Q: Do I need to fill out any special forms?

A: Yes if you are participating in our training or camp programs, please download and fill out the following waiver. If you are joining our Tai Chi program or attending a birthday party, please download and fill out this waiver.

Q: What are the ranks of the Japanese Sword (Katana) system?

A: 6th Kyu ~ Basic Practitioner

4th Kyu ~ Intermediate Practitioner

3-1 Kyu ~ Advanced Practitioner

Kyu rating for Japanese Sword System of Mushin no Shin is a separate Kyu rating from the Aikijujutsu practitioner program. The practice of the Katana is not exterior to the traditional training of Aikijujutsu. Aikijujutsu students do not start training with this system until rated at 6th Kyu "Green Belt".

Q: What will be expected of me or my child at the belt test?

A: It is expected that you will be able to recognize the Japanese name and perform any technique prescribed under the rank requirements for which you are auditioning or under any previous rank. The precision and fluidity of execution should increase with each rank level, as well as an increase in general knowledge understanding. Consideration for your uke is essential during any audition(test); lack of control or deliberate disregard for uke's safety will be grounds for automatic failure. The demonstration of rank-appropriate ukemi is also important, which exemplifies an increased physical capability.

Q: When will I or my child be tested for the next belt?

A: Testing is at the discretion of the Dojo Cho with the recommendation of the instruction staff and their evaluation of the student’s ability to perform at the new level. Testing is held 3 times a year, usually at the end of January, May, and October.

Prior to auditions (testing), candidates are expected to submit their test fees and be up to date on their annual ABI membership dues. Students who are not in good standing with respect to membership dues will not be considered for testing or promotion.

While it is certainly possible to fail a rank audition (test), the head instructors will generally only permit you to audition for the next rank if they feel that you are physically and mentally ready to be advanced in grade and have met the minimum time requirements for your existing grade. Regardless of the outcome of your audition, your training progress will point the way to the next phase of your martial career.

Q: What are the principles of Mushin no Shin Aikijujutsu Do?

A: The principles of Mushin no Shin Aikijujutsu Do, when combined as an entire perspective of the art, result in one’s ability to seek their own personal path to individual enlightenment, which aids an individual in actively improving their physical and mental conditioning. Furthermore, this martial system provides the individual the skills to master mental self-control for combat while understanding others through the application of reinforcing team interdependence, actively serving people and planet and indulge in happiness and humor through the universal acceptance of the Mushin no Shin art.

Q: What is the Kyu Ranking order for the Junior and Adult program?

A: White Belt ~ 10th Kyu (Jukyu) 9th Kyu (Kukyu)

Yellow Belt ~ 8th Kyu (Hachikyu) 7th Kyu (Shichikyu)

Green Belt ~ 6th Kyu (Rokkyu) Purple Belt (Juniors Only)

5th Kyu (Gokyu) ~Blue Belt 4th Kyu (Yonkyu)

Brown Belt ~ 3rd Kyu (Sankyu) 2nd Kyu (Nikyu) 1st Kyu (Ikkyu)

Black Belt (Dan) ~ 1st Degree (Shodan)  2nd Degree (Nidan) 3rd Degree (Sandan) 4th Degree (Yondan) 5th Degree (Godan) 6th Degree (Rokudan)

Q: What is the Kyu Ranking order for the Lil’ Samurai program?

A: White Belt (Novice) ~ 10th Kyu (JuKyu)

Orange Belt (Intermediate I)~ 9th Kyu (Kukyu)

Yellow Belt (Intermediate II) ~ 8th Kyu (Hachikyu)

Green Belt (Intermediate III) ~ 7th Kyu (Shichikyu)

Lil' Samurai's that complete all kyu ranking are assessed for equivalent Kyu rating when transitioning to Junior level training. Ratings will not exceed junior 7th Kyu rating

Q: In a nutshell, what is FHMAA?

A: FHMAA is the premier traditional based martial arts academy in central Florida that offers its students and practitioners the tools to prepare one's mind, body and spirit and develops a high degree of self-defense and self-confidence through long-term physical wellness, mental/spiritual and self-defense programs.

Q: I am looking for a traditional Martial Art. Did I come to the right place?

A: YES, look no further, FHMAA is steeped in the tradition of the Bushi.

Q: What style is this?

A: FHMAA practices the art of Mushin no Shin Aikijujutsu Do. It is a modern composite martial art system (gendai sogu budo) that blends four (4) traditional (nihon ryu) martial systems into one.

Q: Can I advance through a belt ranking system?

A: Yes, like most traditional martial arts systems Mushin no Shin Aikijujutsu Do follows the same principles. Based on your ability to demonstrate proficiency throughout the system's three (3) catalogs, advancement can be achieved at the pace of each student.

Q: What other programs does FHMAA offer besides Martial Arts training?

A: FHMAA offers a myriad of physical and mental wellness programs aimed at taking the student on a journey that develops confidence, courage, understanding, and devotion to one's well being. Programs such as Aikijujutsu, Sword system of Mushin no Shin, Tai-Chi, and Japanese Meditation are all offered at the academy.

Q: Does the meditation training require any specific religious belief?

A: No, Japanese (Zen) meditation takes a spiritual or inner reflective concept and not religious approach to training the mind to center yourself and dilute the negative effects of day to day stress. For more information contact Shihan Jones.

Q: Is Aikijujutsu like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?

A: Absolutely not. Aikijujutsu is an "ART" in which a practitioner employs unarmed personal defensive measures while being attacked by an armed or unarmed aggressor. It requires little to no physical strength and capitalizes on the attacker's momentum for the defender's benefit. Unlike MMA, Aikijujutsu is not a sport. It is a personal defensive system that follows the Nihon ryu mindset.

Q: How much does all this cost?

A: FHMAA prides itself on offering the best physical and mental wellness program within reasonable pricing. FHMAA gives a 1-week trial session at no cost to the prospective student for the Aikijujutsu training and the school does not require contracts. Unlike other martial arts studios, FHMAA allows the practitioner to commit to training, not make the contract to commit you to train. This way, all students, and practitioners are surrounded by a positive atmosphere that cultivates a strong commitment.