Come join us on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 4:00 pm at the Cherry Blossom Anime Festival (link) in Long Beach, CA where we will be performing a demonstration of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
We look forward to meeting you!
Artwork copyright © 2013 Don Schmidt
Happy New Year of the Snake. The Water Snake. The Year 2013 is the third Elemental sign of six, Water, within the sixth Animal sign of twelve, the Snake.
Taoists see water as wisdom and intellect with too much causing indecisiveness and lack of perseverance. Chinese astrology describes those born in the Year of the Snake as being reticent and contemplative. A Water Snake, it would seem, is quite an intelligent and insightful creature.
Water is essential for life; it represents flexibility; of finding a way. Too much water can harm; can kill; can destroy. Not mediocrity, but moderation. Balance. The third of six and the sixth of twelve. The middle and the middle. Center. Hara. Balance.
I’m not a Water Snake, but I’d like to be more like one.
Welcome! We had a bit of technical difficulties but are now back online. Thanks for stopping by!
Don Schmidt has been involved in the Martial Arts for about 28 years. He spent nearly half of that time exploring styles such as Kenpo Karate, Aikido, Kung Fu, and Jujitsu until he began training with Mr. Francois Petit in 1991. With Petit Sensei’s guidance, Mr. Schmidt earned a Shodan in Sankukai Goshindo Karate/Jujitsu, a system Petit Sensei developed from his extensive experience in Hakko Ryu Jujitsu, Karate, and Judo.
Schmidt Shihan was first introduced to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu in 1993 by Jeffrey Forest and trained under Forest Sensei until 1994 when Mr. Forest moved overseas to study. Between 1994 and 1996, Mr. Schmidt continued to train with other members of the group that Forest Sensei had assembled. At this time, Mr. Schmidt also began supplementing his training by attending lessons at the Bujinkan Ohoko Dojo under the leadership of Shihan Ronald Blackwood. It was through Blackwood Shihan that Mr. Schmidt was introduced to Shihan Phillip Legare. Mr. Schmidt began training with Legare Shihan in 1996 when he accepted work in the Washington, D.C. area. He trained regularly as a member of the Taka-Seigi Dojo in Maryland until his return to the Los Angeles, California region in 1999. Mr. Schmidt continues to train on a regular basis by teaching students of his own, visiting Blackwood Shihan’s Ohoko Dojo, attending seminars, and by annual trips to the Hombu Dojo in Japan. Mr. Schmidt maintains a close affiliation with Legare Shihan as member of the Taka-Seigi Dojo.
Welcome to Bujinkan Taka-Seigi – Long Beach!
Originally posted on June 25, 2012
If You are in the Long Beach, California Area, come explore an authentic Japanese martial art steeped in centuries of tradition: Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu!
The Art
Budo Taijutsu, sometimes known as Ninpo Taijutsu, is an art with roots derived from nine ryu or family-schools from Japan’s feudal past. This is not a sport, but a Martial Art in the truest spirit of koryu or traditional school. The techniques are practical and effective. Women find Budo Taijutsu especially effective as size and physical strength are not essential for success.
The Organization
The Bujinkan is an international organization under the guidance of its Grandmaster, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, world-renowned master of ninja and samurai arts. The Grandmaster orSoke encourages those who train with concise and far-reaching words: ”Keep Going!” His guidelines for conduct are clear and pragmatic. For more information on the Bujinkan, please visit www.bujinkan.com.
Training
At this time, we are only accepting adult students. Those interested in training are welcome to visit and even participate. Please apprise us of any health issues that may impact training and wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing for training. You’ll find a welcoming environment with patient and friendly members. For more information, please call 562-481-6065.
Location & Schedule
We train at KickBlast dojo, 1732 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90815. Occasionally, we train in a park setting or visit affiliated dojos. Our current schedule is Tuesday, 7:30-8:30 PM and Friday, 7:30-8:30/9:00 PM.
We look forward to meeting you!
Keep Going!
Don Schmidt, Shihan
15th dan
BTSB-LB
