(805) 532-1794

Japanese Martial Arts & Self Defense

Become a Warrior

Study the skills of the Samurai of Japan, and unleash your warrior spirit.

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Choose the right Martial Arts class for You!

Kids 8-11

teens 11-14

Adults 14+

The Path of the Warrior

We call our dojo “Todai,” which means “lighthouse” – a beacon for safety and guidance. We light the path to find your inner warrior:

 

  • Get in Shape
  • Learn Self Defense
  • Build Confidence
  • Relieve Stress
  • Grow your Spirit

Not your typical Martial Arts School

Our training facilities bring you the experience of training in a real Japanese Dojo. This creates a truly immersive Japanese Martial Arts experience.

Our training facilities are not just about décor. We also provide equipment you need to train safely. These include:

  • Soft Judo Mats for falling and tumbling
  • Durable Weapons and Equipment Provided for free

 

Here’s why people come to us…

I was hooked right a way and knew I found what I was looking for! Its such a fun way to get stronger mentally and physically. The students and instructors are beyond nice and welcoming…. Taking this class has really brought something special and positive into my life and I am so happy I found it.

Dalaney Thompson

It is without a doubt a great experience to train here with a wonderful and fun-loving teacher. This dojo has a great and welcoming environment with in-depth instruction and a friendly class. I was very glad to see a class that balanced core fundamentals, practical training, and a strong belief within the martial art’s teachings of harmony and self-awareness. It is very rare to find a gem like this with a strong sense of community and positivity.

Brenden Cassidy

Ever since I joined this Dojo, I’ve gotten a fantastic learning opportunity. The Dojo owner and Sensei Scott Hamilton is an excellent teacher, very patient and professional.

This is the 1st time I truly feel like a Japanese Dojo that I see on TV, videos and documentaries.

Robert Kriger

From our Blog

Understanding the Righteous Heart

A student in class recently asked why I don't say the entire Tadashi Kokoro no Kaisetsu. The answer was simple: I didn't know it by heart. I also explained that I would be uncomfortable saying the phrase without knowing what it means. So I decided to find out what the...

The Martial Arts Instructors of Japan

Nothing can replicate training in Japan; the immersion in the Japanese culture, the amount of training one squeezes into a trip, the practitioners your surrounded by - a few days changes your movement forever. The most important part of training in Japan is the...

Shikin Haramitsu Daikoumiyo

If you’ve ever taken a Martial Arts class at a Bujinkan Dojo, you’ve heard those three somewhat difficult Japanese words shouted at the beginning and end of class: Shiken Haramitsu Daikoumyo. These words have profound significance – but only if you understand what they mean (much less say them). Here we’re going to translate this Buddhist mantra, and the meaning behind one of the most often used phrases in Bujinkan training.

Shu-Ha-Ri: Phases of Training

Shuhari – “Preserve, Break, Transcend”
There are considered 3 phases of training in Bujinkan Ninjutsu (and most Japanese Martial Arts) – “Shu, Ha & Ri”. These phases focus on what the intention and the approach of the student should be towards their training at a particular level.

Why it’s never too late to start Martial Arts

Martial Arts is a wonderful and fulfilling activity. But we tend to think its only for two types of people: kids that need discipline, or macho 20-something year old guys who want to fight in a ring. But what if you're not 7 years old, or a cage fighter in your 20's?...

5 Ways Martial Arts Fights Depression

I can speak from personal experience how Martial Arts can be a powerful tool in the fight against anxiety and depression. Before I began training in Martial Arts, I was struggling with anxiety induced depression. A combination of huge stress, existential crisis and feeling of inadequacy was leading to unhealthy places mentally and physically. It wasn’t until I started training in Martial Arts that I started to see light at the end of the tunnel.

What is (and isn’t) Bujinkan

There was an interesting topic in a Bujinkan Facebook Group that someone posted: "What exactly constitutes what is part of Bujinkan?" What is the Bujinkan really? The Bujinkan is usually defined as the collection of nine ryuha that connect to the Iga and surrounding...

The Shape of Happo

m always obsessed with understanding the name of a gata. I believe the name can often provide insight into the intention of the form, or describe the proper movement.

In some cases (and ryuha) it’s pretty straight forward. Take Takagi Yoshin Ryu for example; many of the techniques simply describe what you’re trying to do. The clearest example is Ude Ori, or arm break. Not surprisingly, the forms discuss various methods of breaking the arm.

But some names can be quite esoteric.

Ninja: 9 Myths and facts

Few groups in history are as iconic as the Ninja of Japan. The word itself conjures images of black clad silent assassins that seem capable of impossible feats. Their mystery adds to their intrigue, even 500 years later.

The Secrets of Koryu Martial Arts

Studying Koryu (lit. "Old School") arts are more about gaining trust of the teacher rather than developing skill per se. Most of what is in a Koryu art is kept secret from the majority of practitioners, with the most sensitive or secretive information reserved the...

Beware the McDojo

For many of us interested in Martial Arts, part of the allure is belonging to an exclusive group. Martial Artists hone their body and mind through physical challenge and dedication. It builds confidence in ourselves. It sets us apart. It makes us unique. However,...

The 2 types of Japanese Martial Arts

While there are countless ways to catagorize martial arts in general, Japanese martial arts typically fall within two distinct catagories based on age: Koryu Bujutsu and Gendai Budo. Koryu vs Gendai Literally translating to "Old School", a Koryu is any martial arts...

Best Weapon for Home Self Defense

The other night I was at a get together for a friend's birthday. While there, one of my long time friends brought up that he was thinking of getting a gun, but was unsure of what to get. I am a gun advocate, and own several. "What do you think? Should I get a revolver...

Understanding the Sanshin

I have to confess: I haven’t been the best teacher. I rarely do the Sanshin in class. I figured it was super simple, and takes away the precious time we have in class from the “real training” where techniques are applied. Frankly, I thought it was a little boring and a bit redundant. Then I started noticing Hatsumi Sensei putting a lot of emphasis on the Sanshin, and saying how important it was for training. So I decided to take a second look.