Budo is the way of the warrior; it embraces all the Japanese martial arts. It is an aspect of traditional culture that has evolved through centuries of historical and social change.

Budo is the method, the teaching, that enables you to understand perfectly the nature of your own mind and self, and leads you to discover your own original nature, to awaken from the numbness of the ego and accede to higher, fuller personhood.

This is the essence of Budo. It is not the art of fighting, of narrow technique, but an art of personal refinement and of protecting the quality of life.

At AKA, we realize people come to study Martial Arts from all walks of life, and for many reasons: self-defense, exercise, a sense of camaraderie, a social outlet, weight loss, and so on.

While we stress the spirit of Budo, we welcome all students, regardless of skill level, and work hard to ensure they have an enjoyable and productive time on the mat.

Benefits of Martial Arts training:
  • Development of an all-encompassing awareness to be ready for anything, at any time.
  • Development of "no mind" which allows spontaneity of action.
  • Attainment of a state of equanimity, imperturbability, calmness, confidence, and focus.
  • Improved stamina, posture, flexibility, and coordination.
  • Self-defense techniques that work even when your attacker is bigger and stronger than you.
  • Practical training geared toward dealing with real aggressors, not tournament competitors.
  • Increased poise and resourcefulness in the face of crisis and conflict.
  • A bearing and attitude that helps to defuse potential conflicts before they start.
  • Healing of old fears and traumas related to conflict and aggression.
  • Meeting good people.
  • Above all, fun!
Spiritual development
We strive to teach our students to have an indomitable spirit and to never give up. Students learn to believe in themselves as well as the positive affects they can bring about by giving of themselves. They learn to have faith in others in their life to guide them to the next level of accomplishment in their goals.

Respect
Respect is a way of life. The students are taught to respect others, themselves, and their skills. A solid foundation of self-respect prepares one for life's challenges.

Character
Character is attained by being well developed physically, mentally, spiritually and with respect for yourself and others. Striving to develop character within each student is what separates Martial Arts from sports and fitness programs.

Mental development
Training in Martial Arts develops focus and the ability to concentrate on the task at hand while being aware of one's surroundings. To become highly skilled in the Martial Arts, one must be calm, centered, and focused towards the task at hand. A strong mind is developed through training.

Physical development
Our instructors strive to improve a student's physical abilities at all levels. Training increases physical fitness, athletic ability, coordination, concentration, helps with weight loss, self-defense skills, enhances one's speed, power, flexibility, and develops well rounded, versatile Martial Artists.

Some general precepts
Overcome your own ego. Don't take yourself too seriously or too personally. Life is not all about you. Realize there is more to the over all plan that you know or can control. Let it go and turn it over.

Realize that you don't have to develop what you already have. Train your mind to let go and see through the illusions.

All things come with time and training. Enjoy the journey.

Read about Budo, Bujutsu, and Aikido. Take some of the principles, like harmony, and apply it to everything you do.

Think and act with honor, compassion, and courage towards all, even those that really get to you. See their fear and pain and extend your loving protection to them.

Bushido and The Four Oaths (Yamamoto Tsunenori):
  • Never be late in respect to the Way of the Warrior.
  • Be useful to your Lord.
  • Be respectful to your parents.
  • Rise beyond love and grief to exist for the good of man.
Yagyu Munenori:
  • Keep inwardly calm and clear even in the midst of violent chaos.
  • Never forget about the possibility of disorder in times of order.
  • If you do not see the dynamic of a situation, you may remain too long in company where you should not be and get into trouble for no reason.
Musashi:
  • Do not think dishonestly.
  • The Way is in training.
  • Become aquainted with every art.
  • Know the Way of all professions.
  • Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
  • Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
  • Perceive those things which cannot be seen.
  • Pay attention, even to trifles.
  • Do nothing which is of no use.
In general:
  • Never remain in line with danger unless it can be controlled and your interest is to use the fact that you can control it to limit the danger.
  • Let your opponent’s actions determine your response. Do not attempt anticipate your responses. Sensitive opponents will sense your intent and be ready.
  • Pain creates movement, and movement controls balance. If the opponent does not feel any pain you may be forced to break bones.
  • Allow your opponent to help you, in fact do most of the work, involved in what you want to do to him or her.
  • Any power applied while your opponent retains balance can and probably will be used against you.
  • Every move you make should improve your defensive and offensive capabilities.
  • When you are in real trouble, remember; subtly will be far move effective than strength.
  • If you unbalance the mind, you unbalance the body. The reverse is not necessarily true.
  • Always use body power, not arm or leg power.
  • The understanding of time and distance are critical to any martial art. Small, accurate movements are more effective than large ones because they use less time.
  • Never give your opponent a second chance at you. Do what ever is necessary and appropriate to the situation the first time.