General Information

The Sekai Dentokan Bugei Renmei, Inc. (World School of Traditional Martial Arts Federation, Inc.), formerly known as the Kokusai Dentokan Bugei Renmei (International School of Traditional Martial Arts Federation), was founded in 1994 by Col (Ret) Roy J. Hobbs, Hanshi as a means of providing instruction, and certification, in the various martial arts he has studied and practiced for over 50 years.  The Dentokan is by design an independent martial arts association, which is purposely unaffiliated with any other martial arts organization.  If they so choose individual Dentokan dojo or individuals are free to join, train with, or affiliate with other martial arts groups or sporting authorities.

Mission: To preserve and teach the traditional martial arts of Japan (including Okinawa).  We strive to accomplish this in an environment free of intimidation, politics, and other distracters.  We further seek to foster a spirit of fellowship and understanding, welcoming all like-minded individuals, regardless of race, gender, ethnic background, religion, national origin, or physical handicap.

Vision: Build healthy minds, bodies, and spirits through the study of traditional martial arts.

Motto:  "One World – One Dentokan – One Family"

Dentokan Logo: The Imperial Regalia of Japan, also known as the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, consist of the Kusanagi sword, the Yata No Kagami mirror, and the Yasakani No Magatama jewel. The regalia represent the three primary virtues: Valor (the sword), Wisdom (the mirror), and Benevolence (the jewel). These three items have been a part of the Emporer's imperial enthronement ceremony since 620 [Source: Kido Koichi Nikii, Tokyo, Daigaku Shuppankai, 1966, pp. 1120-21]. This is a long standing tradition which is at the heart of the Japanese nation and its culture.

   For centuries depictions of the Yasakani No Magatama jewel have appeared on Japanese family crests, cultural symbols, and business logos. It is regarded as a symbol of the human spirit, and is considered good luck by many. We have it at the core of our Dentokan logo as a way of symbolizing all things truly traditional as it relates to Japanese Budo/Bugei. Benevolence, the underlying meaning, reflects the Dentokan's mission of bringing traditional martial arts to everyone regardless of their ability to pay, cultural backgrounds, ethnic origins, nationalities, religious persuasions, physical handicaps, etc.

   We chose the color purple for the Yasakani No Magatama jewel depiction because it is considered an imperial color in Japan. The green background symbolizes eternity or forever, meaning that through us the traditional martial arts of Japan will continue into the future.

Arts Represented: Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do, Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, Okinawa Kobudo, Ju-Jutsu/Aiki-Jutsu, and Iai-Jutsu.

Membership/Affiliation:  The Dentokan is largely made up of students of Sensei Hobbs, and their students.  Others wishing to join should seek out a Dentokan dojo, attend one of the Dentokan's regularly scheduled international courses, or sponsor a Dentokan Shihan to visit one's dojo.  Membership/affiliation cannot be granted without first having one's technique evaluated.  For more information please contact Sensei Hobbs (see below).

Location: Sensei Hobbs now lives and teaches in O'Fallon, Illinois, U.S.A. approximately 15 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri.   Please Email Sensei Hobbs (go to this site’s Home page and click on “Email Sensei Hobbs”) for training times and locations.