We were honored to be invited to participate on the Martial Art stage at this year’s Houston Japan Festival. Three of our young ladies demonstrated techniques from Kukishin Ryu Biken Jutsu. In the second half of the demo Sensei Brian Simmons and our guest, his …
Abduction Prevention for Kids
Abduction Prevention for Kids – Workshops for giving kids skills to stay safe. Abduction Prevention for Kids is an interactive class where kids learn to identify strangers (good or bad), how to use their voice and when that is appropriate, and physical defense techniques appropriate …
Best of Liberty Hill in 2023
We’re excited to share the news! Best Martial Arts! Urban Defense Academy was voted: Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for us! It couldn’t happen without YOU !!! Check out all of the results from the Best of Liberty Hill in …
Dharma
In this installment of “Gifts from My Teacher” we are sharing more about traditional Japanese items that are often part of martial art dojos (schools). This article is about the Dharma Doll and the Shiminawa Rope and Origami Lightening Bolts. The red face doll is …
Japan Festival Houston 2023
Shin Gan Dojo* is honored to be participating in Japan Festival Houston 2023! We are excited and honored to participate in the performances on the martial arts stage for the Japan Festival in Houston this year on May 6th 2023! It is the 30th Anniversary …
On The Shelf
On the Shinto shelf (Kamidana) sit various items. As I was taught, most of those items represent elements that are necessary to support life itself: Fire via the candles, Salt, Water, Rice, Plant life etc… though one wonders whether Sake (rice wine) is necessary to …
Gun Safety
Let’s talk about gun safety. The firearm is inherently a dangerous weapon. However, its fatal nature can never be administered without human interaction. It has no will of its own. You can easily test this for yourself by placing a loaded weapon in a secure …
Shinto
The Shinto This is our next installment of “Gifts from My Teacher” where we are sharing about traditional Japanese items that are often part of martial art dojos (schools). The center focus and primary object on the Kamidana is the Shinto, a small shrine or …
Kamidana
The Kamidana… what is it? Let’s continue with our series about “Gifts from My Teacher“.Literally translated from Japanese, Kamidana means god shelf or spirit shelf. I am no expert in the Japanese culture, let’s start with that. But, I will share what I know about …
Gifts from My Teacher
You may have noticed some new additions to our dojo recently. These are gifts from my teacher. We have acquired a new Kamidana (spirit shelf) and a bigger Shinto along with some other articles found on the Kamidana and elsewhere. All of these items belonged …