Asheboro Kenjutsu - McDojo?

**lethalblackbelt** · Posted On: 6/08/2009 8:07pm

http://www.asheborokenjutsu.com/faqs.html

How long will it take to get a black belt?

Sorry, but we don't use a belt system at this time, so a better question would be: "How long will it take for me to master the sword?". Truthfully, a lifetime to master it, but I can make you very good with the katana in about a year. "KILL BILL" good.

**1point2** · Posted On: 6/08/2009 8:33pm

Originally Posted by lethalblackbelt

http://www.asheborokenjutsu.com/faqs.html

It is possible that it is a McDojo.

Originally Posted by http://www.asheborokenjutsu.com/about-the-instructor.html

But it was in the mountains of North Carolina that he found the ultimate warrior tradition, the Togakure Ryu.

...

With some persuasion, John convinced Eric to train him in this unheard-of school’s tradition. For the next two years, the two met “at least 4 days a week” in the foothills and mountains

It is certainly Bullshido.

**futabachan** · Posted On: 6/08/2009 8:59pm

From their website, the chief instructor is teaching a self-created style one hour per week, plus feedback on videos emailed from home. He doesn't hold any rank in any legitimate Japanese sword art, but has friends who studied ninjutsu, kendo, and iaido, who showed him some things. Part of the training requirements include captive equipment sales. He won't tell you how much it costs until you go in person for a sales pitch.

Draw your own conclusions.

(If you're looking for a legitimate JSA dojo, try the Kendo World forums or e-budo.com.)

**futabachan** · Posted On: 6/08/2009 9:19pm

Oh, dear. Not only are they bullshido, they're a significant safety hazard: they sell "wall hanger" swords which they advertise as good for tameshigiri. :(

And they're the only "JSA" dojo I've ever seen that uses Tae Kwon Do hogu. And fukuro shinai are not made with foam. And I'll refrain from commenting on the form displayed in those videos.

**newbie999** · Posted On: 6/08/2009 9:33pm

"You'll learn how you can easily defeat armed attackers (even with guns) with either the blade in your hand, or the blade that you throw."

wtf 0_o?!?

Oh lookie here...he disabled comments on his videos...I wonder why...

"We will endure no vulgar insults by "invisible experts".

Oh I guess that's why XD.

**futabachan** · Posted On: 6/08/2009 10:10pm

Armed attackers with guns? Oh, dear. Someone has been reading Street Sword, haven't they? :sigh:

**futabachan** · Posted On: 6/09/2009 1:55pm

Further investigation of this individual: http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21139

**Lysol** · Posted On: 6/09/2009 3:25pm

Look like Bullshido? Check.
Look like McDojo? Check.
Look like cult? Certainly displays the warning signs...

**Dsimon3387** · Posted On: 6/09/2009 4:17pm

after watching the video on his site and reading this quote:

#7

Yesterday, 02:51 PM

Bruce Mitchell

Yudansha
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Northern California, USA

Posts: 331

"You can tell that his sword style is ancient by watching his hasuji...his cuts all target hobbits and dwarves."

That would be the second time I almost pissed myself... the first being after reading Phrost's mag vocer of Phil Elmore "how to keep homeless negroes at bay."

**Big_Boss** · Posted On: 6/09/2009 4:27pm

Originally Posted by futabachan

Oh, dear. Not only are they bullshido, they're a significant safety hazard: they sell "wall hanger" swords which they advertise as good for tameshigiri. :(

And they're the only "JSA" dojo I've ever seen that uses Tae Kwon Do hogu. And fukuro shinai are not made with foam. And I'll refrain from commenting on the form displayed in those videos.

I've had a similar experience with a group that claimed to be teaching Iaido. Turned out to be a large children's group of TKD students with foam swords, lumberjack matches, and a 12 year old daughter of the instructor teaching "the thing were you stab like its a pool stick..thingy". The same school was the like that claimed traditional teachings were a thing of the past etc etc. Its becoming a common theme.

Regarding OP's school, pure Bullshido. From the video, looks like he just had a buddy with iai or kendo experience show him a kata or two and then picked up a few books at B&N. Just my guess.

Edit: By the way, I was born in Asheboro. Small town really, easy mcdojo spot.