All of our classes are co-ed, non-competitive, and open to adults of all fitness levels. No prior martial arts experience is needed. Each class consists of three sections: warm-ups, waza, and henka.
Who Are Our Classes For?
Our students are adults from all walks of life. Some come to us looking for practical self-defense skills. Others are drawn to the discipline and tradition of Japanese martial arts. What they all have in common is a desire to train in a focused, respectful environment where individual growth matters more than competition.
You do not need to be in great shape to start. You do not need any previous training. We meet you where you are and help you progress at your own pace through our traditional one-on-one teaching method.
Many of our students had no martial arts background. We have trained teachers, nurses, engineers, business owners, and retirees. Age and fitness level are not barriers. The techniques of Hakko
Denshin Ryu are designed to be effective for anyone because they rely on precise mechanics rather than brute force.
Women looking for practical self-defense training will find our classes especially valuable. The entire art is built around the idea that a smaller person can control and neutralize a larger attacker
through proper technique and leverage.
Waza: Traditional Techniques
The foundation of our training centers around waza, a set of traditional forms in Hakko Denshin Ryu. Our instructors and senior students work one-on-one with lower belts to transmit the refined techniques
of the art. Because of the defensive nature of these techniques and the acute pressure they put on an attacker’s joints, our forms must be practiced with a partner.
Waza training builds your understanding of leverage, body mechanics, and joint manipulation. These are the core principles that make Hakko Denshin Ryu effective regardless of your size or strength.
As you advance, the waza become more complex and demanding. Higher-level techniques incorporate throws, advanced joint locks, and subtle body positioning that can redirect an attacker’s energy. Students progress through a structured belt ranking system, with each level building on the skills of the previous one.
Henka: Practical Self-Defense Applications
Henka, or applications, take the techniques learned in waza and apply them to real-world self-defense situations. Instructors often begin with common attacks one might encounter on the street. We then
explore the various ways Hakko Denshin Ryu could humanely deal with an aggressor. We rely on causing enough non-destructive pain to our attacker’s joints that they lose the will to fight. In order to
protect ourselves during training, we let our partners know when they have achieved this by “tapping out.”
Henka training is where the art truly comes alive. You will practice defending against grabs, chokes, punches, and weapon attacks in a controlled setting. Over time, you develop the instincts and muscle
memory to respond effectively under pressure. This is not choreographed or scripted. Each session presents new scenarios that challenge you to apply your training creatively.
Class Schedule
Monday: 7:00-8:30pm
Friday: 7:00-8:30pm
Saturday: 10:00-11:30am
Located at 12924 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48150.
Our Training Environment
Throughout all of our training, we maintain a relaxed and collaborative environment. The purpose is not to dominate your training partner, but rather to help each other learn the techniques and applications
of the beautiful and effective traditional martial art of Hakko Denshin Ryu.
There is no sparring, no competition, and no pressure. Just quality instruction in a martial art that has been passed down through generations.
Our dojo follows the traditions of Japanese martial arts culture. Students bow when entering and leaving the mat, address instructors by their proper titles, and treat training partners with respect. This
structure creates a focused atmosphere where real learning happens. It also builds discipline and mental clarity that carries over into everyday life.
Ready to Try a Class?
Your first week is free. No commitment, no contracts. Just come to any class, introduce yourself, and we will take care of the rest. Email us at [email protected] or click the button below to sign
up.