The Aikibudokan is one of Houston's oldest and most respected training centers for the traditional Japanese Martial Arts.
We are the only dojo in the Houston area that offers classes in very old martial arts forms.
The Samurai weapons class, Shindo Muso Ryu Jojutsu, is over 450 years old and encompasses ancient weapons such as kusarigama (sickle and chain), tessen/jutte (sword breaker and war fan), kenjutsu (sword fencing), and tanjo (short walking stick). The Aikido that we teach is actually a Pre-WWII form known as Ueshiba-ha Aikibudo and is closely related and similar to Daito Ryu Aikijutsu.
In a relaxed non-competitive environment and an atmosphere of adult learning you will find high-level training in the art forms of:
..... Aikido - a non-competitive, low impact, soft touch, self-defense based art of harmony
..... Judo, a medium intensity, proactive, highly empowering practice of throws and grappling,
..... and Jojutsu, a traditional weapons form from ancient Japan that develops precision and transforms perceptions.
Through these practices, which together constitute a complete martial arts study, you will develop an understanding of the body/mind/spirit connection and come to realize:
..... a dynamic self-defense easily made intuitive
..... an improved health and life vitality
..... greater self-confidence and self-respect
..... a path toward a more harmonious life
..... a strategy of non-violence and inner peace
..... a new found sense of wholeness
..... and many special friends to share the journey
With time, practice, and patience, The Aikibudokan will transform your life.
All are welcome.
MARTIAL ART FORMS
Aikido As A Traditional Study
Aikido is a hand-to-hand martial art form that teaches the strategy of avoiding the attack first, before taking control of their balance and then utilizing a striking or throwing technique, or a joint lock to neutralize and control the attacker. A study of Aikido includes teaching how to use and defend against knives, swords, and staffs. The style of Aikido that we teach has a direct historical link to Daito Ryu Aikijutsu which the Samurai used in combat hundreds of years ago. Aikido is a dynamic martial art, useful for self-defense but safe to practice in the dojo since training for beginners especially is slow, controlled, and intended to gradually build intuitive reflexes and movements. Being able to do the movements slowly and correctly eventually lead to being able to do them at full speed so the beginning of your training is more important than one might think.
Aikido As Practical Self-Defense
Aikido is a martial art form that can include soft, slow, and gentle movements much like the videos seen on the internet. However, when taught the full range of Aikido techniques, many of which can be very dynamic, it becomes obvious that Aikido as a martial art includes very effective self-defense tactics that anyone can learn to apply with proper instruction and enough practice. While there are many ways in which to look at Aikido, such as a means of physical fitness (or the development of body, mind, and spirit) the fact remains that old-style Aikido is amazingly effective as a means by which one can learn self-defense and old-style combat techniques. This is why Aikido is a required part of the training curriculum at the Kaisho (Japanese Police Academy) in Tokyo and why all Japanese police officers have black belts in Aikido.
Aikido As A Study of Samurai Weapons
Shinto Muso Ryu Jodo ("The Way of the Stick") is documented as being over 400 years old. The Jodo class is taught separately from the Aikido classes and Jodoka are ranked by the Koryu (Old Flow) scroll system by which students are not ranked per se, but instead are given a scroll that indicates overall knowledge and ability. SMR Jodo was developed by Muso Gonnosuke, the only man to beat Miyamoto Mushashi in combat. Originally practiced as a dueling art (where the stick challenged the swordsman) it was considered so effective that it was eventually adopted by today's Japanese Riot Police for crowd control. Fast paced, sophisticated, and intricate in it's practice, it provides a window into how the Samurai fought during the warring periods. The use of the stick and sword teaches very close tolerances as each struggles for control of the other. The ryu (or schoo)l of old flow weapons includes other forms of practice including the use of sword breakers, war fans, and chain and sickle as it teaches the Samurai mindset that was a part of ancient one-on-one combat.
ABOUT US
We are one of the oldest continually operating dojo ("Place for Teaching The Way" of martial arts) in the Houston Metroplex. We opened our doors in 1998 as an Elite Academy for instruction in traditional martial arts and ways including Aikido and Old Flow weapons and have now been teaching at our current location for over 20 years. The original goal was and remains that of providing beginner, intermediate and advanced level training to the serious martial artist who is looking for a complete education in Budo (martial arts and ways) and Heiho (martial strategies). An important part of that goal includes training that is specifically directed at the person looking for basic self-defense and physical fitness as taught in a safe and non-competitive atmosphere. We do not engage in tournaments or competitions but instead work to provide a positive training environment where learning is the goal and enjoying the training with other like-minded martial artists one of the benefits.
1998
Year The Dojo Opened
15-80
Age Range of Our Students
7
# of Senior Instructors 5th Degree and Up
Yes
Open To Male & Female Students
BUDO
Click On the Link Below
Reviews:
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Ben G. - "The best dojo I attended. I trust every person who is a member of the dojo and feel like they are all my family. There are no clics, no egos and no one trying to show everyone how 'special' they are or how 'great' they are. Everyone wants to help everyone else. It is a unique combination of discipline and fun."
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Doug B. - "I started in 2005. It was the best decision I could have made. I have learned a great deal about a martial art that I can continue to practice for years to come. The training was consistent and increasing in complexity as I advanced through the system."
Garrett H. - "The Dojo is a great facility, it is run well, the Sensei are knowledgeable and can explain and demonstrate well so it makes learning fast and fun!"
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CONTACT & VISIT
Inquiries & Visiting
Appointments are not needed for visiting the dojo. Simply walk in and introduce yourself.
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For any inquiries or questions about classes
​Please call: 713-826-5877
Email: sensei@aikibudokan.com
Or fill out and submit the following form
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Please note that after submitting the form it may take us up to 24 hours to respond but we will get back with you. If your inquiry is time sensitive then please feel free to call the phone number above to speak directly with the Sensei.
Dojo Located At
5701 Bingle, Ste. B-101
Houston, TX 77092
(behind Sterling Banquet Hall)
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Beginner & Intermediate Aikido:
Tuesday's - 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Thursday's - 7:30 pm to 9 pm
Saturday's - 10 am to 11:30 am
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Koryu Jojutsu Classes Held:
Thursday's - 6:30 - 7:30 (advanced)
​Saturday's - 8 am to 10 am (all levels)
Prospective Students
Anyone interested in training can either make an appointment to visit the dojo, or simply stop in during normal class hours.