FAQ's

Frequently asked questions (also known as Funny, ahem, Questions!)

1.) "I saw pictures/video of a guy in camo pants, is this like some kind of redneck karate?"

Traditionally, a martial arts uniform was something that was utilitarian. It fit the culture of the day, it was tough, easy to clean, got you in the right mind set for training, was comfortable, etc. We still use traditional uniforms to this day from foreign lands as part of our martial arts practice and for their utility value. Everyone involved with Land of the Sky Martial Arts practices outdoors a lot. One of the five tenents of Tang Soo Do, in fact, is spend time in nature, and any form of taijutsu is vastly incomplete without study of the natural world. Outdoors we need clothing that is; comfortable, protective, doesn't stand out with bright colors, has pockets for small items such as hats or training tools, rope etc, and which is able to withstand lots of impact/pulling and rubbing against the Earth without showing lots of dirt/stains. VOILA! Enter mil-spec pants, camo or solid dark colors, cargo pants. Since we often train throughout the day on weekends in between work projects, or while camping, we just wear what we have on (so as not to spend lots of time getting into and out of some special outfit). Redneck karate? No. Mountain man karate? Perhaps!

2.) "What is 'Yamabushi' anyway?"

Yamabushi means Yama - mountain, Bushi - warrior, or men of spirit, martial skills. So simply, 'mountain warrior'. It does have connection to the ancient mountain ascetics of Japan, the Yamabushi. These forerunners, in some ways, of the 'ninja', had an intimate knowledge of the land they lived on. They practiced spiritual purification by exposure to the elements and believed in a mystical relationship with nature. Traditionally the Yamabushi monks practiced a blend of Buddhism and Shinto religions, however, one can learn from these hardened outdoorsmen no matter what your faith. Our training and classes are not religious in nature but you may find your own spiritual path is enhanced by learning about one culture's approach to fusing martial training, spiritual discernment, and nature study. We certainly consider ourselves people of spirit who love the mountains and practice martial arts!

3.) "I saw on the schedule for Scout Camp, 'opening prayer', are you guys religious?"

Every teacher has his or her own beliefs and Land of the Sky does not mandate a religious criteria. The director, as a Christian, teaches within Christian principles and enjoys sharing with others that 'Christian' does not mean narrow minded. In fact there have been many Christian mystics throughout the centuries who felt that the awesomeness of the Creator was beyond their grasp or understanding, and that prayer, revelation, and deep insight with inspired meditation in nature were important elements of one's path and relationship with God. Even so, many students for many years from many, many, religious or NON religious backgrounds have appreciated the humor and acceptance of our methods, teachers, and come back for more year after year. The environment is open and welcoming for debate and intellectual stimulation, encouraging students to rise above the simplest levels of argument and find common ground with the most different of people.

4.) "I studied Ninjutsu with an old master of a lost style and now have a 1st-10th etc degree black belt. Can I continue teaching/learning how to be a deadly invisible assassin?"

Go away. When you want to tell the truth come back and we'll recommend to you some accurate reading sources and perhaps a local gym so you can get in shape. NOT that we are totally against video games, but sunlight is healthy, and too much of anything can be bad.

5.) "One of the instructors is part of a Cherokee Scout Clan. Is this just new age cool-to-be-indian stuff or are you really Cherokee?"

Spencer 'Two Dogs' is a bear claw carrying member of a traditional warriors society who has danced the ghost dance and earned his close friendships (1/16 eastern band, Cherokee). Being 'native' is not a matter of blood, but a matter of awareness, heart, and spirit. If you think you have to be a certain race to be part of a cultural heritage then you are racist, IOHO. We strive to honor our cultural ancestors by studying the language, walking the talk, and publishing writings on current efforts to continue the war on native culture. It's a special thing to walk through our mountain home and speak with words that have been echoed in these hills for many hundreds, even thousands, of years. Sometimes you can't shake the feeling that someone else is there, and hears you. . .

Do YOU have a question? Send an email or ask in person and we may put it right here on the FAQ's page!

The email address is on our home page, below.

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