Frequently Asked Questions

Historically, Aiki-Jujutsu was one of the major unarmed martial arts of the Samurai in feudal Japan. It is an advanced form of Jujutsu and is over 800 years old. Aiki-Jujutsu is the father of modern Aikido.

Richard Behrens

Our style of Aiki-Jujutsu is called "Senso-Ryu", which translates to "War Style". Originally founded in the 1960's by Richard Behrens Shihan, it is a mixed martial art based on the ancient systems of feudal Japan and the Samurai.

Senso-Ryu is taught in a very traditional manner. The headquarters or "Hombu dojo" is the Sensokan (War House) in Indianapolis Indiana. The art contains projections (throws), grappling, striking, weapons, with "Aiki" principles and control techniques. It is an effective, well rounded system primarily focusing on defense against multiple attackers. This art is extremely effective for law enforcement and security work. We claim no direct connection to any koryu system but offer a modern mixed martial art taught in a traditional manor.

"What we offer is a martial art that actually works in today's modern world yet at the same time still embraces the ideals and traditions of old."

The current head of the Senso-Ryu and chief instructor at the Sensokan Dojo in Indianapolis is Ted Hanulak Sensei

The dojo etiquette and atmosphere is of the traditional nature and austere in its design. We consider the dojo to be a sacred place were men and women hone their skills and perfect their character through hard training and deep introspection. The focus is on practical self defense. We believe that we are one of just a few dojo left that still train in such a manner. 

Training in our system is a serious commitment and not for everyone. Many people today treat martial arts as a pastime or hobby and the dojo like a club or a gym. We do not. Our training is designed for those who understand the need for self-defense. Many of our students are in professions that can be dangerous so there is no time for pretending or posturing.

Hanulak Sensei's teachings are based on his real life experiences from many years as a police officer, nightclub bouncer, and private security specialist. His teachings are not based on theory or tournament play.

Do you teach children?

No, we do not teach children. We only accept students 18 years of age or older. We rarely have anyone studying under the age of 21. A high level of maturity is required due to the aggressive nature of the art and the level of commitment that is required.

The more appropriate question should be "How long does it take to become proficient in self-defense in your system?" The answer to that lies solely on the individual student.

Our system, as with all martial arts, requires the student to learn a specific number of principles and techniques. Becoming "proficient" with these principles and techniques in actual fighting situations is a different story altogether. This is what separates those who just learn techniques like dance moves and those who can actually apply them in dangerous life threatening situations.

What is the training like?

Contact and striking distance between students is first and foremost the most important part of our training. Contact can range from soft to hard as skill advances but it still must always be made. Striking distance has to be realistic. The students must strike through their targets, not stopping 6 inches away. This can create a dangerous false confidence. 

When you practice, ultimately you are training your reflexes to deal with surprise attacks. What is repeatedly practiced in class is what will "come out" in the street when attacked for real. If you practice pulling your strikes, then that is exactly what you will do. People like to think that they can "step it up" when actually attacked even though they train in unrealistic ways. It doesn't work this way.

How many times have you watched a martial art class and thought to yourself "Nobody attacks like that in real life." In many systems the attacks are done in such a fashion to actually help the defender execute a throw or perform a technique. In the beginning this is necessary for initial learning, but eventually it must be taken to the next level. Many martial arts stop short at this point. We do not.

Learning to attack

"The only way the defending student can realistically practice is if the attacking student legitimately attacks."

Learning to attack is an art form within itself. The new student is first taught how to attack his fellow student. That may sound strange but what you have to understand is the only way the defending student can realistically practice is if the attacking student legitimately attacks.  In real life, people often attack with wild abandonment, flailing arms, tackling, biting, kicking, eye gouging..etc. If this is how most street attacks happen, would it not make sense to train against such attacks? At the Sensokan Dojo, we practice against these types attacks. We also practice simulating realistic environments such as training in the dark, against surprise attacks, multiple attacks..etc.

Do you teach weapons?

We train with traditional weaponry such as bokken, Jo, katana, and tanto for the practice of balance, control, and the forging of courage. We teach defense against modern weapons such as the gun, club, bat, etc. We do not however, give out separate rank in weaponry.

How do I join the Sensokan Dojo?

Please visit the Contact page for information on joining.