Shudokan Martial Arts Association Home Page
What is the SMAA?
The Shudokan Martial Arts Association (SMAA) is an international coalition of enthusiasts dedicated to promoting traditional Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu. The SMAA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is headed by an elite group of high-ranking Japanese and Western instructors whose backgrounds encompass many decades of studying and teaching the traditional martial arts and ways of Japan.
Who can join?
The SMAA invites all individuals who are interested in traditional Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu to apply for membership. There are two levels of membership in the SMAA: full members are eligible to apply for rank and teaching titles; associate members receive all the other benefits of membership, but do not receive rank or titles. All members are bound by the SMAA Code of Ethics. For more information, see the Membership page and the Frequently Asked Questions page.
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The martial arts class is not required, and it will follow the Japanese yoga program, which starts at 7:00 PM. Since the Saigo Ryu aiki-jujutsu training will refer to principles of mind and body unification covered in the Japanese yoga class, everyone will want to participate in this first part of the evening. You can read more about both subjects at www.senninfoundation.com.
Wear loose clothing and bring a notebook. Preregistration is needed and easily accomplished. Just leave a voice mail at 510-526-7518. Give us your name and phone number, then indicate that you would like to participate in one or both classes. Let us know if anyone else is coming with you, and we'll see you on Thursday. Please arrive a few minutes early for general registration.
The classes will be taught by Troy Swenson Sensei, who has been studying and teaching at the Sennin Foundation Center for several years. He has teaching certification in Japanese yoga, and he received a black belt from the Shudokan Martial Arts Association Jujutsu Division. He is also the assistant editor of the SMAA Journal.
Don't miss your chance to learn how Japanese yoga and/or martial arts can help you realize better health, deeper calmness, and enhanced concentration in everyday life.
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The new SMAA Journal is out and packed with fun articles and photos. We’ve got some great excerpts from Strategy in Japanese Swordsmanship, Nicklaus Suino Sensei’s latest book. You’ll also find a report from
If you have not yet received the latest issue of the journal, it probably means we don’t have a current mailing address for you. Please send your correct e-mail address to hedavey@aol.com.
Not yet an SMAA member? You’re missing out on a great quarterly journal, one that’s packed with hard to find information about rare martial arts. Membership is just $20 (
Kevin Heard Sensei, SMAA Jujutsu Division Shihan and sixth dan, will present an introduction to Japanese yoga and Saigo Ryu martial arts on July 14. The event will take place in the San Francisco area, and it is FREE to SMAA members. You can read more in the Events section of this website. We hope to see everyone there!
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Kevin Heard Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor, was recently promoted to sixth-degree black belt by the SMAA Jujutsu Division. He is one of the original members of the SMAA, and he has been practicing Saigo Ryu martial arts for nearly 30 years.
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Don't miss the 2011 SMAA Europe Seminar in England! Featuring Suzuki Kunio Sensei, direct from Japan, who will teach classic Nakamura Ryu swordsmanship. This is your chance to learn the art of the samurai sword from an eighth-degree black belt and a member of the SMAA Board of Advisors.
Click on the link to learn more about this special event, which will be hosted by John Evans Sensei, SMAA Senior Advisor. But don't wait too long to register, as the number of students that can be accepted is limited to insure top quality instruction.
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Otsuka Yasuyuki Sensei, the current Soke (Headmaster) of Meifu-Shinkage Ryu, has joined the SMAA Board of Advisors. Meifu-Shinkage Ryu is based on Katori Shinto Ryu, one of Japan's oldest forms of koryu bujutsu. Meifu-Shinkage Ryu specializes in the use of shuriken (throwing stars and darts) and the fundo kusari, a weighted chain. Otsuka Sensei is one of the highest ranking martial artists in Japan and one of very few people in the world teaching an authentic system of shuriken-jutsu. His desire to join the SMAA points to the value of the work our group is doing internationally to promote and preserve genuine Japanese budo and koryu bujutsu.
The SMAA is active throughout the world and lead by both Western and Japanese martial arts experts. Otsuka Sensei joins a number of prominent martial arts teachers in Japan, who actively support our association and validate the ranks issued by the SMAA. Their presence in the SMAA speaks volumes about the importance of our group and the degree to which it is respected in Japan, the birthplace of budo and koryu bujutsu.
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