Question 1

Can Karate help me defend myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in fact, each style of martial arts is different, but at the same time, the same. It's not the style you learn that makes for the best way to defend yourself; it's your knowledge and ability in it and the timing. Tengu Martial Arts incorporates numerous techniques from many styles, along with the Bushikan-Ryu forms known as katas. In Cobra Kan, you learn both actual self-defense, such as strikes, kicks, joint locks, submissions, and more.

Question 2

What is the difference between Karate and Taekwondo?

Accepted Answer

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, while Karate is an Okinawan and later Japanese martial art. There are major differences, even though they do resemble each other. Taekwondo is famous for its high kicks and fancy spin kicks, along with strict competitions. Basically, the Taekwondo you see all around you is great for competition. As for Karate, it also has high kicks and fancy spin kicks, which are nice for competitions, but Karate also incorporates more realistic fighting and self-defense, which is simpler. If you have ever seen a Taekwondo fighter take on a Thai boxer, then you will see what I mean. Taekwondo is limited, while Karate focuses on more aspects of fighting in the streets and on the mats. Both Taekwondo and Karate are Olympic sports. Bushikan-Ryu Karate consists of a mixture of other styles, including Taekwondo and Karate, which Sensei Joe is a master in. Members of Tengu Martial Arts participate in both Karate and Taekwondo sparring and tournaments.

Question 3

I am 31 years old, am I too old to start martial arts?"

Accepted Answer

No, you are not. However, Tengu Martial Arts is focused on children 8 and up who can continue into adulthood. You can join any style of martial arts at any age. Just listen to your body. One instructor I worked with started training in Karate at age 23. The famous actor Keanu Reeves started training in Judo and Jujitsu in his 50's for the John Wick role, which impressed a lot of people as Judo and Jujitsu are tough arts to learn. So no one is ever too old.

Question 4

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the style and how good you are. Most styles that have belt ranks will have a time limit for that rank. Once you have passed that point you will test unless your instructor does not believe you are ready or depending on the test schedule. In Taekwondo and Karate it takes between 3-5 years. I have known some who tested for black belt after their 6th year. Those who test for black belt before 3 years are probably learning from an instructor who is in it for the money. In Jujitsu, it can take about 5 years or more and you do not really test. The instructor keeps track of your progress during each class and if they feel you deserve the promotion then there you go. In Aikido, it can take 8 years or more. As for Bushikan-Ryu Karate, the shortest is 5 years.

Question 5

Will training in Tengu Martial Arts be tough?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the martial arts you are learning is not tough then something is wrong.

Question 6

Does Tengu Martial Arts have politics?

Accepted Answer

No it does not. Sensei Joe knows all about politics in the martial arts. While competing in Taekwondo and Karate tournaments in the west, he had problems with martial art tournaments and schools that bring politics in to the art. Sensei Joe also passed up on opportunities just because he did not want to be a part of the politics. Politics has no place in martial arts.

Question 7

Will Tengu Martial Arts help me make friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes,  Sensei Joe stresses that those studying within a martial arts school should stick together. Once you join Tengu Martial Arts, you are joining a club. We cobras stick together and become a family.

Question 8

Will martial arts help me with school?

Accepted Answer

It is a known fact that many traditional martial arts, even those that mix it with some modernization of martial arts, have helped people with their education, such as adopting confidence, finding new methods of studying, remembering, etc. Sensei Joe used to not be good in school, but between his 1st and 2nd dan black belt, he started adopting new study habits that helped him become successful in his education.

Question 9

How will I benefit as a member of Tengu Martial Arts?

Accepted Answer

As a member of Tengu Martial Arts, you are a member of an exclusive family and will have new friends.  We, the Tengu members, are there for each other. Extra training material may also be provided if you prove yourself with your current rank requirements, and you may learn advanced techniques that come from other material.

Question 10

I failed a section of my belt test, now what?"

Accepted Answer

No one truely fails. Sensei Joe believes that if a student does good on other parts of the test, but does not pass on other parts then what they did not pass on they will retest on a week later (colored belts) or a month later (black belts). Retesting on a certain section that was not passed is free of charge and the same goes if the student needs to do a whole retest. No one truely fails, it just may take more time to pass, but it will take longer to achieve the next rank.

Question 11

Can my rank from another martial arts school transfer to Tengu Martial Arts?

