01-16-05  Plans are being finalized for the 2005 International Dentokan Course.  This year's course is scheduled for July 22-25 in Izmir, Turkiye/Turkey.  The rough outline for the course is Karate on the 22nd, Jujutsu on the 23rd, Iaijutsu on the 24th, and testing on the 25th.  Adnan Safak Yuksel is the course organizer this year and he is working on the standard details like hotels, restaurants, ground transportation, sightseeing, etc.  Safak's contact information is available on the Shihans' page.  For your additional information, the 2006 International Dentokan Course is scheduled for Lusaka, Zambia, and it looks like it just might be Athens, Greece in 2007.

01-21-05  Welcome to Ben Haryo and his Goshin Budo Club members in Indonesia.  Ben and his students are now a part of the Dentokan family.  Ben's website can be found on our Links page.

02-27-05  Dentokan Hombu promotions of note for the month of February include Nigel Goodier to Shichidan & Kaiden in Aikijutsu/Jujutsu.  Promotion occurred at the end of Nigel's recent visit from England.  Also of note was SSgt Jason Gramling's promotion to Yondan-Shihan in Shorinryu Karate-Do.  Jason is now stationed at Scott Air Force Base and regularly trains under the guidance of Sensei Hobbs.  Congratulations to both Nigel and Jason.

07-31-05  Our Sixth Annual International Conference & Seminar in Izmir, Turkiye was a tremendous success.  Adnan Safak Yuksel Sensei's organization  made for a virtually flawless event.  The hospitality of the Turkish people was absolutely outstanding.  Many thanks to the Izmir Police Academy Commandant for allowing us to use the Academy's facilities for this year's event.  Future plans were discussed and finalized for next year's conference/seminar in Africa, 2007 in Greece, and 2008 again in Turkiye.  Of particular note was the decision to include an international Dentokan tournament as part of our activities during the 2008 event.  Initially we plan to include a tournament, as part of our conference activities, every other year.  More information to follow on this important step forward.  Finally, it should be noted that Adnan Safak Yuksel was promoted to Shichidan in Karate and Rokudan in Jujutsu.  He was also awarded the title of Kyoshi.

08-07-05  Mark and Peter Braggins were promoted to Yondan & Shihan in Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate at the recent international conference/seminar in Turkey.  A hearty congratulations to the both of them!

12-05-05 From our very active brothers and sisters in Indonesia:  On Friday, December 2nd 2005, the Goshinbudo Jujutsu Indonesia Club is proud to announce that Mr. Khu Chen Yong (Trisno Kuswanto) has been appointed as Club President.  He has received promotion to 4th Kyu (Blue Belt) from Mr. Taman (JKF-Wadokai Nanadan Renshi) and 3rd Kyu (Purple Belt) in Dentokan Jujutsu under Ben Haryo.  He is now working towards achieving black belts in both arts.  Mr. Khu Chen Yong is also Kuntao (Kung Fu) stylist from his family line.  He is 3rd Generation Chinese-Indonesian living in Jakarta, Indonesia.  His family descended from Fuijan, South China, and settled in Indonesia in the 50s.  Goshinbudo Jujutsu Indonesia Club is the only representative club of Dentokan Jujutsu in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.  Ben Haryo, the Founder and Chief Instructor of this club, is the first Dentokan Jujutsu black belt in Indonesia.  Mr. Khu Chen Yong promised that within his tenure he will work towards achieving government recognition for Jujutsu.  Even though Jujutsu in Indonesia has a long history (oldest recorded Jujutsu dojo was a located in Java in 1908, founded by a Mr. Watanabe Atsuki), to this day the Indonesian Government has not recognized Jujutsu as a martial art.  Government recognitions have been granted to other foreign arts such as Judo in the 50s, Karate and Aikido in the 70s, Tae Kwon Do in the 80s, and Wushu in the 90s.  Mr. Khu Chen Yong has previously been successful in making Dentokan Jujutsu an official extracurricular activity in Universitas Indonusa Esa Unggul, a prestigious private University in Jakarta.

