Self-defence classes can work for anyone, says owner

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By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff

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Looking to shape up or perhaps learn how to defend yourself?

A new martial arts studio opened this week in Riverview, offering classes to students of all ages keen to learn the art of Bujinkan Ninjutsu, Kung Fu or Israeli Commando Krav Maga.

Bujinkan Ninjutsu Dojo is located at 27 Pine Glen Rd., in the same building as Thornley's Tae Kwon Do, although the two businesses are not affiliated.

Owned by cousins Jason Steeves and Troy Kaye, the dojo had about 20 students for its first class and held its first children's class already.

Retired from the military, Steeves has been practising ninjutsu for 24 years and is now classified as a shodan.

He says ninjutsu is similar to what you would see in ninja movies although the films are usually "a little more sensational," he explains with a laugh.

The Riverview dojo takes a realistic approach to training, he says.

"We try to get away from sport competition," he explains.

"People that are looking for that, maybe this might not quite be their thing."

He says Murray and Kaye will teach how to handle oneself in real-life situations when they're faced with danger.

"A lot of our techniques aren't designed to be memorized because when you're under a stress situation, a lot of what you remember goes out the window. We try and do a lot of repetition and rely on muscle memory so that what you do will come back naturally when you're under a stress situation."

There is also a lot of focus on conditioning and building some core strength as well.

The dojo offers youth and adult classes, a women's self-defence class and more.

There are different price packages, ranging from $60 to $100 a month and discounts are offered for family plans.

The dojo can be reached by calling 850-5467 or going online at bujinkan-ninjutsu.ca

Customers are offered three free lessons at first to try out the program to see if they like it.