1. What do you teach?

2. What is To-Shin Do?

3. How is To-Shin Do different than/compare to ‘X’ martial art?

4. What are life skills and how are they taught?

5. Do you teach Ninjutsu?

6. Do I have to memorize katas (solo pre arranged sequence of movements)?

7. Do you spar (simulated fight)?

8. Do you do competitions or train for cage fighting?

9. Do you train with weapons?

10. Can I get certified in weapons training?

11. Are injuries common in training? 

12. At what age can my child start training?

13. Do you offer a family discount?

14. What do I need to start training?

15. I already have a uniform.  Can I wear it?

16. Do I need to be in shape to start training?

17. Will I get in better shape by training?

1. What gear do you recommend for training?

2. Where do I get training equipment/gear?

3. Is it legal in Arizona to carry my martial art training weapons in my car?

4. Are your graduation ceremonies open to the public?

5. Why do some students have different color uniforms?

6. When can I join the Masters Program?

7. How long will it take to get to my black belt?

8. What is the leadership team and how do I become a part of it?

9. What can I do to avoid getting hurt?

10. Can I cross train in other styles?
     

We teach To-Shin Do.

What is To-Shin Do?

Please click here for a more detailed description.

How is To-Shin Do different than/compare to ‘X’ martial art?

We get asked this question quite often.  Unfortunately it is very difficult to answer without having extensive experience with whatever ‘X’ martial art is being asked about.  Every martial art has its own strengths, weaknesses and areas of specialty.  Some martial arts are designed for sport, some self defense, some are art forms designed to maintain a lineage while still others are purely for health and fitness.  To-Shin Do focuses on giving you the options for more successful living in the face of the kinds of challenges we all face on a daily basis.  Whether these challenges are physical, mental or psychological we deliver tools for resolving these situations with the best possible outcome.  We follow the 3H principal…get Home Healthy and Happy!

What are life skills and how are they taught?

Everyday we are faced with challenges and conflicts in our life.  Very rarely are these conflicts physical.  Our life skill program gives you opportunities to learn more about yourself, about the 'how and why' of your decision making and finally the way you either move towards or away from the opportunities in your life.  Through internal visualizations, partnered exercises and group discussions we explore the many challenges, frustrations and joys that life has to offer in a supportive and enriching environment.

Do you teach Ninjutsu?

In short yes.  Please click here for a more detailed description.

Do I have to memorize katas (solo pre arranged sequence of movements)

No.  We utilize the scenarios based attacker/defender model.  Everything is practiced with another human being in a variety of drills including pad work, cooperative technique practice, free response drills, and the use of body armor for higher intensity training.  We do however recommend shadow boxing your scenarios at home for additional practice.

Do you spar?

In our To-Shin Do program we practice free response applications (randori) with the attacker/defender model in which the attacker is free to use a random number of attacks with varying degrees of resistance (based on current experience level).  The defender may try to de-escalate, evade, escape, control or counter attack.

Do you do competitions or train for cage fighting?

We do not train for competitions or cage fighting in the To-Shin Do program, although certain members of our system have taken their skills into amateur cage fights.  Our goal in To-Shin Do is to prepare to deal with the kinds of conflict resolution strategies you may need in a real life altercation where there are no rules or limits, but you ARE responsible for the legal ramifications of your actions.

Do you train with weapons?

Yes.  We cover a number of modern and traditional weapons.

Can I get certified in weapons training?

Yes.  We do have several programs for certification in such weapons as the Japanese sword, long staff and chain weapons.

Are injuries common in training? 

No.  While you may bring home an occasional bruise safety is a number one priority with training at the Phoenix Quest Center.  We focus on teaching you not only how to protect yourself from an attacker, but also how to keep yourself safe as the attacker.

At what age can my child start training?

In general we start our training at age 5.  In some cases a 4 year old may be accepted if they can show the required focus and attention to make it worthwhile for them.  For more information on our children's program please click here.

Do you offer a family discount?

Yes.  We have some excellent family discounts.  We consider ourselves to be a family oriented community and want to do everything we can to help you and your family to join ours!  We like to say a family that slays together stays together.

What do I need to start training?

A t-shirt, gym pants and a pair of socks at a bare minimum.  We recommend picking up a uniform (available in our pro-shop) and some sort of training shoes as quickly as possible.  Both of these items give you a better and more realistic training experience.

I already have a uniform.  Can I wear it?