Accepted Answer

That is a good question, and it has been asked of many martial arts schools. In Sensei Joe's cousin's Taekwondo school, they do not accept belt transfers. In other schools, Sensei Joe worked in, they do. At Tengu Martial Arts, we do accept belt transfers as long as the style is Karate or Taekwondo, but if there is a belt transfer, the student will have to learn everything leading up to the rank in Tengu Martial Arts, which means it will take them longer to get to their next rank. It is best to start fresh at white belt and continue to work on your own in the other style.

Question 12

Can I study at Tengu Martial Arts while studying at another martial arts school?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in fact we would like for you to do that as the more styles of martial arts you study, the more knowledge you will gain from the world of martial arts. If you do this, it will give you many advantages, but it can be hard as you will have more work to do.

Question 13

I missed a class, do I have to make it up?"

Accepted Answer

No, you do not have to make up a class you missed. Think of it like school. If you miss a day or two of school you do not make it up. However, if the martial arts school has to close during its normal activities then classes will be made up.

Question 14

Will we be competing?

Accepted Answer

At Tengu Martial Arts, our foundation is built on something deeper than medals and scoreboards. We stand for tradition, honor, respect, and real growth—values that have shaped martial artists for generations. While many schools focus heavily on tournaments, our mission goes beyond competition. We are here to develop strong character, disciplined minds, and capable individuals who carry these principles into every part of life.
That said, competition still has its place.

As our students grow in skill and confidence, we look forward to stepping into local tournaments—not just to win, but to test ourselves, build connections, and represent what Tengu truly stands for. Our goal is to connect with both Karate and Taekwondo communities, creating opportunities for our students to experience different styles, rules, and challenges.

Sensei Joe brings real experience from the competition world, having competed in both Karate and Taekwondo tournaments in the West. He understands firsthand that the line between styles isn’t as rigid as people think—Taekwondo competitors often compete in Karate tournaments, and Karate practitioners can gain just as much by stepping into Taekwondo events. That crossover builds more complete martial artists.
At Tengu, we embrace that mindset.

Students are exposed to a blend of techniques, including elements of Taekwondo, giving them an edge when exploring different competitive formats. For those specifically interested in Taekwondo tournaments, we focus on what matters most—developing strong, effective kicks and sparring skills that translate directly into competition.
But make no mistake—tournaments are just one small part of the journey.
At Tengu Martial Arts, earning respect matters more than earning trophies. Progress is measured not just by victories, but by discipline, perseverance, and the way students carry themselves both on and off the mat. Competition is an experience—but character is the goal.

Question 15

Do we have to pay for belt testing?

Accepted Answer

While there is a testing fee, it remains very modest compared to many martial arts schools, where belt examinations are often significantly more expensive. At Tengu, we intentionally keep our fees accessible.
Colored belt testing (below brown belt): 200 baht
Brown belt testing: 250 baht
Black belt testing: 1,000 baht
Please note that the fee covers the full weekend examination process as well as the belt itself. Black belt testing carries a higher cost because it spans several days and includes custom belt embroidery.

Question 16

Is Bushikan-Ryu a member of an organization such as the World Karate Federation?

Accepted Answer

No. Sensei Joe has been approached on multiple occasions about formally registering his style, yet he has consistently declined. Having experienced the politics and internal conflicts present within many martial arts organizations, he has chosen a different path. He intends to preserve the integrity, autonomy, and spirit of Bushikan-Ryu by keeping it independent. However, Bushikan-Ryu is recognized by the Tengu Shinobi Society, which is a small, independent, closed-door martial arts organization that does not accept members but recruits them.

https://tengusc.wixsite.com/path

Sensei Joe’s perspective is grounded in decades of observation and firsthand experience within the martial arts community. He maintains that, over time, certain organizations have allowed political agendas and financial interests to shape decisions regarding advancement and recognition. As a result, merit has at times been overshadowed by considerations unrelated to skill, dedication, or character.

Throughout his career, he has witnessed accomplished martial artists—individuals with more than thirty years of disciplined training, unwavering commitment, and profound personal sacrifice—being denied advancement or proper recognition. In his view, these decisions were not reflective of deficiencies in ability or integrity but rather stemmed from their refusal to conform to organizational politics, financial pressures, or prevailing ideological expectations.

