Feminist Eclectic/Five Element Martial Arts & Shifu Kore Grate: Wu Chien Pai, Iaido, Tai Chi (Minneapolis, MN)

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ's

Updated April 6, 2008

Q. Do I have to be “in shape”?
A. No! You come as you are and we help you to improve each week in a gradual safe way.

Q. What class would be best for me?
A. You can look at all our classes online and decide which interests you most. We recommend that women start with our Beginners Program, the teens start with FLY, the young girls start in FEMA Girls Program. We have mixed gender classes in Iaido (sword) and Taiji (internal martial arts).

Q. What do you wear?
A. Comfortable clothing you can move in is best for all classes. We remove all jewelry, watches for safety. Once you have decided to train at FEMA regularly, you will be asked to buy a uniform.

Q. How often do I have to come to class/what is the time commitment?
A. You are not required to attend a certain number of classes, however, your martial arts ability and rank are impacted by how often you attend classes....the more you train, the more you learn and advance.

Q. Can I just sit and watch to decide if I want to try a class?
A. Yes! You are welcome to watch any class.

Q. If I can start at anytime, why is there a "Beginners Session" with an official start date?
A. The beginner session starts out with all the basics and runs through a sample of the material covered in Wu Chien Pai classes. Although beginners may start at anytime, some beginners feel it's easiest to start at the beginning of a session for the chance to start with others who are also just beginning.

Q. As a teen, what class is best suited for me?
A. There are two classes that would be great for teens
#1 is the Fema Leadership Youth (FLY) classes that are specifically for teen girls. The beginners classes for women 13 and older are great too. See our classes for more details.
NOTE: Fema Girls Program is great for girls 6-12 years old.

Q. What happens if I miss a class?
A. As a beginner, you may make up classes you’ve missed on Friday nights from 6-7:30pm.

Q. How many instructors in a class? What are their backgrounds?
A. The beginner and advanced classes are taught by our head instructor, Shifu/Sensei Kore’ Grate. All other classes are taught by well qualified FEMA instructors and assistants as needed. Please see the instructors’ page for information on FEMA’s instructors.

Q. I have a health condition and/or I’m over 35, may I still attend?
A. Yes, often training can be tailored to fit the ability of the individual with respect to any health concerns or age.

Q. Do men train at FEMA?
A. Men are welcome to train in our Taiji and Iaido classes. If male students from our Taiji and Iaido classes are interested in training in Wu Chien Pai, they may talk with Shifu/Sensei Kore' about how and when they can begin this training.

Q. Do I have to be a Buddhist or Taoist to train in Wu Chien Pai?
A. No. Wu Chien Pai is based on the 5 element theory of Chinese medicine and many Buddhist or Taoist principles overlap our training. However, students are not required to hold a specific religious belief and our student body includes people from all major world religions.

FAQ's for Iaido

Updated April 15, 2008

Q. What is Iaido?
A. Iaido means “Sword Way”. Iaido is the art of drawing the sword. It is an ancient practice and
has its roots from the time of the Samurai in Japan.

Q. Do I need to buy a weapon right away?
A. No. FEMA has wooden sword called a “bokken” that you can train with. If you decide that you want to continue and incorporate regular practice and training, you may purchase one from FEMA. They cost $12 (and $20 for one with a scabbard).

Q. What will I learn?
A. Basic cuts, basic footwork, sword forms, application of sword forms, critical distance, focus, agility, conditioning, alignment, history, culture, protocol and etiquette of the art, basic Japanese terms, meditation techniques for inner peace, and coordination/fluid movement.

Q. What should I wear?
A. For the very first class, please come in comfortable and loose clothing. You may borrow a belt to wear in order to hold your weapon in place. If you decide that you want to continue and incorporate a regular practice and training, we recommend that you purchase a Gi (top and bottom) and that comes with a belt. You may also choose to purchase a hakama, which FEMA can order for you.

Q. Who can come to class?
A. Male and females 13 yrs old and older are welcome

Q. How long is a class?
A. Tuesday evening classes are from 7-8:30 p.m. and Wednesday evening classes are from 5-6:15 p.m. You may train twice a week and come toboth Tuesday and Wednesday evening classes.

Q. What is the format of the class?
A. Classes always begin and end with meditation. Class progresses from warm-ups and basic conditioning, then moves to practicing cuts, footwork, and sword form(s). After regular study and practice, students are able to practice application with partners through pre-arranged sets of movement. This is where the form(s) come to life, while students experience the principles of off-line, distancing, targets, blocking, entry and trust.

FEMA Iaido Club instructors are affiliated with the ALL JAPAN IAIDO FEDERATION –Nishio Style of Aikitoho Iaido under Koji Yoshida, Shihan with Michele Benzamin-Miki, Sensei as our original teacher of Soshoryu Iaido and Aikitoho Iaido.