📣 This Week at the DojoWe begin our study of Bunkai (分解)—literally meaning “analysis” or “disassembly.” In Japanese martial arts, bunkai refers to the process of breaking down kata to uncover the practical fighting techniques hidden within. These applied techniques are known as Oyo.🗓️ Schedule:

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November 2025 Advanced testing

✨ We had an outstanding Advanced Testing night this November! Kirstie Williams proudly earned her Black Belt, and many participants from May’s test were officially awarded their 1st degree after completing their Shodan-ho probationary period.🥋 Several under-rank students also tested for Brown, Purple, and Green belts. Advanced testing is a rigorous and comprehensive process, covering…

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Finding a true self-defense school

SELF-DEFENSE: How We Teach It at Our Dojo. The term self-defense is often used throughout the martial arts world, but its depth varies greatly from dojo to dojo. Some schools limit their instruction to simple one-step techniques. Others explore bunkai (application of kata) for self-defense—sometimes only in theory, sometimes with physical practice. A few incorporate…

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