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DAIBUDO KODENKAN MATSUNO KENSHUKAI

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DAIBUDO KODENKAN MATSUNO KENSHUKAI

Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai is a nonprofit dojo in Tucson teaching traditional Jujitsu, Judo & Okinawan Karate. Ages 7+.

Preserving the legacy of Danzan-Ryu & Shorin-Ryu. The KODENKAN BUDOKAI, located in the Kodenkan Center martial arts school, is a group of students training under Barry Holck sensei in traditional Danzan-Ryu Judo/Jujitsu & Shorin-Ryu Karate. With regular practice students will learn self-defense skills, improve awareness & confidence, improve physical movement, flexibility, & strenght.

09/20/2026

Welcome back.

Let’s begin with the first of DKMK’s Seven Levels of Training and Self-Discovery:

Level 1: Foundation

Every martial art begins with a foundation.

Before a student can move quickly, apply a technique, adapt to resistance, or make good decisions under pressure, there must first be something solid underneath it all.

In DKMK, Foundation means learning the basic skills that everything else will depend upon.

That includes things such as stance, posture, balance, movement, breathing, coordination, falling safely, basic strikes, blocks, kicks, escapes, throws, and the ability to follow instruction and practice with control.

Another part of that foundation is ki’ai.

Kiai is often thought of simply as the shout used during a technique, but it is more than just making noise. It helps bring together breathing, focus, intention, timing, and committed movement.

At the beginning level, the student is learning how to coordinate the voice and breath with the physical action rather than treating them as separate things.

These skills may appear simple, especially after a student has been training for a while. But simple does not mean unimportant.

A weak foundation eventually shows itself.

A throw may fail because the feet were poorly positioned. A strike may lack effectiveness because the body was not properly aligned.

A student may understand an advanced technique but still struggle to perform it because balance, movement, breathing, or posture has not yet become reliable.

This is why experienced martial artists continue practicing the basics.

Foundation is not something we leave behind when we receive a new belt. It is something we continue returning to and refining throughout our training.

There is also another side to Foundation.

A student is beginning to develop habits.

How do I stand when instruction begins?

Do I listen carefully?

Do I practice with purpose?

Do I become frustrated when something is difficult, or do I continue working at it?

Those habits become part of the foundation as well.

In that sense, Foundation is not only about learning how to move. It is also about learning how to learn.

As training continues, the basic movements gradually become more familiar. The student no longer has to think about every small detail in the same way.

A stronger foundation then allows the next level...Structure...to begin developing more clearly.

For now, consider these two questions:

What part of your own foundation has improved the most since you first began training?

What part of your foundation still needs work?

In the next installment, we will look at Structure...how the pieces of what we have learned begin to fit together.

09/17/2026

Over the next several posts, we will be introducing DKMK’s Seven Levels of Training and Self-Discovery.

Each part will be available in two formats: a written version for those who prefer to read, and an audio version for those who would rather listen. You are welcome to use either one...or follow along with both at the same time.

Each post will also include an image that reflects the theme of that particular level.

At DKMK, we try to present martial arts training in a way that does more than teach a student how to perform a technique.

A technique can be copied. A movement can be memorized. A kata can be repeated.

But real understanding develops gradually.

Over time, the student begins to understand not only what to do, but how it is put together, why it works, how it changes, when it should be used, and what responsibility comes with knowing it.

We describe that process through seven levels:

Foundation → Structure → Principle → Application → Adaptation → Judgment → Responsibility

Each level builds on the one before it.

Foundation gives us the basic skills we need to begin.

Structure teaches us how those skills are organized and connected.

Principle helps us understand why a technique works.

Application teaches us how to put that knowledge into practice.

Adaptation teaches us to adjust when the situation changes.

Judgment teaches us to decide what is appropriate, necessary, or sometimes unnecessary.

Responsibility reminds us that knowledge and skill carry obligations...to our training partners, our students, our school, and the people around us.

At first, these may seem like separate stages. With continued training, however, they begin to overlap.

Eventually, the ideal is that they no longer function as seven separate thoughts. They begin to operate together as one integrated whole.

The experienced practitioner does not stop in the middle of a technique to think separately about stance, balance, distance, principle, timing, judgment, and responsibility. Training gradually brings these things together.

This is sometimes related to the Japanese martial concept of mushin, or “no-mind.” Mushin does not mean that the mind is absent or that a person acts unconsciously. It refers to a state in which the practitioner is fully present and able to respond without unnecessary thought interfering with the moment.

That kind of integration cannot be rushed.

It develops through repetition, correction, experience, mistakes, reflection, and time.

This series will look at each of the seven levels individually...not only as a way of understanding martial arts training, but also as a way of understanding our own development.

Because one of the deeper questions behind training is this:

How does something we first learn externally eventually become part of who we are?

That is where the journey begins.

In the next few days, we will begin with the first level: Foundation...what it means, why it matters, and how everything that follows depends upon it.

08/28/2026

Like the natural progression of a strong tree, genuine growth in martial arts begins below the surface. Before the branches can reach outward, the roots must take hold. Before strength becomes visible, a foundation must be established.

