Welcome to Warrior Quest, the official training division of Rocky Mountain Stunts. Here, we honor the rich traditions of the majestic Samurai and the elusive Ninja, blending their ancient arts with modern stunt and acting skills. Unlike our historical forerunners who fought on battlefields and in the shadows, our practitioners evolve into a new breed of warrior, focused on excelling in the worlds of film, television, and video games as action performers. This is our Quest—to forge the hearts and minds of talented action performers who embody discipline, honor, and unparalleled skill. Join us and become part of a legacy that transforms passion into mastery and dreams into reality.
At Warrior Quest our foundation is based on the classical arts of Ninjutsu 忍術 and Kenjutsu 剣術. These two fighting systems have been re-envisioned into modern incarnations and adapted to become a method of theatrical combat similar to the Japanese Jidaigeki 時代劇 films known as Chambara チャンバラ.
This system is a testament to its founder, Mark Steven Grove, who studied the Japanese fighting arts since 1972. Less than a decade after opening his first dojo he realized there was no outlet for his skills other than teaching. There are no sport competitions for practitioners of these arts, and unless you work in the military, law enforcement, or security, there are very few practical uses for Ninja skills in the modern world. To be clear, he didn't underestimate the value or martial training in terms of confidence, discipline, self-defense, mental focus, spiritual refinement, and so on, but he wanted a true application for his Ninja and Samurai training.
He decided to turn to the entertainment industry and was soon embarking on a new path that would lead him to interact with many talented stunt coordinators, fight choreographers, practical effects personnel, firearms specialists, and pyrotechnicians who imparted the knowledge he now shares with his own students. This has been his Warrior Quest.
"Always the Quest"
Godai no 五大 (5 Element Philosophy) represents the fundamental building blocks of the physical and metaphysical world, encompassing both tangible and intangible elements that are thought to constitute the universe and all things within it. The elements are: Chi 地 (earth), Sui 水 (water), Ka 火 (fire), Fū 風 (wind), and Kū 空 (celestial). These elements not only influence the Ninja Actors' postures, body movements, and fighting skills, but they are also pivotal in expressing emotional responses in both conflict and conversation.
In essence, the principles of Godai are at the core of the Ninja actor's process, guiding their physical performance and emotional portrayal. By embodying the characteristics of each element, Ninja actors can bring depth and authenticity to their roles, seamlessly blending physical prowess with emotional nuance to create compelling and dynamic performances.
Kugei 曲芸, or acrobatics training, is essential to a Ninja Actor 忍者俳優 , encompassing a variety of physical skills that enhance agility, balance, and overall physical fitness. These skills are practiced to ensure that a Ninja can move swiftly, silently, and efficiently in any environment, whether in combat or stealth missions. Mastery of kugei allows a Ninja to perform complex maneuvers, escape from tight situations, and maintain physical superiority over adversaries. The skills involved in this training include: Chikara to Jūnansei 力と柔軟性 (strength and flexibility), Hayasa to Binshōsei 力と柔軟性 (speed and agility), Heikō 平衡 (balancing), Chōyaku 跳躍 (jumping), Korogaru 転がる (rolling), Chūgaeri 宙返り(flipping), Tenkai 転回 (tumbling), Tōhan 登攀 (climbing), and Tōdatsu 逃脱 (escape and evasion).
These skills are practiced to ensure that a Ninja can move swiftly, silently, and efficiently in any environment, whether in combat or stealth missions. Mastery of Kugei allows a Ninja to perform complex maneuvers, escape from tight situations, and maintain physical superiority over adversaries.
Taijutsu 体術 is an all-encompassing form of fighting that translates to "body art." This comprehensive approach means that if it can be done with the body, it is part of the art. Taijutsu includes: Kamae 構え (postures), Tai Sabaki 体捌き(body movement), Taiho 体砲 (body weapons), Kyūsho 急所 (vital targets), Dagekiwaza 打撃 (striking), Geriwaza 蹴り(kicking),
Gatamewaza 固め技 (immobilization), Nagewaza 投げ技 (throwing), Kansetsuwaza 関節技 (joint locks), Yubiwaza 指技 (finge locks), Shimewaza 絞め技 (chokes), Gyakuwaza 逆技 (reversals), Hone Kōgeki 骨攻撃 (bone attacks), Kinkōgeki 筋攻撃(muscle attacks), and Shinkei Kōgeki 神経攻撃 (nerve attacks). Taijutsu's flexibility allows actors and stunt performers to adjust their movements to suit different characters and storylines, providing a rich tapestry of physical expressions. This adaptability is essential for portraying various fighting styles and scenarios, from intense hand-to-hand combat to intricate weapon work.
