Traditional Japanese Martial Arts
To endeavor your self to a serious study of martial arts will not be time wasted. Many have found their martial arts training to be useful for building up both their physical and mental health. Our students include a wide demographic of age, economic scale, and education. All are finding better ways and methods to better themselves in both their professional and private lives.
Budo translated means "Martials Arts/Ways."
The youth programs found at Bluegrass Budokai have been found by many students and parents to be the best-rounded activities that their children are a part of. The hallmark of our programs is that we insure that learning martial arts and the fitness element that go along with it are FUN! You child will be involved activities that include three important aspects: Experienced Instructors, Fitness, and Fun.
Translated means "The Way of harmonizing with internal strength."
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art; it is dedicated to self defense and focused upon throws, joint-locks and striking. Practitioners will train both empty handed as well as with weapons which include, sword, staff, and knife. Practically, the techniques taught in Aikido are designed to end a conflict with rapidity and permanence, but most practitioners find its usefulness to extend beyond martial tactics to assist them in personal growth and development.
Translated means "Gentle Way."
Bluegrass Budokai teaches the art of Kodokan Judo. Judo is the refinement of ancient art of Jujitsu. The founder of judo was Dr. Jigaro Kano. Dr. Kano, founded Judo after he studied several of the forms of Jujitsu and realized that this training was effective for both training the mind and body and spirit. Dr. Kano was quoted as saying the following: "While studying Judo, not only did I find it interesting, but also realized that it was most effective for the training of both body and mind. By taking together all of the good points I had learned by the various schools of jujitsu and adding together my own inventions and discoveries, I devised a new system for physical culture and moral training as well for winning contests. I call this Judo." Bluegrass Budokai continues this passion of training both body and mind by having classes that are physical and by encouraging everyone to educate themselves on other aspects of Judo. In class you will spend time learning both Tachi Waza (standing technique) and Ne-Waza (ground technique) and combine both in Randori (free practice). All training, both standing and groundwork will be further studied and focused training will look in different areas such as chokes, joint locks, hip throws, foot throws and others. Our training is not focused on training for competitions, and the many "rules" and regulations by which they are guided. Rather our Judo is focused on sincere, vigorous training so that our practitioners are prepared to handle situations both from a martial/tactical perspective as well as a more calm, confident approach to life as a whole.
Translated means "The Way of fitting into all life's situations."
Iaido is a martial art using a real or wooden sword in solo and paired practice. Iaido katas begin and end with a shealthed sword and hence involve the drawing [nukitsuke] and sheathing [noto] of the sword along with various steps in-between. Iaido is a very disciplined art and requires great concentration and alertness while remaining calm and relaxed. Through continuous practice of fundamentals and the katas the practitioner seeks to improve oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually. At times test cutting [tameshigiri] is done to ensure that proper practice and progression is being made by the student. New students are always welcome. Please contact our staff if you have any questions about class or weapons.
