Bujinkan Rocket City Dojo

Before my recent Japan trip, I needed a new set of tabi. Daniel Lopez did NOT disappoint. I had about a week with them before I got to Japan, and they were absolute workhorses. Probably the best quality and workmanship, as well as the most comfortable pair I’ve ever owned. Highly recommend if you’re in the market.

A little late on the post, but back from Japan and clear of the jet lag. Another great trip in the books. Great training with great folks. Our teachers are happy and healthy. As always, lots to work on. See you next time, 日本。

SETK 2026!!!

June 12th -14th . Botetourt VA. Website and Details coming soon !

Hey Huntsville! We're looking for ways to make beginning YOUR Martial Arts journey more accessible! One of the biggest barriers to entry is taking that FIRST STEP -- walking in the door!

To make that first step even MORE accessible, we want to offer an Open to ALL workshop -- and we need YOUR help to decide just what topic, or area of introduction would be most likely to encourage you to take that first step!

Options Include:

👍 "Intro to Martial Arts": Super basic ideas like postures, basic strikes, basic movements, etc. Think, "getting comfortable from a starting point of zero."

❤️ "Basic Sword/Katana": Always wanted to learn Japanese Sword? Well, here's a starting point. Proper handling, proper cutting, drawing, and receiving/blocking with a sword. (No live blades).

😮 "Basic Stick-Fighting": Hanbo (3ft stick), Edakoppo (short stick), and/or 6ft staff basics: postures, basic striking and moving with a bo.

Let us know in the comments what would drive YOU to visit the dojo and start your Martial Arts journey, or -- drop your own suggestion below!

The most fighting you’ll do in the Dōjō will be not with your partner, but with yourself.

Development in the Dōjō even though you are with others, is a solitary pursuit. Buyu ( martial friends ) are persons on the tatami with you following the same stoney path. Together, you support each other through challenges in blood,sweat and tears that turn to laughter and heartfelt communication through a deepened acceptance and trust of each others lives.

I always say that as soon as you step onto the tatami, you are naked for everyone to see.
There is only so long that you can hide or disguise your weaknesses or shortcomings.
Budô is about having the Konjô ( guts/determination ) to work through these things that inhibit one’s progression to live a better life.

The more I practice, the more it reveals within me so much that I have to work on, both in Budô and my personal life. I sometimes feel quite melancholy in times of realisations, however, I cannot hide from my weaknesses. I allow myself to feel any emotions and accept them. I then do my best to keep going forward knowing that with this uncomfortable realisation, I have the ability to make changes. No matter how long it takes to work at things, I also acknowledge that I may never be completely able to fully address personal obstacles in one’s lifetime. I think it’s important to give one’s self enough slack to accept this possibility and not allow this knowing to destroy one’s life. This is where Budô and its philosophical lessons assist. Fudôshin becomes an integral concept that truly helps find a balance in the often difficult and chaotic lives we live both internally and externally.

Sôke would say “Keep going!” This is the secret to Budô and life. As simple as it sounds, the idea of enduring to the very end, requires much effort. It is the very essence of studying the art of Ninpô and understanding the kanji 忍.

南虎

This.

Many fail due to their inability to relinquish enough pride to become a student and endure the lessons transmitted via blood,sweat and tears.
Budô is hard. Quite simply, if one is unable to pursue the heart of the martial artist, the teachings will ultimately fall on deaf ears and be fruitless.

"Budô is not like modern technology. You need to put your heart in it. If you don't have a spirit of understanding and sacrifice, it means you're not yet prepared to enter the Dōjō.
Those who complain and rumor are the scum that dirty this place."

-Takamatsu Tosh*tsugu