The Hidden Dojo/Shindenkan Budo focuses on Japanese Jujutsu and Japanese Swordsmanship, but also offers classes in self defense, Japanese language, fitness and military based combatives. I have spent most of my life as a martial artist training alongside Derek Morris Sensei. Though the Hidden Dojo/Shindenkan Budo stays true to it's Japanese roots, I find it to be the most well rounded/open minded school I've ever had the pleasure of training with. Training methods span the globe using elements from many styles of martial arts. The Hidden Dojo goes beyond the "teacher say... student do" method of teaching. Careful instruction ensures a path towards continued learning. However, students will also find that they learn from each other. Students are led to discover the details of a technique and at every level discover more about what once seemed basic. Several times a year, students are given opportunities to train amongst the highest ranked instructors as well as the heads of our arts. Such unique experiences often take place right in Lancaster, but also offer an opportunity to train across the country as well as in Canada, Europe and Japan. Though students of the Hidden Dojo/Shindenkan Budo develop physical skills, they also cultivate strong character, mindful living, and creative thinking. The Hidden Dojo is a humble dojo. But high quality martial arts, high quality instructors turning out high quality people... that's what they are about. As an instructor I hope to model my school after the school that has given so much to me. JP Mamaril Sensei - Dojo-cho Saratoga Budo/Shinsenkan Budo Saratoga Springs, NY read more

When I first wrote the review the owner responded by saying they will work on it. Well, that was a lie. Months later, not only is is still happening. But, I've noticed on certain days the talking amongst the parents has gotten worse. It's super annoying and disrespectful and it's disturbing the flow of the class. Very disappointed. I'm going to look elsewhere. Again the low star rating is for the talkative loud parents and management not doing anything about it. read more

Highly recommended, my kiddos love it there, the people are very friendly and helpful! read more

This dojo is amazing!! The main sensei is incredibly thoughtful and talented when it comes to teaching martial arts. There was one assistant instructor I came across, and she was extremely helpful with the kids and my daughter LOVES her!!! If you're thinking of learning any sort of martial arts, this place is the best place to learn juitsu! read more

It's a decent place to start. My son seemed to enjoy it but ultimately decided to not attend anymore. If you try to engage with the instructor from a simple hello to a question he will either blatantly ignore you or retreat to his office. So any conversation should be directed to the other staff apparently. read more

This a fantastic place !!! My children love this place , I have a 5 , 3 and 1 yr old . They are always asking when they can go back . Attached is a place called Go Ninja. Also very awesome. It is worth it to set some time aside and check this well run and well respected place out . read more

The Hidden Dojo - Go Ninja training center . Attached to The Hidden Dojo - Martial Arts Near Me - Lancaster, California

We love The Hidden Dojo! The whole atmosphere is very family friendly and the methods in which they teach are gentle, but solid. We tried another dojo out before committing to this one and it was a night and day difference. The environment here is calm and relaxed, and has taught my son so much respect and self awareness. read more

The Hidden Dojo - Martial Arts Near Me - Lancaster, California

Really a great place for all ages, but for the kids even better. Life learning skills, preparation on building better adult citizens for our future. I'm really glad to be a part of this place. Responsible & polite people. Really nice new expansion- check it out read more

The Hidden Dojo - Nice new place, expanded - Martial Arts Near Me - Lancaster, California

Very knowledgeable instructor. All staff is very professional and they connect with you and your child on a personal level. They really motivate your child to do his or her absolute best. Very encouraging, and nothing but positivity comes from this place. Pricing is great and your child has lots of fun playing games at the end of class. Highly recommend this Dojo to anyone who want their child to participate in ju jitsu. Out of al the Dojos I've researched this is by far the best one. read more

Our family absolutely loves The Hidden Dojo! Derek and his staff are amazing with the kids. They are patient, encouraging, and really take the time to make sure the kids are understanding what they are being taught. Derek also takes the time to instill what it means to be a leader and to have good character. My son looks forward to training every week! We would definitely recommend this Dojo to family and friends (and all of you in Yelpville ;) )!! read more

