Dojo 道場

A Place To Begin Your Journey

The West Los Angeles Dojo was established in 2001 by Mark Franco, who was entrusted by Soke Masaaki Hatsumi to represent, transmit and teach the traditions of the 9 Schools (Ryu-ha) found within the Bujinkan. Our goal is to preserve and pass on these traditions to those with a sincere heart.

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Our Team

Welcome to our Team! We are a group of highly skilled martial arts instructors who specialize in teaching both kids and adults. Our focus is on developing overall physical coordination and personal growth through the practice of martial arts. With our expert guidance, you'll be able to achieve your goals and become best version of yourself. Join us today and experience the transformative power of martial arts!

Mark Franco

Dojo-cho & Lead Instructor

Shane King

Instructor

Alexandra Rothering

Instructor (Kids & Youth)

CLASSES

Adult Kobujutsu

15 & Up

The Adult program centers around the study of classical Japanese Samurai era martial arts (Kobujutsu), which encompasses a range of Japanese attack and defense skills, jujutsu such as joint locks, throws, chokes, and escapes, together with the utilization of traditional Samurai weapons including the katana (sword), spear, and bo (staff). The program places a strong emphasis on the significance of efficiency of movement.

Shinobi Youth

Ages 7-14

The Shinobi Youth Program centers around developing foundational Japanese jujutsu, hand-to-hand skills, jumping and tumbling, footwork, along with an introduction to basic weapons (Sword, Pole-arms, etc.). This class will also introduce the student to basic meditation in an effort to develop concentration and awareness.

Karate (Young Adult)

Ages 7-14

Our Youth Karate program, based in Goju Ryu Karate founded by Chōjun Miyagi, promotes physical and mental development, along with self-defense, discipline, and respect while improving fitness, coordination, and focus, along with instilling valuable life skills such as perseverance and goal-setting, boosting confidence and self-esteem.

Karate Kids

Ages 4-6

Our Karate Kids program utilizes the skills and techniques of Goju Ryu Karate and emphasizes child development and personal safety, while also promoting confidence and focus through martial arts practice. Additionally, the program includes striking, kicking, blocking, footwork, and coordination exercises.

Ko-Bujutsu 古武術

A Comprehensive Martial Arts System

At the West Los Angeles Dojo, we practice Kobujutsu 古流 (classical Japanese martial arts), which is an all encompassing combat method utilized on the battlefields of Japan during the height of the Samurai era (Sengoku Jidai-Warring States Period). It emphasizes the integration of practical and efficient self-defense techniques with Taijutsu as the core principle. The collective and comprehensive methodology involves using the body's natural movements in hand-to-hand combat and classical Japanese weapons such as the yari (spear), katana (sword) and bō (see below) neutralizing the opponent.

Taijutsu 体術

Body Methodology

Taijutsu is a term used to describe the versatile and practical "operating system" that is the core movement within classical Japanese Martial Arts (Ko-ryu). Taijutsu is the nucleus of both armed and unarmed strategies utilizing efficient minimal effort to capitalize on the opponents force and attacks.

Within the development of Taijutsu, the practitioner will learn natural kinesthetic movement along with tumbling, strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks and more. It is a versatile and practical form of movement

Kenjutsu 剣術

Japanese Sword Methodology

Kenjutsu is a Japanese martial art that focuses on sword techniques. It involves the use of a katana, a traditional Japanese sword, and emphasizes development of proper timing, precision, and control.

Within our Kenjutsu (Katana/Sword) curriculum practitioners learn various techniques and strategies for both offensive and defensive strategies, along with sword drawing (Batto/Iai). The curriculum also includes the use and defense against short swords and knives, as well as the interaction of sword against other classical Japanese Samurai weapons other than sword i.e. spear, flexible weapons, thrown weapons, etc.

Nagamono Bugu

長物武具

Long Handled Weapons

Yari 槍 - Spear
Naginata 薙刀 - polearm with a curved single-edged blade
Roku Shaku Bō 六尺棒 - ~6' Polearm
San Shaku (Han) Bō 三尺棒 - ~3' (Half) Polearm
Jō 杖 - Walking Staff.

Buki 武器

Martial Arts Weapons

Kodachi 小太刀 - Short Sword
Tanto 短刀 - Dagger
Jutte 十手 - Truncheon
Kusari Fundo 鎖分銅 - Weighted Chain
Tessen 軍扇 - War Fan
Shuriken 手裏剣 - Throwing blades
Kyoketsu Shoge 距跋渉毛 - double-edged blade with weighted rope

Dojo-cho 道場長

Dojo Lead Instructor

Founded in 2001, the West Los Angeles Dojo is led by Mark Franco, M.Sc., a recognized Shihan (Senior Instructor) in the Bujinkan under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. With over 35 years of experience in the organization, Mark Franco is esteemed for his expertise in classical Japanese martial arts. Alongside his martial arts accomplishments, he holds a Master of Science degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Mark Franco's journey began in 1989 at the age of 17, driven by a passion for Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and guided by revered instructors and masters. As an instructor himself, Mark is celebrated for his insightful teaching style, which emphasizes not just technical prowess but also the philosophical and ethical aspects of martial arts training. His influence extends globally as he continues to inspire and mentor students, sharing both the profound heritage and practical wisdom of his disciplines.

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