Aikido at the Aikibudokan

A Traditional Dojo Offering Instruction in Aikido, Koryu ("old flow") Martial Arts, Classical Japanese Samurai Weapons Forms

and Practical Self-Defense

Most Recent Web Site Update

February 2013

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The Aikibudokan has offered instruction in the martial arts since 1998 and is one of the best known dojo in Houston due to the instructors background and experience, and the diverse range of classical martial arts offered.

The instructional staff is one of the largest and most experienced in the Houston & SE Texas area.  The Kancho (Chief Instructor & Training Hall President) has over 40 years of experience in the martial arts and is 8th Degree Black Belt in Aikido, 6th Dan in Jodo and 1st Dan Kodokan Judo.  He is assisted by the Dojo Cho (Dojo Manager) who holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Aikido and 4th Dan Jodo.  Other instructors include senior black belt holders in Aikido, Judo, Jujutsu, and weapons arts. 

Instruction at the Aikibudokan does not include sports or competition.  We consider the concept of koryu ("old school" or "old flow") as having more value than competion, trophies or the trend of teaching to the current fad of the moment.  We believe that the traditional approach results in a more rounded, better qualified, and more self-confident martial artist; one who has efficient self-defense skills and a greater appreciation of traditional martial arts and of Budo.

This "old school" philosophy has become somewhat unique and difficult to find over the last 20 to 30 years due to the growth of commercialized martial arts studios.  "Old school" martial arts instruction would immediately be recognized by the Samurai and the Zen Warrior Monks as the means by which the best of the past is preserved for future generations.  Koryu becomes the means by which today's "modern samurai" learns classical forms and self-defense, while simultaneously developing a life philosophy by which he or she can cope with the demands of today'sfast paced world while learning an art form that improves body, mind and spirit.

Another part of "old flow" martial arts is the dojo itself and the training facilities.  In Japan the dojo had a special design that was important to training in Budo and the martial art form.  If the dojo specialized in weapons forms then it had a wood floor and weapons racks.  If it taught throwing art forms such as Aikido or Judo then it had a padded floor so that the students could be safely thrown without injury.  Unfortunately in many martial arts schools operating today do not have a proper training floor.  Instead of offering the most protection possible they may simply buy mats and place them directly on a wood or concrete floor that looks soft but is extremely hard when you are thrown down.  Or, the mats are too soft and while affording protection from throws, the mats are to soft to properly walk or train on and ankle and knee injuries occur.

Our facilities are unique and are designed the same as dojo in Japan.  Our training surface is Olympic level foam mats on a raised floor that has over 800 steel springs under it.  The floor is hard enough too walk on without ankle or knee injuries but because the floor is sprung it has enough give to comfortably fall on.  The entire surface is then covered with canvas so that feet do not stick to the surface.  This training area is based on an old Kodokan Judo design used in Japan before WW II and is referred to as a "fast" training floor; meaning that you can walk and move properly but not be injured when thrown or taken down.  Additionally, our 2,500 square foot training floor is the largest of its' kind in Texas and we have separate rest rooms and changing rooms for both men and women.  

To see our training facilities click "Photos" for pictures of the dojo and our classes.

Also; use the button on the left side of the page and be sure to click "How to Enroll in Classes" & "Common Q's & A's" for any questions that you might have before visiting.