The Hidden Dojo - Derek is there most class sessions. He's wonderful with the kids! - Martial Arts Near Me - Lancaster, California

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I have been training here for some time now, and I love it as much if not more as when I started. This Dojo has a everything from a kids self defense to a complete Japanese fluency program. The kids programs are taught throughout the week and at various times so parents have the flexibility they need. If you are an adult looking for a traditional martial art, this is the place for you. read more

Derek is a good instructor who breaks down moves into steps in a way kids (and even adults) can perform and remember them. Problems arise though when it comes time to test. Derek tells you your child is ready, and you make sure by paying for extra private lessons with him, and not the cheaper ones with the youth instructor. After private lessons, you ask to be sure that the child is ready, and he confirms it. Then testing happens. Your martial artist gets paired with someone who is not ready. This slows things down during the test, but your child helps the other child make it through the test. At the end, your child is left at the front of the class with the person who was their partner without their new belt. They have failed the test in front of 40 or 50 people. Several - in fact, all of the others receive their belts. Derek goes to the two who failed, and tells them they took too long to get through a skills part of the test. (if you're counting, that's the third time he lets the child down: says their ready, then fails them; humiliates them in front of 40 or 50 people by not giving the belt; and penalizes the child who was slowed down trying to help their partner). Your child argues the issue about being slow. So, Derek's next excuse is that the child is younger than he thought. Then, when that flies like a lead balloon, he says that they need more 'seasoning', and to trust their teacher. Your child has just helped their partner through the test, and they need more seasoning? (Note here, the ones who passed the test were not universally of a higher skill level than your child). More seasoning? Trust? Perhaps these problems don't happen with many students. But I find it hard, if not impossible, to trust such an instructor. Being unfair on multiple counts, and embarrassing the student in front of a large crowd are not the marks of a good teacher. My child has overcome the feelings of being treated unfairly, and being embarrassed. But she has decided not to retake the test. And I really don't know where it goes from here. read more

As a student of the martial arts for more than ten years, I can say without hesitation that this school, despite its small number of students, is among the finest I have ever visited. The sensei is a well rounded and versatile teacher, who offers expert level instruction in traditional martial arts, hand to hand combat, the way of the sword, and even the Japanese language. Whatever kind of teaching you are seeking, you can almost certainly find it here. The programs available here include kids classes, adult sessions, basic self defense instruction, physical fitness programs, and more. A well trained and qualified team of instructors is always present, headed by Morris-sensei, a man who holds three separate legitimate black belts. Morris-sensei has been teaching at this current location for over eight years. Whether you are just starting out in your martial arts path or you have been walking it for many years, there will always be more to learn, and you can learn it here from some of the best in the world. Whether you're ready to start training, or if you're simply just curious about what it looks like, I highly recommend that you come and see it for yourself. There truly is nothing like it. read more

If you're lucky enough to find the hidden dojo you are in for a treat! I started training at The Hidden Dojo in 2011 and it was easily one of the best choices I have made in my life! It is a great place and has classes for everyone and for all ages. They have some of the most approachable and friendly instructors I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. The general vibe in all of the classes is extremely positive. This place taught me so much about what we are all capable of, and it has given me an new set of principles I still live by today. They have taught my how to Cultivate my Character by Training Daily, which takes a lot of Discipline.Training everyday doesn't always mean you have to be in the Dojo or hitting a bag or practicing techniques every day, It could be as simple as thinking of ways to help improve yourself and/or others either physically, mentally, or even spiritually. As your skills improve, you have to stay Humble! After awhile people may start to look up to you as a Role Model which will open up great opportunities for you to Contribute, weather it is your fellow students, family or society. Although I am in the Navy now and haven't been back in quite some time, I will most certainly put forward the effort to make a trip out specifically to spend a couple days training here again. With that being said, Thank you to the Hidden Dojo family for all you have given to me throughout the years!! read more