Kenjutsu (剣術), the art of swordsmanship, is the most important weapon in a Ninja actor's arsenal. The comprehensive training in Kenjutsu involves mastering a wide array of skills, each contributing to the overall proficiency and effectiveness of the practitioner. Key skills include Katana no Sekkei no Chishiki 刀の設計の知識 (knowledge of the sword's design), Tadashii Nigirikata 正しい握り方 (proper gripping techniques), Karada no Ichi 体の位置 (body positioning), Ugoki 動き (movement), Kihon-teki na Kōgeki 基本的な攻撃 (fundamental attacks), Kenjutsu no Gijutsu 剣術の技術 (fencing skills), Battojutsu 抜刀術 (fast drawing skills), and Nitojutsu 二刀術 (dual wielding skills). The highest form of Kenjutsu transcends these individual skills. Through relentless practice and refinement, a practitioner develops Kiken ni Tekiyō suru Karada 危険に適応する体 (a body that instinctively adapts to danger as it occurs), Yuruginai Senryakuteki na Kokoro 揺るぎない戦略的な心 (a strong strategic mind that is unshakable), and Uchi kara Hanatsu Fudō no Seishin 内から放つ不動の精神 (an immovable spirit that emanates from within).
The foundation for weaponry training is formed around the Kihon Nin-buki 基本忍者武器 (basic weapons). These are the Hanbo 半棒 (short staff), Tanto 短刀 (dagger), Kusari Fundo 鎖分銅 (weighted chain), and the Kugi 釘 (throwing spikes). These fundamental weapons introduce the Ninja Actor to the essential categories of armed combat: striking weapons, cutting weapons, flexible weapons, and missile weapons. Mastery of these weapons lays a solid foundation for further weapon training, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the diverse tools and techniques in the Ninja's arsenal. Through diligent practice, the Ninja Actor develops not only technical proficiency but also the adaptability and intuition required for effective armed combat.
There are nine primary systems involved in the Ninja actor's advanced weaponry training, each containing a variety of weapons. These systems are Shurikenjutsu 手裏剣術 (throwing blades), Bojutsu 棒術 (staves and clubs), Naginatajutsu 薙刀術 (halberds), Kusarijutsu 鎖術 (chains and flails), Kamajutsu 鎌術 (sickles and axes), Sojutsu 槍術 (spears), Torinawajutsu 取縄術 (cords and nets), Hankyujutsu 半弓術 (short bow), and Fukidakejutsu 吹筒術 (blowgun). Within these systems, the Ninja actor will become familiar with dozens of unique weapons, ensuring they can handle any weapon required for an action scene with confidence and authenticity.
There are various composite weapons that combine the skills of two or more weapon systems. These include the Kyoketsu Shoge 距跋渉毛 (rope knife), a unique weapon consisting of a double-edged blade with a hooked end, attached to a long rope or chain, often with a metal ring at the opposite end. This weapon is used for slashing, hooking, and entangling an opponent. The Kusarigama 鎖鎌 (sickle and chain), a traditional Japanese weapon that combines a kama (sickle) with a chain (kusari) and a weighted end. It is used for slashing with the sickle and entangling or striking with the chain. The Chigiriki 契木 (short staff and chain) which consists of a wooden or metal staff, typically around two to three feet in length. Attached to one end of the staff is a length of chain, often with a heavy, spiked iron weight or a small mace at the end of the chain.
Classical Ninja subterfuge involves a wide range of skills and techniques used for espionage, stealth, deception, and survival. These skills may seem unusual to include in a Ninja Actor's training, but they are highly adaptable to the entertainment medium. Here are some key skills: Shinobi-iri 忍び入り (stealth and infiltration techniques), Intonjutsu 隠遁術 (techniques of hiding and escape), Hensojutsu 変装術 (disguise and impersonation), Chakushin 着信 (espionage and intelligence gathering), and Kayakujutsu 火薬術 (the use of fire and explosives). For the Ninja Actor, these classical skills are invaluable tools. They teach them to move with grace, understand the tactical skills often used by action characters, immerse oneself in transformational makeup or prosthetics, and master the intricacies of a secondary career skill of pyrotechnic practical effects. By integrating these traditional techniques into their training, Ninja Actors can enhance their performances with authenticity, agility, and a deep connection to the rich heritage of the Ninja.
Sutanto Gijutsu スタント技術 (stunt skills) in Japanese cinema are similar to those found in Hong Kong cinema. Skills like Kōsho Rakka 高所落下 (high falls), Waiyā Akushon ワイヤーアクション(wire work), Hidaruma Sutanto 火だるまスタント (body burns), and Butaiyō Jūki 舞台用銃器 (theatrical firearms) turn the Ninja Actor into a unique and compelling breed of action hero, capable of performing the most challenging and exhilarating stunts with unmatched skill. These skills are then used in Ninja Eiga 忍者映画 (ninja films), Tokusatsu 特撮 (costume and kaiju films), Jidaigeki 時代劇 (period films), Gendai-Geki 現代劇 (modern action films), and in Mōshon Kyapuchā モーションキャプチャー (motion capture) for video games and movies.
Sunday mornings 11:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday nights 7:00pm to 9:00pm
DOJO SOURCE
8031 Wadsworth Blvd A-4
Arvada, Colorado 80003
Saturday nights 4:00pm to 6:00pm
APEX DENVER
700 West Mississippi Ave
Building A, #5
Denver, Colorado 80223
TRAINING COST
(approx. 24-26 hours a month)
$200.00 monthly tuition
SPECIAL TRAINING EVENTS
(one or two-day workshops)
Variable costs
Download and e-sign this waiver prior to training and return it via our "Contact Us" link on this page, email to RockyMountainStunts@gmail.com , or print it out and sign it and bring it with you to your first training session or class audit. No waiver, no training.