Welcome to the Bushikai Bugei Dojo Homepage!
When speaking of the Martial Arts one can imagine contests of skill and sport where trophies are won. This is a modern view. There is an older way........ known as Bujutsu. The student of Bujutsu does not strive for medals and trophies, rather the student strives for a better understanding of life.
Everyday we wake and ready ourselves for the world in front of us. We must understand that it is here, our daily life, which truly matters. Our understanding of self and our focus on life is most important. How we are at the office, at home, or on the street, our basic survival, this is Bujutsu,the art of the warrior.
The practice of traditional Bujutsu can still be found in the Bushikai Bugei Dojo (Society of the Warrior Martial Arts Training Hall),a Dojo whose teachings reach back over the centuries to the forefathers of many of today's modern Martial Arts styles . The Bushikai Bugei Dojo teaches a complete and traditional format of Bujutsu known as the Bugei Kyukei (9 Warrior Essentials).
The traditions of Japan's ancient warriors have much to teach us in our modern world. Men, women, and children alike will benefit from the lessons of discipline, respect, compassion, and self-protection taught at the Bushikai Bugei Dojo. Students at the Bushikai aim to integrate Mind, Body, and Spirit in order to achieve success on the "battlefields" of modern daily life.
Since 1989, The Bushikai Bugei Hombu Dojo has been providing instruction in Bujutsu / Classical Japanese Martial Arts in the Frederick, Maryland area. We are the home dojo of the Bushikai, founded by Michael "DaiTenshi" McGee, Kaicho.
We hope you enjoy our website and will stop by and visit us if you are in the area. This site is designed to provide you information about our facility, our style of martial arts, our instructors and how to contact us.
What are Classical Japanese Martial Arts?
Classical Japanese Martial Arts can be defined as a system of techniques for the protection of the self and the community at large; that were developed prior to 1868 in Japan. These techniques consisting of physical, mental and spiritual exercises were refined over centuries of conflict to forge the spirit, character and abilities of the individual so that he may be of service to others.
Techniques, skills and abilities that are martial in nature but do not benefit the practitioner and their community are generally not considered martial arts. Mutual benefit must be a component. The Classical Japanese Martial Arts utilize a variety of combat methods, including weaponless techniques ( such as grappling and striking), and the weapons of the Samurai, including the staff, sword, dagger and chain. Knowledge of defense against these weapons is also an important part of training.
Not all forms of self-defense are considered to be martial arts and our designation of Classical Japanese Martial Arts seeks to clarify that point.There is also a difference between martial art and martial sport; the sport application of a combat system is not a martial art. Strictly defined, martial arts are combat methods for killing an opponent in battle. It can be said that unless warriors were using a fighting system in battle, it is not truly a martial art. This statement is not meant to denigrate other systems of self-defense or martial sport but to make a distinction. Effective self-defense can be learned in a relatively short time, however our art (while providing a truly effective self protection method) seeks to go beyond the limitations of self defense and martial sport to provide our students with the means to create a meaningful life.
Why learn Classical Japanese Martial Arts?
Today, the martial arts are practiced for many reasons including health and fitness, law enforcement, spiritual benefits, stress reduction as well as for self-defense. Parents get their children involved to develop discipline, confidence, focus, and fun. And in a world of slick packaging and empty promises, many people are beginning to look for something traditional, something real, and something that will allow them to grow in meaningful ways. The Classical Japanese Martial Arts taught at Bushikai uniquely fulfill these needs.
