US Martial Arts Center, Tumwater, WA 98501, US

HistoryOlympia Budokan is a sister dojo to the Seattle Budokan (located in Bellevue, WA). It is a certified Bujinkan dojo under Jusandan (13th degree black belt) Matt Keiser, a personal student of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda City, Japan. Soke Hatsumi inherited the traditions of nine schools from his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu. Three of the schools are considered ninjutsu traditions, and six schools are considered samurai traditions, but there is considerable overlap given the reality of combat during the Japanese feudal period. The oldest of these traditions, the Togakure-ryu, is in its 34th generation. The Bujinkan school combines teachings from all nine traditions, although individual wazas and techniques from the scrolls are often taught. Although rooted in historical Japanese battlefield combat tactics, the arts have continued to grow, adapt and change with the needs of its students. Training will emphasize both historical and modern applications of combat and survival skills.SpecialtiesThe Olympia Budokan Bujinkan Dojo offers adult and kids' martial arts classes in Ninpo Taijutsu (often called Ninjutsu or Budo Taijutsu). This art comes directly from Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, Grandmaster of the Bujinkan Dojo, headquartered in Noda-city, Japan. At the Olympia Budokan we train in strengthening the body through yogic exercises (junan taiso), basic body movement (taijutsu), falling and rolling (ukemi gata taihenjutsu), striking techniques (dakentaijutsu), unarmed self-protection (jujutsu, koppojutsu, koshijutsu) and the use of weapons (nin gu, or happo biken). These principles come directly from Soke Hatsumi and the Tenchijin Ryaku No Maki. Bujinkan training for adults and children promotes physical fitness, strength, flexibility, health, and personal growth, increases awareness and sensitivity, builds friendships, and encourages total development as a human being. Prospective new students will be offered a FREE introductory lesson. Childlren's classes are specially tailored to the challenges of being young. Our classes promote discipline, strength, flexibility, and balance. We want to provide kids with the tools to stay safe and build a strong heart, body, and mind. Olympia Budokan is a certified Bujinkan Dojo run by Jusandan (13th degree black belt) Matt Keiser, a personal student of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi with more than 20 years experience in the art.