Sensei Joe believes that such influences erode the integrity of martial arts and undermine the values of honor, discipline, and authenticity that the practice is meant to uphold.

Question 17

Sensei Joe was promoted to 7th dan at age 40, is that too young?

Accepted Answer

Sensei Joe began his martial arts journey at the age of four, following a lifelong path of discipline and dedication. Like his early inspiration, Jason David Frank—who attained the rank of 8th Dan in Shotokan Karate in his mid-forties—Sensei Joe’s commitment to the art has been rooted in decades of consistent training and personal growth.

High Dan Rank and Age in Karate
There is no universal age requirement for high dan ranks in karate. Standards vary widely depending on the style, lineage, and governing organization.
Common Organizational Norms (For Comparison Only)
Many large organizations (such as the Japan Karate Association or World Karate Federation-affiliated bodies) often treat 7th dan as a senior mastery rank. It is commonly awarded:
In the mid-40s to 60s
After 30–40+ years of training
With significant contributions to teaching, mentoring, or advancing the art
Why Skepticism Happens
Raised eyebrows typically result from:
Rapid promotions
Self-awarded rank without peer review
Ranks issued outside recognized bodies
It is rarely about age alone.
Is Organizational Recognition Required?
No.
Karate predates modern governing bodies, and many respected masters operated independently or distanced themselves from organizational politics.
Examples include:
Gichin Funakoshi – Avoided rank inflation and political entanglement
Kenwa Mabuni – Valued lineage and substance over bureaucracy
Mas Oyama – Left organizations to build something uncompromising
Organizations provide:
Standardization
Public legitimacy
Administrative validation
They do not own skill, insight, or mastery.
Legitimacy vs. Recognition
These are not the same.
Recognition (External)
Certificates
Titles
Association endorsement
Legitimacy (Internal and Communal)
The ability of your students
Technical depth
Decades of consistency
Whether respected peers will train with you
In traditional budō thinking, rank is descriptive, not declarative.
The Responsibility of Independence
Walking away from organizations means:
Your rank will be questioned
Your credentials will be scrutinized more closely
You must embody the rank daily—without institutional backing
This is not a flaw. It is a burden of responsibility.
A Grounded Way to Frame Rank
Instead of emphasizing the number:
Emphasize years trained
Emphasize who you trained with
Emphasize how you teach
Let your students’ movement reflect your depth
High dan ranks beyond 6th are often understood as:
“This person represents the art.”
If you live up to that—technically, ethically, and culturally—the number becomes secondary.
The Direct Truth
40 is not too young, given 36 years of training
Independence is not wrong—but it demands integrity
Rank without organization can be fragile
Skill without substance is worse
History remembers those who preserved the art, not those who collected the most stamps

Question 18

What are the organizational politics in modern martial arts?

Accepted Answer

Across many major martial arts systems, recurring structural patterns influence advancement, legitimacy, and recognition. While each organization differs in history and culture, similar political and financial mechanisms often emerge.

