We look forward to receiving more of your questions at
questdojo@ntlworld.com

  I am in my forties, am I to old to train?

Age is not an issue when it comes to studying Stephen K. Hayes To-Shin Do. We have students training at our Dojo in Liverpool who are in there late 50's and they have no problems, in some cases the younger students have trouble keeping up with them!

Do I have to be super fit like those martial artists I see in the movies?

No you don't need to be super fit to study To-Shin Do. During your classes we will assist you in improving your fitness and flexibility.

Why do you dress in clothing from ancient Japan, it doesn't have any relevance to modern day UK?

We wear a black Dogi as they are very hard wearing and it saves damaging Students everyday clothing.

How do I know you are the real thing? I have trained with other instructors who claim to be the top guy at this or grandmaster of that?

I would not have any trouble with a potential student checking my authenticity with the Hombu Dojo in Dayton Ohio.

I have heard people refer to you as being the founder of To-Shin Do in the UK and Europe?

I am not the founder of anything lets get that cleared up. The only founder of To-Shin Do Worldwide is An-Shu Stephen K. Hayes and co-founder An-Shu Rumiko Hayes.

As a teacher of Stephen K. Hayes To-Shin Do I wouldn't be so egotistical to make such a claim, as would anyone who has spent time training within this art.

I often say that I feel privileged to be given the opportunity by Mr & Mrs Hayes to teach this art.
I never consider it a right to do so.

Is the training safe or can I expect injuries that will stop me from working?

Safety of the student is of the utmost importance. We train in a very safe manner were students work within there own comfort zone and at there own speed of development.

Is To-Shin Do a sport or will it protect me in real life?

To-Shin Do is a reality based self-protection system to develop skills to deal with not just physical situations but also emotional and mental attacks.

Do I have to learn to speak Japanese?

We do use Japanese names as well as English but we will help the student to learn what is required. Some
students may choose to study Japanese and we can certainly assist students who which to do so.

Do you have a structured training program?

Stephen K. Hayes To-Shin Do has a structured curriculum that is taught at all Quest Centers and affiliated schools Worldwide.

I am a 5' 2'' petite woman and I am feeling unsafe on the streets can women do your art or is it just for men?

This art is very suitable for women as we don't rely on size and strength. We do have a Women's Section on our website which you may be interested in viewing.

Will it matter if I can't make every lesson as I work shifts?

Quest Dojo runs classes four days a week so students can arrange to attend lessons to fit around their work life balance.

I've been told that I have to eat a special diet to do martial arts is this true?

You don't have to eat a special diet to train in To-Shin Do but as I would suggest to anyone eating a healthy balanced diet would benefit them in everyday life.

I have an old back injury that does not bother me in normal life but prevents me from doing high kicks will this be a problem?

As with any past injuries I would recommend that you consult a doctor before taking on any physical activity. As we don't tend to attempt high kicks your back problem shouldn't be a problem and as with anything you feel uncomfortable attempting during training you can inform the teacher.