12-24-05  The 7th Annual Dentokan International Conference & Seminar is in the final planning stages.  This year's event is being held at the Judo Hall in Lusaka, Zambia, 1-5 April 2006.  The primary course coordinator is Lytton K. Zulu who can be contacted at lkzulu@cropserve.co.zm should additional information be needed.  The course outline is as follows:

    Day 1 - Shorinryu Karate kata review up to Yondan

    Day 2 - Gojuryu Karate kata review up to Shodan

    Day 3 - Dentokan Jujutsu/Aikijutsu review up to Nidan

    Day 4 - Kobujutsu/Bojutsu kata review and teaching of new bo kata

    Day 5 - Open (Review and/or teach new material, at the discretion of Hobbs Sensei)

    There are also some tourist events planned that should be great fun for all.

    A big thanks to Lytton and all the other Dentokan seniors who have worked so hard to bring this event together.

12-28-05  We are very pleased to announce that Trisno Kuswanto (Khu Chen Yong) of Jakarta, Indonesia has graciously accepted the position of Dentokan Special Advisor for the Chinese-Indonesian Martial Art of Kuntao (Kung Fu).  Sifu Kuswanto is a respected and accomplished teacher of his family's Kuntao style known as "Kuntao Macan" (Tiger Kuntao).  Thank you Sifu Kuswanto for sharing your knowledge of the historical, philosophical, and technical aspects of Chinese-Indonesian Kuntao.  Welcome to our worldwide Dentokan family.

3-21-06  "Sensei Hobbs just completed a very successful three day (17-19 March 2006) seminar at Rudy Crosswell's Arizona Budokan dojo in Phoenix, Arizona.  Topics covered included Jujutsu, Kobudo/Kobujutsu, and Karate Kata and associated Bunkai.  Sensei Hobbs and Sensei Crosswell are old friends and were both members of Shogo Kuniba's Seishinkai back in the 1960's and 70's.  Sensei Crosswell is one of the most knowledgeable and respected Shito-Ryu and Kobudo teachers in the world.  Participants came from as far away as Philadelphia.  Sensei Hobbs enjoyed the opportunity of training with old and new friends."

4-16-06 The 7th Annual Dentokan International Conference & Seminar held in Lusaka, Zambia was a tremendous success. Col Hobbs wishes to thank Mr. Bonar Noble for his kind hospitality and sponsorship, as well as Mr. Lytton Zulu for all of his organizational efforts which resulted in the event coming off without a single misstep. Many thanks must also go out to Dr. Stephen Chan, Chris Spencer-Hicks, and Martin Rice for assisting with the teaching duties during the five-day course. We also wish to convey a special thanks to Judy Makukisi for arranging the VIP treatment at the airport. It was very much appreciated. All participants worked extremely hard and deserve a hearty well done. Testing was held the last day of the course. Senior Shorinryu Karate promotions awarded were as follows: Mr. Bonar Noble - Hachidan & Hanshi, Raymond Mbazima - Shichidan & Kyoshi, and Lytton Zulu - Yondan & Shihan. Mr. Noble was also appointed the Official Dentokan Representative for Zambia.

4-16-06 Following the Lusaka event Col Hobbs and Dr. Chan traveled to Harare, Zimbabwe and conducted a three-day course there. Thanks to the organizational efforts of Godwin Murambiwa, the Harare event was also an outstanding success. The hospitality shown during our visit to Zimbabwe was most excellent. Fradson Shavi's leadership, assisted by the other seniors there, has built a strong Dentokan following in Zimbabwe and is highly commendable. Testing was held the last day of the course. Senior Shorinryu Karate promotions awarded were as follows: Fradson Shavi - Rokudan & Kyoshi, Douglas Chivandire - Godan & Renshi, Paul Danisa - Godan & Renshi, and Angelo Hlatywayo - Godan & Renshi.

4-26-06 Thanks to Dr. Chan's efforts in South Africa, Mr. Henry Paulse has started a Dentokan affiliated kobudo/Kobujutsu group. It's officially called the South African Dentokan Kobujutsu Association. We look forward to working with Sensei Paulse.

06-26-06  The weekend of 23-24 June Sensei Hobbs conducted a Karate and Jujutsu course at the Bakersfield Budokan in Bakersfield, California.  The course went very well and everyone had an enjoyable time.  Sensei Hobbs was especially happy to see old friends like Juan Carbajal and Robin Ramirez.  Brandon Ream was a gracious host and Sensei Hobbs extends his sincere thanks to everyone for a very pleasant weekend.