Martial arts training should not create an imaginary image of ourselves as powerful, fearless, or superior. It should help us see ourselves honestly and develop from there.

Each class sends our roots a little deeper through discipline, patience, humility, respect, and perseverance. In time, these inner qualities begin to appear outwardly through confidence, ability, and character.

A belt does not create a student’s identity or determine their worth. It represents a stage of development and the responsibilities that come with it.

The purpose of training is not merely to develop stronger techniques. It is to help each student become a more honest, disciplined, capable, and authentic representation of themselves.

08/19/2026

Support DKMK every time you shop, and it won't cost you a thing.

Download the Givebacks app, follow Daibudo Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshukai, and link your card. Every qualifying purchase at hundreds of stores and restaurants automatically generates a donation to our dojo. No extra cost to you, ever.

Every little bit helps us keep our doors open, grow our scholarship program, and continue serving the Tucson community through traditional martial arts.

Visit dkmk.givebacks.com to get started.

08/05/2026

I found an interesting article about Karate stances that echoed many of the principles we emphasize at DKMK.

The article explained that while deep stances have value for developing strength, balance, and body mechanics, practical self-defense requires something different. The goal is not to stand low for the sake of appearance. The goal is to move naturally, efficiently, and without unnecessary motion.

That idea extends beyond Karate.

In our Shorin-ryu Karate classes, we practice formal stances because they teach important lessons about posture, balance, stability, and power. As students gain experience, they learn that a stance is not a rigid position. It is simply the body organized for the task at hand.

In Danzan-ryu Jujitsu, we don't emphasize formal stances in the same way. Instead, we naturally lower our center of gravity when entering a throw, maintaining balance, or applying a technique. Once the technique is complete, we move again. Mobility is always important.

One statement from the article especially stood out:

"No superfluous movement."

That is an excellent principle for all martial artists.

Every unnecessary motion costs time, energy, and may even reveal your intentions. Whether you are blocking, striking, escaping, throwing, or applying a joint lock, efficiency matters.

This also illustrates the difference between learning techniques and understanding principles.

A beginner sees hand positions, footwork, and body placement. An experienced martial artist sees timing, balance, distance, body connection, and efficiency. The visible movements often become smaller because the invisible principles have become stronger.

At DKMK, our goal is not simply to teach students what to do. It is to help them understand why it works. Techniques may differ between Karate and Jujitsu, but the principles of balance, timing, efficiency, and purposeful movement unite them both.

That is where real martial arts begin.

07/14/2026

Lessons from the Old Masters

As many of you know, Shihan Barry Holck loved sharing stories from the martial arts. Some were humorous, others inspiring, but the ones that stayed with you always carried a lesson. Barry understood that martial arts aren't passed down only through techniques. They're also passed down through stories, preserving the character, values, and mindset of those who came before us.

Recently I watched a recorded conversation between two respected Okinawan karate masters, Seikichi Iha Sensei (1932–2024) and his longtime student, Koichi Nakasone Sensei. Their discussion was recorded in Okinawa in 2020 and later carefully transcribed and translated from both Japanese and Uchinaguchi, the traditional language of Okinawa, to preserve these memories for future generations.

During their conversation, Iha Sensei asked Nakasone Sensei to recount a story he had learned from Iha's own teacher, the renowned Okinawan karate master Shinpan Gusukuma Sensei.

Earlier in the discussion, they reflected on Shinpan Sensei's approach to karate. Although he had studied other methods, he believed there was no need to abandon or replace what he had learned. In his view, Shorin-Ryu already contained the practical principles needed for real self-defense. Rather than searching for something different, he devoted himself to understanding his art more deeply.

Nakasone Sensei then shared this story.

According to Shinpan Sensei, he was once surrounded by a group of young men looking for trouble. He knew there were too many of them to fight. He also knew that if they attacked together, he couldn't possibly defeat them all.

So he stopped, looked directly at them, and said,

"I may not be able to defeat all of you...but the first one who attacks me, I will kill him.”

There was no shouting or threats and no attempt to intimidate. He simply stated it as fact.

The young men looked at one another. Every one of them understood that Shinpan Sensei meant exactly what he said. None of them wanted to be the first.

As Shinpan Sensei took a step forward, the group stepped back.

He took another step.

Again, they backed away.

Step by step, the distance between them grew until the group finally dispersed without a single blow being exchanged.

At first glance, the story may sound harsh to modern ears, but that isn't the lesson the old masters intended.

The lesson wasn't about violence. It was about resolve.

The young men weren't driven away because Shinpan Sensei was loud or angry. They backed away because they recognized absolute commitment. They believed his words because his life, his training, and his bearing gave those words credibility.

Today, we teach our students to avoid conflict whenever possible, to de-escalate situations, and to use force only when there is no reasonable alternative. Those principles remain just as important now as they were then. Yet the lesson still endures.

True confidence doesn't come from boasting or intimidation. It comes from disciplined training, sound judgment, and a calm spirit. People often recognize genuine resolve long before a physical confrontation ever begins.

