OK, just to prepare those that read this, it is essentially going to be a consumer review, so brace yourself and grab a lemonade, you're gonna be here for a while.
Beginning when I was 14 years old (I am currently 32), I began training at the Samurai Academy. I was young and naive and expected an old Japanese man to teach -- like in the movies. This was not the case. I was a little disappointed until I discovered that the old white guy (who wore a causal button down shirt and black slacks instead of a uniform) that was teaching the classes was one of the BAAAAAAAAAAAADEST motor scooters you would ever come across. Sensei Jerry Warren, even in his advanced age, is still one of the quickest, most knowledgable, and tough guys I have had the privilege to know.
I trained at this dojo for about a year until I had to move on. In my early 20's I started to want to train again, so I did. By this time, Daniel Warren (Jerry's Son) was older and teaching himself. In the family tradition, he was beginning to teach and take the reigns from his father. I stuck with this training for 3 years this time, but once again, life got in the way and I was not able to continue my training.
As of today, I have continued my training again. This time under the guidance of Sensei Daniel Warren. So over the course of more than a decade, I keep going back to the same Dojo, regardless of where I live. Why is that? Let me explain.
In my time away from the Samurai Academy, I have tried several different martial arts, (Krav Maga, Ju-jitsu, boxing, etc.) and nothing comes close to the fullness and completeness of the training offered at the Samurai Academy nor the extensive knowledge of the instructors at the school.
Let me start off reviewing for an adult that may be interested:
This is a major source for physical fitness. In the 3 months that I have been back, I have lost 12 pounds and on course to lose more. We've all been to martial art schools where either the attitude of the dojo is super intense with egos fighting more than sparing on the mats or we have been to dojos where the instructors are so inept that you are wondering how they even figured out how to tie their shoes. This is not the case. Sensei Daniel has no ego, and he is one of the most competent martial artist that you will ever come across.
This school has a tradition of staying true to the old styles in which they teach. For example, many karate schools teach for competition or show. This style of teaching works great for a slap fight or a talent show, but for self defense, it is utterly useless.
Sensei Daniel teaches all of the original Shorin-ryu techniques. The eye gouging, bone breaks, soft point strikes, and break outs (among a whole host of other things) that might just save your life. It is truly combative art.
While Sensei Daniel does teach traditional empty hand techniques as well as weapons, he and his father have trained in many other styles as well. They incorporate escrima,kali, aikido, and modern weapon techniques such as firearm disarmament and knife and bat defenses as well. When I say you leave this place a complete weapon, I mean it. In other words, the instruction is there if you're willing to put in the work.
With the Judo, many schools have chosen to teach the Olympic style of Judo where once a point is scored, the match ends, and thats it. This was not the original Kodokan Judo. Those matches involved throws as well as ground techniques.
The Judo taught at the Samurai Academy is traditional. Many techniques that have now been banned in BJJ and Olympic Judo are taught. And I am grateful for this. I am getting the completeness of training, lacking nothing. I have rolled against BJJ guys and have not only held my own with them, but I prevailed against many of them. I owe this to the training I receive here at the Samurai Academy.
Now as for kids: This is a great Dojo for kids. Sensei Daniel has a way of connecting with every person at their level. He is very patient, and enjoys helping people grow and become more self confident. I would call it a talent, but it is better described as a gift. If you want your child to truly learn and grow physically and mentally, this is the place to go.
I wish I had a few more hours to explain how much better this place is compared to everywhere else Ive trained, but I think what I have written so far will suffice.
SO TO GIVE A QUICK FAST REVIEW, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR GOALS OR OBJECTIVES ARE, THIS IS THE PLACE TO MEET THEM. read more
