FAQ

SOME OF OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. I am presently training in martial arts and am very interested in Senshido’s classes, will studying Senshido interfere with my present training in my style?

Answer. Senshido is not a style and doesn’t teach memorization of techniques. Rather than provide technical aspects for people to use in particular situations, we provide analytical skills that will be useful in any situation. Cross training in Senshido will on the contrary, enhance your training in your present style.

Q. Will learning Senshido make me more agressive or prone to get into fights?

A. On the contrary, Senshido's primary directive is to avoid violence and confrontations all together. We enhance your survivability by getting you re-acquainted with your intuition and enhancing your awareness so that you may detect and avoid trouble. We then teach you to de-escalate and defuse a possible confrontation through proper fear and stress management strategies, verbal tactics and more. Last but not least, we provide you with the necessary physical attributes based on your natural patterns of reaction and gross motor skills to survive a physical confrontation with minimal or no damage.

Q. Is Senshido a Mixed Martial art or similar to what I see in the UFC or Pride?

A. Yes and no. On the surface, it may seem similar due to the fact that on a physical perspective, we cover all ranges of combat (Kicking, Boxing, Close Quarter Combat, Grappling and Groundfighting) but Senshido is a reality based system. What differs us from the MMA are the Emotional and Psychological components of violence reality presents but the sports arena does not. For example: There are no weapons in MMA events. Your opponent won’t pull out a knife in the middle of your bout and start gutting you with it. He won’t crack your arm with a baseball bat. He won’t break a beer bottle and try to severe your jugular with it. He won’t pull out a gun and shoot you with it. This is but one of many, many differences between street and sport.

Q. Where did the name 'Senshido' come from and what does it mean?

A. The name Senshido is Japanese however the system or methodology is not. The name itself translates to "The Way of One Thousand Masters", befitting considering its origins are eclectic. In 1994, it was still fashionable to have an oriental name to a martial art and "Functional Combative Training" wouldn't have rung well with most.

Q. I’m presently training in martial arts and am interested in your system but my sensei (sifu, teacher) won’t permit me to cross train in another style or system. Do you mind if I’m training elsewhere?

A. We firmly believe that the more education you get, the more beneficial it is for you. However, only through specialized education can you acquire specialized knowledge. If your present instructor has a problem with you training else where at the same time, then maybe there’s something he’s not telling you. After all, are you in a cult or martial arts school?

Q. I’m a law enforcement officer, security guard, bouncer, etc. will Senshido and/or Combative Science Technologies be beneficial to me?

A. Senshido’s founder Richard Dimitri has worked as a doorman, undercover security guard and body guard for over 10 years. His cumulative experiences in those fields have been extremely beneficial in the development of Senshido. Senshido and Combative Science Technologies have also taught law enforcement officers, security personnel, military personnel, bodyguards and martial artists worldwide. Richard is also a member of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers and is recognized by the International Police Defense Tactics Association. Our methodologies and principles have saved many lives for those who put themselves in harms way. (See Testimonials)

Q. Senshido and Jeet Kune Do seem quite similar, how do they compare?

A. Senshido seems very similar to Jeet Kune Do and other eclectic systems, especially since it’s source comes from various other systems. Senshido has been called by many "The new Jeet Kune Do" and although it is extremely flattering to be compared to Bruce Lee’s martial genius, Senshido is not the new Jeet Kune Do. What makes Senshido different from JKD or other systems is our approach and style of teaching. Senshido also covers an assault or fight from the pre contact stage, the actual fight itself and the aftermath including the legal, moral and ethical aspects.

Q. Is Senshido better than traditional martial arts?

A. Senshido is neither better nor worse than traditional martial arts, just different. It just depends on what you are looking for. Senshido’s only concern is enhancing survivability. Everything you learn is functional and effective in relation to safety in the face of violence. We do not concern ourselves with belts, rituals, uniforms, kata’s, tournament techniques, trophies or memorization of techniques.

Q. What makes Senshido so different?

A. Experience, research and our approach. Experience in facing violence in undercover security, doorman, and body guarding work as well as 25 years in martial arts and combat training and teaching. Over 15 years of research into the psychological components of violence and combat, Senshido is one of the only systems in existence today that realistically deals with every aspect of defense, combat and violence. Our holistic approach works from a psychological, emotional and physical standpoint and how each of these, when intertwined, works in relation to personal protection and self-empowerment.

Q. Senshido sounds really hard core; can women and children learn it as well?

A. Senshido is designed for anyone and everyone. However, from a physiological, psychological or physical perspective no one is built the same way, and since various people, groups, genders and professionals get attacked differently, Senshido has designed specific programs for specific people. This includes programs for Children, Teenagers, Women, Men, Travelers, Military, Law Enforcement, Bouncers, Cab Drivers, etc.

Q. Do I have to be in great shape or have experience in martial arts to take one of your programs?

A. Absolutely not. Senshido is designed for anyone and everyone. One of Senshido’s benefits is getting people back into shape as well as giving them the necessary tools to effectively defend themselves. We have worked with handicaps, the elderly, out of shape people and complete novices and have benefited their lives in various ways. Many have lost up to 110 lbs in under 10 months training in our group classes. Senshido's strength training regimen utilizes functional core muscular development as oposed to developing 'mirror' muscle.