07-18-06   Sensei Hobbs taught jujutsu and iaijutsu at the Indianapolis Budokan this past weekend.  It was a most enjoyable event, with opportuntities to visit old friends and make new ones.  A big thank you to Andy Bryant for organizing the event

07-21-06  The Indianapolis Budokan dojo, under the guidance of Sensei Andy Bryant, has become a part of the Dentokan family.  Andy and his students are excellent sword practitioners and are a welcome addition to our family.  Andy and his students will be studying both Iaijutsu and Jujutsu with us.  For information on the Indianapolis Budokan go to their website:  www.indybudokan.com

10-03-06  Sensei Hobbs just returned from another absolutely wonderful visit to Turkiye.  This time he was in Alanya, along the Mediterranean Sea, in the southwestern part of the country.  The visit was sponsored by Adnan Safak Yuksel, a long time student of Sensei Hobbs, who is a very accomplished teacher of Karate (both Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu), Kobudo/Kobujutsu, Jujutsu, and Iaijutsu.  As always Sensei Hobbs was very impressed with the high degree of technical expertise demonstrated by our Turkish Dentokan members.  It is a testiment to the hard work of Sensei Yuksel.  The visit included a day of one-on-one work with Safak on Goju-Ryu Karate bunkai and Kaiden waza of Dentokan Jujutsu.  The culmination of the visit included seminars on Dentokan Jujutsu and Dento-Shoshin-Ryu Iaijutsu.  All the participants thoroughly enjoyed the course and plans have already begun for a return visit.  A big thanks to Safak, his family, students, and friends for all there hard work in putting this visit together.  As always the hospitality was the very best.

12-05-06  Brandon Ream from the Bakersfield Budokan, Bakersfield, CA recently visited and trained at the Dentokan Hombu for several days.  The training included Shorinryu Karate, Gojuryu Karate, Okinawa Kobujutsu, and Dentokan Jujutsu.  It was also during Brandon's visit that the Bakersfield Budokan became a full member dojo of the Dentokan.  Note:  The Bakersfield Budokan is jointly directed by Brandon and Robin Ramirez, another long time friend of Sensei Hobbs.

02-02-07  Sensei Mike Jones, a Dentokan member for approximately six years, has formed his own Kai.  It is called Gokenkai International and it can be found on our links page.  This move was accomplished with the approval and support of Col Hobbs.  We wish Mike the very best in his new endeavors and fully expect to continue our fine working relationship.

 

03-05-07  The plans for the Dentokan Annual International Conference & Seminar are complete.  The seminar events will be held at the Olympic Stadium of Athens, which is a short commute by train from the city center, and the President Hotel Events Hall, Athens.  A brief outline of the seminar schedule follows:
 
     Wednesday/6 June/6-9 PM, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate
     Thursday/7 June/6-9 PM, Dentokan Kobujutsu
     Friday/8 June/6-9 PM, Dentokan Kobujutsu
     Saturday/9 June/10 AM - 6:30 PM, Dentokan Jujutsu
     Sunday/10 June/10 AM - 6:30 PM, Dentokan Iaijutsu
 
For more information please contact the program organizer as follows:
 
     Nikos Theodorou, President of the Greek National Dentokan Federation
     Irodou Attikou 12a
     151 24 Marousi
     Athens, Greece
     Telephone:  +30 2108093773
     Mobile:  +30 6937171452
 
Aside from some great training, the tourist and social events should keep everyone very busy and entertained.
 

06-01-07 This spring the Dentokan Hombu has had multiple visits from Brandon Ream of the Bakersfield Budokan, and Andy Bryant of the Indianapolis Budokan. Brandon concentrated on both Shorin-Ryu and Goju-Ryu Karate. Andy concentrated on Dentokan Jujutsu. Much was accomplished, and future visits are planned.

06-15-07 Our annual Dentokan seminar held in Athens, Greece was a hugh success. Eleven nationalities were represented at this year's event, and this is a good indication of how the Dentokan is spreading throughout the world. A special thanks to Nikos Theodorou for his outstanding organizational ability in putting this year's event together. Special thanks also to all the seniors who helped with the teaching duties. It would have been really tough to have done it without your help.

