The Tenkobushi Budokan's name reflects a number of different things and has many  meanings. Literally translated, tenkobushi means: Ten = Heaven [ly] (as in enlightened),  Kobushi = fist. So the name can be read as Heaven's Fist. Kobushi, using different kanji,  means "Veteran Warrior" and reflects the Chief Instructor's military and combat  experience in addition to 30 years of martial arts experience. So Tenkobushi means  "Heavenly Warrior" as well. We use both variations of this name and though there is a  reference to heaven there is no religious affiliation applied or implied to our name or our  instruction. Budokan= is a specific place for conducting martial training and not a dojo which means "a place of the way" and can be attributed to any discipline and not related to the martial arts.Click these linke to read more about Saito Ninjutsu, their Family Legend and Ninjutsu History or the Freuently Asked Questions.

What makes us different?

One thing that differentiates the Tenkobushi Budokan from the other, often franchised schools, is that we focus on you, the student, and your development as a martial artist. Other schools may offer "unlimited" class time which on the surface sounds like a deal. However, they often sacrifice quality in your training over quantity of enrollment. Others are "Black Belt Mills" who get you to sign expensive and extended contracts which guarantee you or your child a black belt or "championship" in a very short time period. Still others claim to be the "ultimate self-defense", the most "real life system" or "used by military units", when in fact, their arts do not address multiple enemies, tactics, or weapons and none of their instructors are prior military with any combat experience.

Our classes are broken down into specific ranking levels and age groups. We understand there is a vast difference in how children learn compared to adults. Adults study and train with adults. Children, with children. The lessons and skill sets are presented at each groups comprehension and performance level.

Second is the Chief Instructor. He is present at every class and performs all techniques required by every student from beginner to the most advanced. As a former Navy Instructor and Instructional Systems Designer, he is well educated in the most effective ways of class room instruction, objective development and testing processes. He has trained and practiced martial arts for over 30 years and is a decorated Navy Veteran. Over half of his time in the Navy was spent as an Antiterrorism Operator/Instructor. He brings real world experience to your training unlike purely "dojo-trained" instructors and "Tournament Champions". He knows what works and what doesn't. This art works!

Why Traditional Martial Arts Training?

Traditional martial arts afford the student a lineage of instruction that has shaped the way Warriors have conducted themselves, both on and off the battle field, for milinium. The techniques and training methods have been developed and tested over centuries and those that are not deemed as useful have been weeded out leaving only those that ensure survival in any situation.

We do not focus on Tournaments or Sparring (we do have specific drills that test a student's abilities) and we are not a Boot Camp. We focus on you, the Student. Your progress, understanding and development in mastering these arts are our primary concern.