People often confuse martial arts with combat sports. At first glance, it is indeed difficult to distinguish between the two, as they both share a common set of training, movements, fights and techniques. But when you dig a little deeper, you soon realise that they are very different!
What is combat sport?
There is a strong physical approach behind combat sports, with adrenaline-fuelled competitions and rules-based frameworks. Skilled athletes test their impressive skills in a competitive mindset. Think boxing, judo or MMA - all are built on athletes testing their skills against each other in similar weight classes. In an MMA bout or an Olympic judo final, the focus is always on scoring points, following the rules and winning.
The essence of combat sports:
- Rules: carefully define what you can and cannot do. No kicking to the head if the rule doesn't allow it, and certainly no encountering a knife in your opponent's hand.
- Tournament: score, win or lose. The goal is for you to be better, you are going for the medal.
- Physical strength: Martial arts is a training ground for strength and endurance. If you're not fit enough, you'll fall behind.
But what happens if there are no rules? What happens when the fight is not for points, but for life?
What is martial arts?
Martial arts go beyond the world of rings, sports or competitions. Rather, they prepare you for the challenges of real life, where there are no predetermined rules and survival can often depend on quick decisions, mental strength and self-control.
The practice of ninjutsu is not limited to predefined rules, like in a competition. In training, we prepare for situations that might actually occur on the street, in our homes or at work. This includes avoiding attacks, recognising dangerous situations and handling conflicts with minimum effort.
In the practice of martial arts, physical performance is an important aspect, but only part of the development. Mental and spiritual development is equally important. During training, one learns to focus and surpass oneself. Real-life situations are often brutal and unpredictable. Martial arts teaches us to keep our cool in these situations, to be able to make quick decisions and not to let fear paralyse us. This self-control and composure are also valuable in everyday life. During the training sessions we are confronted with our own limits and weaknesses, and are given the opportunity to improve continuously. We learn that real strength lies not in muscles but in endurance, humility and inner peace.
The essence of martial arts:
- Traditions: behind every movement lies a story that has been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. Ninjutsu, for example, preserves the knowledge of the Japanese samurai and ninja.
- No competition: the aim is not to beat your opponent, but to improve your own skills. So there are no winners and losers in training.
- Mental toughness: as well as physical skills, martial arts also train the mind and spirit. Self-discipline, calmness, quick decision making - these are all building blocks of a martial artist's training.
- Self-defence and real-life application: dealing with street self-defence or stressful situations is an important part of learning. How to protect yourself if you are attacked on the street? How to use your environment to survive?
Why choose bujinkan ninjutsu?
The Seijin Dojo is located in the heart of Budapest, near Blaha Lujza Square, for those who want to learn bujinkan ninjutsu. Training takes place in a friendly atmosphere where everyone can improve at their own pace. You don't have to be a born fighter - you just need to be curious and open to learning a system that is more than just physical training. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or have been practicing for years - the point is to learn and enjoy the journey.
What awaits you at Seijin Dojo?
- Realistic techniques: learn how to use your body and mind in real-life situations. In the training sessions you will not only practice the movements, but also how to apply them in different situations.
- Collaborative community: make friends while you grow.
- Individual progress: you can progress at your own pace and get a little better with each workout.
- Experienced instructors: teaching you not only the techniques, but also how to live in harmony.
If you want to see what it's really like to be a martial artist, come and join us for a trial training session. The doors of the Seijin Dojo are open to you. Meet us on the tatami - that's where the real journey begins.