Taekwondo
World Taekwondo (WT)
1. Olympic Alignment vs. Martial Integrity
World Taekwondo operates under Olympic sport requirements that prioritize:
Viewer-friendly scoring
Clear, standardized rule sets
Safety and insurance compliance
Consequences include:
Reduced emphasis on traditional techniques (e.g., hand strikes, practical self-defense)
Tactical point-fighting replacing broader martial application
Rule changes that redefine what “effective taekwondo” looks like each Olympic cycle
Many traditional instructors argue that technical depth is often subordinated to sport optimization.
2. Judging and Competitive Politics
Despite electronic scoring systems:
Penalties remain interpretation-based
Rules are tactically exploited
Accusations of national favoritism arise at elite levels
Athlete opportunity may depend as much on federation politics as on performance.
3. Financial Gatekeeping
Advancement frequently requires:
Mandatory memberships
Certification courses
Kukkiwon or federation-linked testing
Financial participation becomes intertwined with legitimacy, disadvantaging independent instructors.
International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
1. Leadership Fragmentation
Following the founder’s death, International Taekwon-Do Federation split into multiple factions, resulting in:
Identical ranks not being mutually recognized
Practitioners “losing” rank when changing organizations
Political loyalty determining legitimacy
2. Rank Recognition as Control
Ranks are typically valid only within the issuing faction, which:
Discourages cross-training
Encourages long-term allegiance
Penalizes instructors seeking independence
3. Ideological Alignment
In certain regions, adherence to specific interpretations of history, terminology, or ideology can influence acceptance more than technical competence.
Karate
World Karate Federation (WKF)
1. Standardization Across Diverse Styles
World Karate Federation attempts to unify styles such as:
Shotokan
Goju-ryu
Wado-ryu
Shito-ryu
This can result in:
Compromised kata interpretations
Scoring systems rewarding aesthetics over application
Reduced stylistic individuality
2. National Federation Bottlenecks
In many countries:
Promotion and licensing are nationally controlled
Administrative roles influence advancement
Long-serving independent instructors may be excluded
3. Competitive Emphasis
WKF prioritizes tournament success, which can:
Devalue non-competitive mastery
Marginalize older practitioners
Redefine “success” as medals rather than knowledge transmission
Style-Based Karate Federations (e.g., Kyokushin groups)
1. Lineage Disputes
After founder deaths:
Multiple leaders claim authority
Historical narratives become contested
Rank legitimacy becomes political
2. Rank Inflation vs. Restriction
Some groups inflate ranks to grow membership, while others restrict advancement to maintain control, creating inconsistency within the same style.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)
1. Monopoly Over Legitimacy
International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation oversees:
Black belt certification
Major competition titles
Instructor recognition
Though not universally governing, it functions as a de facto authority.
2. Financial Dependency
Participation often requires:
Annual membership fees
Registration costs
Team affiliation
Highly skilled practitioners may be excluded due to non-affiliation or financial choice.
3. Promotion Politics
Promotion depends on lineage approval, meaning:
Independent instructors struggle for recognition
Skill alone does not guarantee rank legitimacy
Personal politics can override technical evaluation
United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF)
1. State-Supported Influence
UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation benefits from government backing, enabling:
Rapid global expansion
Control over major events
Rule-setting authority
This shifts the global balance of power, sometimes sidelining smaller teams.
2. Access Through Alignment
Aligned teams often receive:
Greater exposure
Easier competition access
Development opportunities
Non-aligned teams may face limited international pathways.
Judo
International Judo Federation (IJF)
1. Rule Volatility
International Judo Federation frequently adjusts rules, which:
Redefine scoring priorities
Eliminate certain traditional techniques
Require constant adaptation
This impacts long-term technical continuity.
2. Olympic-Centered Governance
Success is often measured by:
Medal counts
National team performance
Dojo-based instructors focused on classical judo may be marginalized.
3. Rank and Authority Centralization
High dan ranks often require:
Federation approval
Administrative contribution
Political standing
Advancement is not based solely on technical merit.
Kung Fu / Wushu
International Wushu Federation (IWUF)
1. Sport vs. Tradition Divide
International Wushu Federation emphasizes:
Performance wushu
Judged routines
Athletic presentation
Traditional kung fu systems frequently fall outside official recognition.
2. Cultural and Political Gatekeeping
Recognition may depend on:
National alignment
Cultural narratives
Official lineage approval
Independent or diaspora-based lineages may be excluded.
3. Rank Standardization Challenges
Historically, many kung fu systems lacked belt systems, yet modern structures impose them—often inconsistently.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
1. Centralized Career Control
Ultimate Fighting Championship controls:
Rankings
Matchmaking
Title opportunities
Athletic success alone does not guarantee advancement.
2. Contractual Power Imbalance
Exclusive contracts may limit:
Fighter mobility
External competition
Negotiation leverage
ONE Championship
1. Narrative-Based Promotion
ONE Championship advancement may reflect:
Marketability
Regional representation
Organizational storytelling
2. Hybrid Martial Messaging
Blends philosophical branding with sport promotion, shaping visibility and opportunity differently than strictly merit-based systems.
Overall Structural Patterns
Across organizations, recurring political mechanisms include:
Centralized control of legitimacy
Financial barriers to recognition
Rank used as a governance tool
Alignment prioritized over independence
Commercialization reshaping martial values
These structural realities help explain why many senior practitioners—particularly those with decades of experience—choose independence, prioritizing skill, ethics, and transmission over institutional validation.

Question 19

How much do classes cost?

Accepted Answer

The fee is 1,400 baht for a package of 10 classes. This option offers greater flexibility than a standard monthly payment, as it allows you to miss a session without losing value or feeling your payment was wasted.

Tengu
Martial Arts

FAQ

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