. However, all the classes are in Japanese, which is a problem if you don't speak the language (or at least know someone who does).

 

As Tommarker said, what attracts you to training in Japan? You don't state which MA you'd want to train in over there (karate? aikido? ju jitsu? etc). Also how lon would you want to stay there for?

 

If you're serious about going to Japan to train, then I'd suggest contacting the Japanese embassy in the US. Also, if you know someone at your dojo (you don't say if you're training currently) who has been to Japan, then squeeze every possible piece of info out of them that you can get!!

 

Going to a foreign country, especially if you're planning to go on your own, can often be a daunting thing. Make sure you're fully prepared before you do go to Japan.

 

Good luck.

"Was it really worth it? Only time and death may ever tell..." The Beautiful South - The Rose of My Cologne


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Try applying to the JET program, or to private language schools. I have always gone with a group from the Dojo, so it was more of an organized trip, than a case of moving to Japan, but I know others have done so. Usually ther only requirement for the private language schools is a BA in something, and stable vital signs. Good luck.

There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm!

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Thank you guys. Tommarker, I cannot explain what attracts me to it. Something I've always wanted to do since I was young. My mother is from Ireland and my father is from the Phillipines. He has some chinese blood too. I've always been more interested in more of the Asian side of me.

 

Aefiird: I'm not sure how long the stay will be for. Until I feel like I've spent enough time there. I'm currently studying Aikido here in the states.

 

eequaninimus: I do not have a BA in anything. I'm in the process of completing my AS. I also have a few network computer security certificates (CISSP etc..)

 

A few more questions........

 

1. How difficult would it be to obtain employment during my stay there? I am well established with my network/security type skills. I also have a strong environmental background (health inspector)

 

2. How much different is the training there. Can you learn as much in the states as you can in Japan (provided your Master of the MA you're taking originates from there?) I have heard various opinions on this. Some say you cannot attain the same level of knowledge from the west, as you can in the east. Others say it is the same. Opinions?

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Karate originates in Okinawa. Why not go there instead? There is a large military base there that you (even as a civilian) might be able to find work at. Joining the Marines and hoping to get stationed there seems a bit unlikely right now.

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Well I definitely want to check it out. Luckily I do not have a house yet. I do have a $33k sports car I will be selling if I do go over to Japan (and no, i do not get to keep the $33k lol). I am serious about this. If anyone knows how to do this ploease let me know
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First I would take some basic japanese language lessons. Just so u can get a bit of communication going when u get there, after a few months u'll begin to pick up on their language pretty quickly, esspecially if u've learnt abit and know how its structured.

 

If I were to go anywhere in Japan I'd probably go to the Okinwana, the origin of Karate, I bet theres some superb dojos.

 

I think the best thing to do is maybe go on holiday(sorry u guys call it vacation) to japan for say a week, see how u like it, look around 4 some dojos, and if u like it there then u could go back. One prob though holidays in Japan arent cheap, so becareful.

 

Personally I love the Japanese culture and i'll like to visit there a few times in my life, maybe i'll spend a year there sometime.

 

It shouldnt be hard to find work and live their for say a year, and then if u like it, stay. My sisters boy friend took a year out and went to New Zealand, it's not to hard to sort out, ppl do it all the time. If u need some help, go talk to ur travel agent or somthing, they should give u all the info u need.

 

Remeber u only live once, if u want to do it then just do it :) .

"When my enemy contracts I expand and when he expands I contract" - Bruce Lee

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I would not go over without a job, unless you are just doing the month long tourist stay. Since you haven't a degree, you might want to look into government employment. The DOD uses civillian contract personell for many things,and you might be able to find work at one of the military facilities. Be warned though, you probably won't be in Tokyo or Kyoto, or Osaka, but in the middle of nowhere. If you can get a job in Okinawa that would be worthwhile.

 

You also should become at least semi proficient in Japanese before you leave. There are very few bilingual street signs anywhere, and even though English is taught in the school system, it won't be like it is in Western Europe where one can ususally find a person who speaks passable English for assistance.

 

Start reading the Japan Times online now, it is a useful resource for ex-pats, from what I understand. Also you might want to read Robert Twigger's Angry White Pyjamas for an interesting take on living in Japan.

 

Lastly, don't expect to walk into a Japanese Dojo without a letter of introduction sporting your shiny black belt. Its very impolite. Expect to start as a white belt again.

 

I hope these bits of info helped.

There have always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm!

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