If you have a plain white uniform you can certainly use it to begin your training in.  If your uniform has patches from other systems we ask that you remove these patches before wearing it in our school so as to not confuse anyone.

Do I need to be in shape to start training?

No.  We tailor our system to work with your current abilities, limitations, handicaps, and fitness level.

Will I get in better shape by training?

Yes, although this will partially depend on what you choose to put into your training.  The more effort you put in the more results you will see as with anything.  We have had many reports of students losing weight, getting stronger and gaining flexibility as a result of their training.

What gear do you recommend for training?

In the beginning all you will need is your uniform, a t-shirt and some sort of footwear.  We highly recommend picking up a pair of wrestling shoes, Japanese tabi, or some other form of training only mat shoe (you are welcome to simply use socks as well).  As you progress you will want to add more equipment based not only on your belt level, but on the level of program you choose to participate in.  The following is a basic breakdown:

At all levels we recommend including an athletic supporter and mouth guard.

At blue/white (can also use from the beginning) – training gloves and elbow protectors.

At red/white – chest protector and possibly shin guards

At green/white – head protection and face shield

Black Belt Club members will need – 3 foot stick/cane, training knife, training gun, training kusari-fundo (chain weapon).

Masters Club members will need – All BBC tools, katana, 6 foot staff.

Where do I get training equipment/gear?

If we do not have it in stock we can generally special order it for you at our pro-shop within a few days.  Don’t hesitate to ask!

Is it legal in Arizona to carry my martial art training weapons in my car?

Only if you are specifically traveling to and from the dojo, or you are a certified instructor.

Are your graduation ceremonies open to the public?

Yes.  We encourage you to invite your friends and families to these events so they can show their support for what you are doing, and you can show off a little to those you care about!  Our graduations are like mini-parties with social time and fun and games at the end.

Why do some students have different color uniforms?

We use different color uniforms to represent our different levels of involvement with the Phoenix Quest Center.

White uniform – indicates a newer student

Solid Black uniform – indicates a member of our Black Belt Club

Solid Black uniform w/maroon lapel – indicates a member of our Master Club

Solid Black uniform w/grey lapel – indicates a member of our leadership team that has attained at least the trainer designation.

When can I join the Masters Program?

We generally require you to attend at least 2-3 months before being allowed to join the Masters Program.  This is a serious commitment that we want you to carefully consider before making a decision.  We also want to get time to know you to ensure that we feel comfortable teaching you some of these lessons.

How long will it take to get to my black belt?

With good attendance, vigilance, and a proper attitude it should take you around 4 years to get to your first degree black belt.  It is however possible that it may take slightly more, or in some cases slightly less based on attendance and natural abilities or challenges.

What is the leadership team and how do I become a part of it?

Our leadership program is for those of you that want to get the very best out of yourself and your training.  Beyond the lessons given in our regular classes on personal self-defense and life skill development, the leadership team shares with you the powerful methods we use to develop these abilities in others.  Whether you wish to teach martial arts or simply be more effective in the leadership roles in the rest of your life, the leadership team will give you the necessary tools to make it possible.  Note, while being an instructor is a possible outcome of being on the leadership team it is neither required nor guaranteed.  To learn more about joining the leadership team please speak with an instructor or staff member!

What can I do to avoid getting hurt?

There are many strategies that you can use to decrease the chances you will sustain an injury.  Some of these are as follows:

1. Arrive a few minutes early and stretch prior to class.  While we do hold a mild warm-up it may or may not hit the areas that you need for your particular body.
2. Let your partner know if he is going at a pace/intensity that you are not comfortable with.
3. Let the instructor know if you do not understand either how to apply the technique, or how to properly and safely receive the technique.
4. Always let the instructors and your partners know about any injuries you may have.  We recommend marking your injured area with red tape so everyone knows to be careful.
5. Follow the directions of the instructor and ensure you work on the materials given assigned to you by your belt level.  Make sure to pay close attention when instruction is being given.  We often mention common possible challenges and point out areas where injuries could occur if care is not given.
6. Avoid horseplay during and after class.

Can I cross train in other styles?

You are welcome to train with others if you wish.  We do caution you that this can make learning To-Shin Do difficult and may hinder your progress depending on what you choose to cross train in.  Some arts will complement To-Shin Do extremely well, while others will be very contradictory to the lessons we give you.  It can be difficult enough to learn one art effectively without trying to master several sets of basics at the same time.