Shudokan Martial Arts Association

Shudokan Martial Arts Association The Shudokan Martial Arts Association is an international coalition of enthusiasts dedicated to traditional budo and koryu bujutsu. E. Objectives of the SMAA

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Read more at www.smaa-hq.com. The Shudokan Martial Arts Association (SMAA, Shudokan Budo-Kai) was founded in January 1994 by a group of martial artists who were concerned with promoting and safeguarding Nihon budo and koryu bujutsu--the traditional martial arts and ways of Japan. The original members of the SMAA were Karl Scott Sensei (karate-do seventh dan, aikido sixth dan), Nicklaus Suino Sense

i (judo sixth dan, iaido eighth dan), H. Davey Sensei (jujutsu eighth dan), and the late Walter Todd Sensei (judo eighth dan, aikido sixth dan). From the original core group, the association has grown to include many of the preeminent practitioners of martial arts in and outside of Japan:

Otsuka Yasuyuki Soke (Headmaster of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu shuriken-jutsu)

Iwasaki Hisashi Soke (Headmaster of Kobori Ryu suiei-jutsu)

Sawai Atsuhiro Sensei (Kobori Ryu suiei-jutsu)

Suzuki Kunio Sensei, (Nakamura Ryu and Toyama Ryu iaido)

Ohsaki Jun Sensei (Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu, Kodokan judo)

Cynthia Hayashi Sensei (Aikikai aikido)

Stephen Fabian Sensei (Hontai Yoshin Ryu jujutsu, Toyama Ryu iaido)

Hunter Armstrong Sensei (Owari Kan Ryu sojutsu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kenjutsu)

Guy Power Sensei (Nakamura Ryu iaido and battodo)

Herb Wong Sensei (Shorin Ryu karate-do)

Mr. Dave Lowry (Shindo Muso Ryu jojutsu, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kenjutsu)

Mr. Wayne Muromoto (Takeuchi Ryu jujutsu)

And many others. The SMAA is a small, fraternal organization with a decidedly noncommercial outlook on modern budo and koryu bujutsu. It includes separate divisions for karate-do, aikido, judo, traditional jujutsu, iaido, and goshin-jutsu (modern self-defense systems stemming from budo or bujutsu). Both associate membership (without rank) and regular membership (with rank) are available to individuals sincerely interested in researching and training in the classical martial systems of Japan. Regular international seminars, e-mail newsletters, a quarterly journal, a blog, access to this website, and examinations for dan/kyu ranking are benefits of membership. All members are bound by the SMAA Code of Ethics. The leaders of the SMAA all have close ties to the martial community in Japan, or they live in Japan. Although they are reimbursed for their expenses, they receive no salaries. Their rewards lie in the friendships that are born within the SMAA and the exchange of knowledge that takes place as the result of SMAA membership. To promote and aid in the growth of Japan's traditional martial arts and ways.

2. To assist the public in achieving spiritual growth and physical development through budo and koryu bujutsu training.

3. To further friendship and understanding between Asian and Western martial artists.

4. To establish goodwill and harmony among martial artists of various systems.

5. To offer Western martial artists access to legitimate budo and koryu bujutsu organizations and teachers in Japan.

6. To give practitioners of authentic budo and koryu bujutsu recognition for their years of devotion to these arts.

Traditional budo isn't only transmitted through books. It lives in the space between a senior practitioner and a student...
06/18/2026

Traditional budo isn't only transmitted through books. It lives in the space between a senior practitioner and a student genuinely paying attention.

🌏 Learn about SMAA divisions: https://www.smaa-hq.com/divisions

06/16/2026

SIX PRINCIPLES OF KATA

Kata is more than a sequence of movements. It is the living expression of martial spirit, technique, discipline, and tradition. To perform kata correctly, a karateka must understand and apply these six essential principles.

1. IKITA KATA (Living Kata)

Kata must be alive and performed with feeling and purpose. Every movement should have meaning, intent, and practical application. Kata should never look empty or mechanical.

2. INEN (Spirit)

Kata must be performed with strong spirit and determination. A martial artist should demonstrate focus, confidence, fighting spirit, and mental presence throughout the entire performance.

3. CHIKARA NO KYOJAKU (Variation of Power)

Kata should include changes in power. Some techniques require explosive force, while others demand softness and control. Proper power variation creates realistic martial effectiveness.

4. WAZA NO KANKYU (Variation of Timing)

Kata should include variations in rhythm and timing. Certain movements are fast and decisive, while others are slow and deliberate. Correct timing reflects real combat situations.

5. KISOKU NO DONTO (Breathing Control)

Kata must be performed with proper breathing. Correct breathing enhances power, endurance, focus, and body control while maintaining the flow of movement.

6. BALANCE

Kata must be performed with proper balance and stability. Strong posture and body alignment allow techniques to be executed efficiently without losing control.

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The Essence of Kata

"A kata without spirit is merely exercise. A kata performed with purpose, power, timing, breathing, and balance becomes true martial art."

Mastering these six principles transforms kata from a memorized pattern into a living expression of karate.

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06/16/2026
06/16/2026
06/16/2026

Address

PO Box 6022
Ann Arbor, MI
48106

Telephone

+17346456441

Website

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