Zenzan Dojo

Zenzan Dojo Aikido
Karatedo
Tai Chi Chuan Zenzan Dojo was founded in 2006 by James Huss, Shihan. He has studied and/or taught in the USA, China, Philippines, S.

Shihan Huss has practiced martial arts for 35 years and has trained extensively in karatedo, aikido, and tai chi chuan. Shihan Huss holds the rank of godan in aikido, sandan in Shorin-ryu karatedo, and shodan in Shuri-ryu karatedo. Korea, Bolivia, Taiwan, and Thailand. Zenzan Dojo was founded in Greenville, South Carolina. The word zenzan means "first range of mountains," those foothills visible f

rom all over the upstate. Though originally named Suenaka Zenzan Dojo in honor of his teacher, Sensei Roy Suenaka, Shihan Huss changed the name to Zenzan Dojo in 2024 to reflect the influence of Shifu Dong Zhengxiong on his teaching and training methodologies. Zenzan Dojo is no longer in the foothills, but the name remains the same, for the word zenzan symbolizes the first obstacles we must overcome on the mountainous path to mastery. And though we do not accept the false dichotomy of body, mind, and spirit, we do focus on the physical part of the journey through the practice of Hokkon-hō Budo, which includes the arts of Japanese aikido, Okinawan karatedo, and Yang style tai chi chuan. Hokkon-hō means rooting method. Hokkon-hō Budo incorporates exercises from tai chi to develop strong posture and a solid connection to the ground while using self-defense techniques from karate and aikido to test this posture and connection. In addition to self-defense, Hokkon-hō Budo is also an excellent way to develop strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and overall health. Classes are appropriate for all fitness and experience levels.

We lost a good friend this week. Rest in peace, Igor.
08/29/2026

We lost a good friend this week. Rest in peace, Igor.

Aikido RVA extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow practitioners of Sensei Igor Startsev upon his passing.

Sensei Startsev’s dedication to Aikido and his commitment to the principles of discipline, respect, harmony, and continuous learning touched the lives of many within Aikido as well as other martial art communities. His presence on the mat will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

At this difficult time, we honor his life and his teaching he leaves with those who had the privilege of training with him and learning from his example.

May his spirit and teachings continue to guide and inspire us.

Rest well, dear friend.

With deepest sympathy and respect,
Aikido RVA

The next session of Hokkon-ho Budo starts soon! Hokkon-ho Budo classes incorporate training methods from aikido, karated...
08/13/2026

The next session of Hokkon-ho Budo starts soon!

Hokkon-ho Budo classes incorporate training methods from aikido, karatedo, and tai chi chuan, arts that Zenzan Dojo chief instructor Shihan James Huss has studied for nearly four decades.

Classes consist of stances and basic movements that increase core strength and improve posture, repetitive drills that develop unconscious reaction under stress, and body conditioning for stamina and fortitude.

The exercises in Hokkon-ho Budo can be tailored to individual needs and are suitable for all age and fitness levels. Classes are held at Jane Lawton Community Center in Chevy Chase, MD. We welcome students age 14 and up.

Register for our fall session (Sept 16th-Dec 9th) here:
https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=516534263

Visit ZenzanDojo.com for more information.

07/23/2026

Just do aikido. ;)

06/19/2026

Just this morning I read two separate stories of young adults dying from minor falls.

Practice your ukemi.

rank certificates for the kids
06/12/2026

rank certificates for the kids

The next session of Hokkon-ho Budo starts soon! Hokkon-ho Budo classes incorporate training methods from aikido, karated...
05/20/2026

The next session of Hokkon-ho Budo starts soon!

Hokkon-ho Budo classes incorporate training methods from aikido, karatedo, and tai chi chuan, arts that Zenzan Dojo chief instructor Shihan James Huss has studied for nearly four decades.

Classes consist of stances and basic movements that increase core strength and improve posture, repetitive drills that develop unconscious reaction under stress, and body conditioning for stamina and fortitude.

The exercises in Hokkon-ho Budo can be tailored to individual needs and are suitable for all age and fitness levels. Classes are held at Jane Lawton Community Center in Chevy Chase, MD. We welcome students age 14 and up.

Register for our summer session now: https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=488976314

Visit ZenzanDojo.com for more information.

04/26/2026

So easy a three-year-old can do it. :)

Zenzan Dojo

Hokkon-ho Taikyokuken Kiko発根法太極拳気功ZenzanDojo.com
01/04/2026

Hokkon-ho Taikyokuken Kiko
発根法太極拳気功

ZenzanDojo.com

Taikyokuken Kiko (Tai Chi Qigong) are the basic exercises for Hokkon-ho Budo practice. They are derived from the Yang Style Tai Chi Qigong of Shifu D**g Zhen...

The safety whistles have arrived. 👊Zenzandojo.com
01/03/2026

The safety whistles have arrived. 👊

Zenzandojo.com

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Greenville, SC

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