Perhaps that's why Shihan Barry enjoyed stories like this so much. Behind every tale from the old masters was a lesson that reached far beyond punches, throws, or techniques. They reminded us that the greatest victories are often the ones in which no fight takes place at all.

Sensei DKMK

With appreciation to the producers of the Sensei: Masters of Okinawan Karate series for recording, translating, and preserving these conversations for future generations.

07/12/2026

Walking in Foundation – Final Reflection

Over the past several weeks, I've shared a series of reflections about the lessons quietly learned in the dojo. We've talked about respect, perseverance, correction, patience, responsibility, and the foundations that often shape us long before we recognize their value.

Many have asked where these reflections came from.

They come from a book I wrote called Walking in Foundation: Character Formation Through Traditional Martial Arts.

I originally wrote it as a companion for the parents and families of our students. I wanted them to better understand that while children come to the dojo to learn self-defense, something deeper is also taking place. Character is being formed one class, one correction, one success, and even one failure at a time.

As the book grew, I realized these lessons extend well beyond the dojo. They speak to parents, teachers, mentors, coaches, and anyone interested in how discipline, respect, and steady guidance shape a person's life.

If these weekly reflections have encouraged or challenged you, you'll find many more in the pages of Walking in Foundation.

As a nonprofit dojo, proceeds from the book help support the ongoing work of Daibudo Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshukai and our mission of serving students and families in our community.

Thank you for following this journey with me. Your comments, encouragement, and reflections have made this series far more meaningful than I ever expected.

This may be the end of Walking in Foundation... but every path begins with a foundation.
Until next time…

— Sensei DKMK

07/08/2026

Congratulations to our newest Yellow Belts, Gokyu, in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu.
These students are among the youngest on our mats, but they carry themselves with a discipline and focus well beyond their years. Earning a belt at the dojo is never just about time served. It reflects real effort, real attention, and a genuine respect for the art and the tradition behind it.
We often talk about the tiny warrior spirit here, and these students embody it. Small in stature, steady in practice, and full of heart. This rank is only the beginning of what we know will be a long and rewarding path in the martial arts.
We are proud to call them part of our dojo family and look forward to watching their growth continue.

07/07/2026

Walking in Foundation - Growth Takes Time

When a seed is planted, the most important work happens beneath the surface.

The gardener waters the soil, removes weeds, and makes sure the young plant has what it needs. Yet no amount of watching will make it grow faster. Growth follows its own pace.

Martial arts training is much the same.

Students sometimes become discouraged because they cannot yet perform a technique smoothly, remember every detail, or advance as quickly as they hoped. They compare themselves to others and begin measuring progress by what they can already do instead of by who they are becoming.

Real growth is often less dramatic than we expect.

A student who once became frustrated after every mistake now tries again without giving up. A child who struggled to pay attention begins listening more carefully. Someone who lacked confidence volunteers to demonstrate for the first time. Another student accepts correction with appreciation instead of embarrassment.

These moments may seem small, but they are signs that something deeper is taking root.

At Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai, we understand that instructors cannot force growth. We can provide guidance, encouragement, correction, and opportunity. The student must continue showing up, practicing, and trusting the process.

Strong roots develop long before anyone sees the tree.

The same is true of character. The strongest foundations are built one class, one lesson, and one choice at a time.

06/29/2026

Walking in Foundation - Respect Is Something You Practice

When people think about martial arts, respect is often one of the first values that comes to mind. They see students bowing, addressing instructors appropriately, and following dojo etiquette. While these traditions are important, respect extends far beyond outward gestures.

True respect is not simply something we say. It is something we practice.

Respect can be seen in the way students listen when others are speaking. It appears when training partners work together safely and help one another improve. It is demonstrated when students accept correction without resentment and when instructors teach with patience rather than ego.

Respect also includes how we carry ourselves. It means arriving prepared, taking training seriously, and recognizing that everyone in the dojo is there to learn. Regardless of age, rank, or experience, every person deserves to be treated with dignity.

One of the lessons martial arts teaches over time is that respect is not reserved only for instructors or senior students. It extends to training partners, visitors, family members, and even those with whom we may disagree. The habit of showing respect in the dojo often becomes a habit that follows students into school, work, and daily life.

At Daibudō Kodenkan Matsuno Kenshūkai, respect is not viewed as a rule to be memorized. It is part of the culture we strive to build and preserve. Like balance, timing, and technique, it develops through consistent effort and conscious practice.

The strongest students are not always the fastest, the most athletic, or the most talented. More often, they are the ones who understand that martial arts is not simply about what they can do, but how they choose to conduct themselves while doing it.

In that sense, respect is more than a tradition. It is a skill that grows stronger the more it is practiced.

Address

3127 N Stone Avenue #115
Tucson, AZ
85705

Opening Hours

Monday	4:30pm - 7pm
Wednesday	4:30pm - 7pm
Saturday	2:30pm - 4pm

Telephone

+15203955246

Website

https://kodenkanbudokai.com/

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