There is a lot of info on this website, but we can’t address everything in this small introduction to our arts. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
The Kochō Dōjō offers thorough instruction by a dedicated group of black belt practitioners with decades of experience in the warrior traditions. Rank is not given out quick and easy. Certificates and the color of belts worn in training are not what is important and criminals on the street won’t care what rank a person has. The important thing is to develop the real skills and insights of the warriors of the past to aid us achieve a peaceful and harmonious life.
The Kochō Dōjō is not some overly commercialized martial ‘business’, where people just walk into a studio like a customer and order some lessons. The Kochō Dōjō is run similar to the manner of a traditional Japanese dojo, although the atmosphere is not excessively rigid like in some other Japanese styles. An key aspect of this is that the master-student relationship is very important, and therefore a good fit between instructors and prospective students is vital. Most Japanese warrior traditions were not open to outsiders before the 20th century. You usually had to be born into a warrior clan in order to learn it’s secret martial knowledge. Today we are open to new members, but we don’t want just anybody.
We want serious students who will benefit from the training and develop themselves into enlightened individuals who will make our world better. We also prefer to maintain our privacy and don’t have a large sign in front of the dōjō that would attract a lot of time-wasting curiosity seekers. This low-key approach is confusing to some, but we live naturally according the methods of the bushi of old, which helps to smooth out the flow of our lives.
We have a process to get to know people before they show up for training. Hopefully we can redirect some people before they waste their time. For example those looking for sports martial arts will be happier at some other studio. We don’t believe our arts are right for everyone, and the best way to determine a good fit is to first let us know a little about yourself and what it is you are looking for.
The Kochō Dōjō offers classes in Pasadena CA. If you are interested in training, please get in touch and let us know a bit about yourself. All training is adult only (18 and over) – we do not offer children’s classes.
SCHEDULE
Tuesdays & Thursdays
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Beginning & Intermediate: Unarmed & Small Weapons
8:45 – 9:45 pm
Intermediate & Advanced: Unarmed & Big Weapons
Email: kochoshibu at Google’s email
