Last chance to sign up for our Yahagi Sensei Seminar

Courtesy of Institute of Budo Studies. Register to train with Yahagi Sensei at JMAC.  This is your last chance to sign up.  Our seminar starts in just 2 days.  Click here now and sign up.  You don't want to miss it!

Inspired Series - Is It Time to Revisit Your Roots?

Inspired Series

Is it Time to Revisit Your Roots?

If you're struggling to get in for training or just feeling sluggish from too many cupcakes, maybe it's time to go back to the movies or books that helped you get started. If there's something that motivates you, I'd love to share it with the other readers. You never know, your inspiration may help take someone else to the next level.

Meanwhile, I can't wait to settle in and tee up Kurosawa's Sanshiro Sugata.

Until then, I'll see you on the mat!

Read more here.

Yahagi Sensei at Ota Citizens Hall

Yahagi Sensei at Ota Citizens Hall April 19th, 2009. Filmed by Russ Ebert. Register to train with Yahagi Sensei at JMAC on March 31-April 2 here. 

Inspired Series - What Got You Started?

Inspired Series

What Got You Started?

Do you remember what got you excited about martial arts in the first place?

I remember, many, many years ago in college (1980, to be exact), going to a Chuck Norris movie called The Octagon. I was already involved in karate and judo, but Chuck's ass kicking in that movie really got me fired up about training, and I can still play back some scenes in my head. Watching The Octagon had me training not just in the dojo, but in my apartment and in the park, for several months.

But even before The Octagon, I had seen movies like Seven Samurai, Yojimbo and Hidden Fortress, and I dreamed of going to Japan to learn the ways of Bushido. As you may know, I did eventually go. The reality was very different from the movies, but there's enough budo culture remaining to keep the dream alive. I trained like a madman for the four years I was there!

And, like most martial artists of my generation, I watched every Bruce Lee movie two or three times, and did whatever I could to learn his moves. Bruce was such a charismatic figure that virtually everybody I trained with wanted to be more like him.

Were there movies or demonstrations that inspired you to start training? Are there still people, books, or tournaments that get you running to the dojo for more practice? I'd love to hear what motivates you!

Read more here.

Yahagi Sensei Interview with New York Budokai

New York Budokai presents an interview w/ Kunikazu Yahagi. Don't miss him at JMAC!!!  Training will be March 31 - April 2.  Sign up here!  

Inspired Series - Get Inspired Again!

Inspired Series

Get Inspired Again!

It's easy to fall into slothful habits and overeating. I've seen more than a few students disappear during the later part of the year, only to reappear in January carrying a few more pounds and a little shame because of the lost training time.

I remember a teacher telling me years ago that "if you miss a week of training, it will take you three weeks to get back to where you should have been."

I don't know if that's true, but I do know that finding ways to get re-inspired can help keep you training hard even when the turkey and cookies are calling your name!

Read more here.

Did you miss our open house?  No fear, here's a quick recap of what you missed.  Food, prizes, demonstrations, friends, and family were all present in the celebration of our new location on Boardwalk in Ann Arbor.

Really wanted to see some of those demos live?  Not a problem!  Give us a call at 734.720.0330 and set up a time to come in and watch a class.

To shy to use the phone?  Take a peek at our schedule and come in and watch.  I promise you'll be greeted by a friendly face who can answer all your questions.

It's time to get serious about your understanding of Japanese martial arts. Train with one of the top swordsmen in Japan ... right here in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Visit this page to learn more about the kenjutsu workshop at JMAC with Yahagi Kunizaku Sensei March 31 - April 2nd.