Q. Do I have to join anything?

A. No, not really, but it would help if you joined the mailing list and let us know when you plan on attending a session.

There is no formal membership status in the group. We use the mailing list as a mechanism to help coordinate training/research sessions, but you are not required to join the list to participate if you have another means of finding out when and where our sessions are held. We also would like to know who is attending each session in advance, this helps with cancellations. Another reason is so that session hosts are aware of who might show up at their door step. :)

Q. Do you meet regularly?

A. We currently have no formal schedule and we try to use the mailing list to coordinate when we will meet.

Since we are not a school and we are entirely dependent on the schedules of the individuals currently active, meeting times and places can be very ad hoc. This means that sometimes we can go a while without meeting and sometimes we fall into some patterns of meeting regularly. If you join the list you should be able to peruse the messages to get a loose idea of when people may be meeting. Be aware that this will not give you a full picture though since some of us simply call each other up and say: "Hey would you like to train tonight?"

Q. What styles do you do?

A. We are an open group, our practitioners are varied as are the styles that they practice.

Since the group is not stylistic, and most of our practitioners are open minded and experienced, we each tend to have studied/been exposed to several styles and we are usually interested in what others have studied.

Q. If you are not bound to a particular style, what will you teach?

A. Again, we are not a school, we will not teach in the traditional sense of the word.

We will search for the truth together. The group will gain from, but will not be limited to, the knowledge of the individuals involved.

Q. Do you have equipment?

A. Since we are not a formal group we have whatever equipment that each individual has.

If you want to train with equipment or props, bring what you have or please suggest it on the list for the specific session that you plan to attend and perhaps someone else will bring it!

Q. What should I wear? Do I need a gi, an obi, shoes?

A. Anything that you feel comfortable in.

We are not a school, we do not have any requirements except that you help us work towards the Goals of the group. You might even suggest a particular attire for scenario based training.

Q. Is it outdoors?

A. Meeting places can vary depending on the individuals involved.

Sometimes we meet indoors, but sometimes outdoors. If we meet at a park it will be outdoors, it may not provide any shelter from the rain, snow, wind, or sun. Outdoor meetings are usually canceled for rain. If outdoors, dress for the weather.

Q. Is it partnered exercises?

A. Since we are not a school, there is no curriculum.

A group is not needed to practice forms and calisthenics, and so it often makes sense to take advantage of other participants in your exercises. But every session is different, if you attend, your input will guide the session. We look forward to exercises that you could suggest and to your suggestions for improving our exercises, we will suggest improvements to yours. :)

Q. Are there any fees?

A. No, not normally.

Since we are not a school we do not currently have any aggregated costs. However, if individuals in the group want to organize something together which costs money (host a seminar...), and therefor charge anyone who wants to participate, they are free to do so within the vehicle of the group, but this is not usual.

Q. May I bring a friend?

A. Yes, please do, as long as they are friendly and will not interfere with the goal of the group.

Please let us know in advance though since many of the sessions are in people's houses. It helps to know how many people will be attending so that accommodations can be made or if the meeting place needs to be altered.