The Budo Academy

Can I come by to observe class?

Absolutely! We recommend new members who have never practiced classical Arts to visit us and observe a session first. There is no need for an appointment, just drop by and introduce yourself or feel free to contact us first for a conversation.

Is there an age requirement to start training?

We do not offer a curriculum for younger children. We generally recommend that children need to be high school aged or older. We also recommend being accompanied in class by a parent or guardian to observe for the first few classes as well as co signing the required paperwork. We have no maximum age requirement. You are never to old to improve your life through Budo.

Do you require students to sign a contract?

NO! We strongly believe that students are here because they want to improve their lives. Tuition is on a month by month basis and you can cancel anytime. We bill through the Patreon website, which means you are in control of your payments. We also take most other forms of payment. We charge what we feel is necessary to keep the dojo operational.

Do you give any discounts?

YES! Those that serve or have served in the military for our country and first responders get a discount. We thank you for your selfless service.

We also offer a whole year of payment in advance at a discount, this is optional and by no means required.

What equipment do I need to start? Should I purchase a uniform?

The dojo does not profit from product sales. We do have links for recommended shopping and we will assist you. To start, you will only need a Bokken (a solid wood sword used for kata) We do have extras at the dojo to borrow. However once you are a committed student, you should get one for home practice.

Once you decide you want to continue practice long term, then you should purchase a kendogi and hakama set (top and bottom uniform pieces) on one of the various online equipment suppliers on our links page. There are beginner packages that are very reasonable.

As far as metal practice swords (Unsharpened Iaito), we do not allow students to buy their own until we feel yo are a committed student. They must be purchased from quality makers in Japan after we have measured you. We will assist you with this and the dojo does not profit from them. This is both for safety and for unnecessary spending of your money. We do not allow sharp swords on the mat during practice times.

Is there a ranking system, can I get a black belt?

Yes The dojo uses the Dan/Kyu system which has two main categories: Kyu ranks, which are for beginners and intermediate practitioners, and Dan ranks, which are for advanced practitioners. All promotions are done from within the dojo on an individual basis.

We will not require you to grade as it is an individual’s choice. We do not have a competitive environment nor require you to pay annual fees to any other organizations for their profit.

Students are graded periodically based on their improvements and understanding of the curriculum. Dan ranks are rare and take several years of commitment and wiliness to teach as well. We feel very strongly that rankings certificates are merely gifts from the teacher and that ranking should not be the reason for training. As a dojo, we claim no association to any constraining Single Martial Art organization, as this would be in conflict with our no politics philosophy.

Does the dojo have connections with Japan?

Yes, though friends and teachers of the dojo, the style of Iaijutsu that we practice comes directly from Kochi Japan, the birthplace of Tosa Eishin Ryu. Our teachings are very traditional and are not part of modern political organizations.