Senior level testing & promotions were as follows:

Brian Rogers, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu / Aikijutsu

Chris Spencer-Hicks, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu / Aikijutsu

Nigel Goodier, Hachidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu / Aikijutsu

Giles Chamberlin, Shichidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu / Aikijutsu

Lloyd Allum, Shichidan & Kaiden, Dentokan Jujutsu / Aikijutsu

Jan Pawlowicz, Rokudan & Shihan, Dentokan Jujutsu / Aikijutsu

Martin Rice, Rokudan & Kyoshi, Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do

Thanks to all who attended and look forward to seeing you all again in Izmir, Turkey next year.

06-18-07 The Dentokan annual international seminar and conference schedule is as follows:

2008 Izmir, Turkey

2009 Northampton, England

2010 Belfast, Northern Ireland

2011 Canterbury, England

2012 St Louis, USA

07-23-07  Robin Ramirez and Brandon Ream, from the Bakersfield Budokan, Bakersfield, California visited the Dentokan Hombu for several days of training.  Subjects covered included Shorin-Ryu Karate, Goju-Ryu Karate, and Aiki Jujutsu.  There was also some mutual exchange of Iaido/Iaijutsu techniques.  Finally, discussions were held regarding the upcoming September 25-30 visit of Sensei Hobbs to Bakersfield.  It was a fun time for all, especially the six straight hours of Aiki Jujutsu on Saturday. 

10-08-07  Sensei Hobbs was hosted by Robin Ramirez and Brandon Ream, Co-Directors of the Bakersfield Budokan, to teach Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do and Dentokan Jujutsu/Aikijutsu, from 26 Sep 07 to 29 Sep 07.  Rev Miguel Jurna traveled from Northern California to take part in the event.  The several days of instruction were culminated with a full-day Aikijutsu seminar on Saturday, with a large number of participants coming from out of town.  Robin and Brandon did a super job in organizing the event, and they're new expansive dojo is really something to see.  It's a very traditional dojo where a wide variety of traditional Japanese and Okinawan martial arts are taught.  It really sets the standard for all of us.

10-24-07 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Seiki Toma, Headmaster of the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do Seidokan Kyokai. Sensei Toma was a teacher and close friend of Seikichi Odo. He will be missed.


11-06-07 The 9th Annual Dentokan Seminar & Conference location has changed from Izmir, Turkey to Alanya, Turkey. Alanya is a very nice tourist/resort area of Turkey, by the sea. This is definitely one of those times to plan a vacation along with the scheduled training. Safak Sensei is working hard to make this another wonderful event. The event is planned for 12-15 June 2008. Details will be forthcoming soon, to include resort information.

11-07-07 A new dojo has been accepted for Dentokan membership: It is Pasquale Albino's school located in Waterbury, Connecticut. Albino Sensei's address is 41 Laurie Place, Waterbury, CT 06708, and his dojo's website is http://www.freewebs.com/japanesekaratecenter . Sensei Albino's focus, within the Dentokan, will be Jujutsu/Aikijutsu.

01-03-08  9th Annual Dentokan Seminar & Conference, 12-15 June 2008, Blue Star Hotel, Alanya, Turkiye / Turkey:  Click Here for more info

04-18-08 We now have our first Dentokan dojo in Botswana (Southern Africa). The dojo is run by Gondo Gondo, a student of Douglas Chivandire. Gondo is now considered our Country Representative for Botswana, under the guidance of Douglas Chivandre of Zimbabwe, as his direct teacher. With the addition of Gondo's dojo, we now have African dojos in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa.

04-20-08 Donnie Hayhurst, an old Seidokan friend of Hobbs Sensei, has become a part of our Dentokan family. Hayhurst Sensei is a multi-talented martial artist who will bring much to the Dentokan. His contact information can be found on the Shihans page.

04-21-08 Erik Johnstone, upon the recommendation of Robin Ramirez, has become a part of our Dentokan family. Johnstone Sensei is very well versed in the sword, and has substantial experience in Aikijutsu/Aikido as well. He resides in Rhode Island, and there are plans to conduct a seminar at his soon to open dojo in Connecticut. Plans are to have the seminar the first week in August. Details to follow as we get closer to the date.

04-22-08 Andy Bryant and Scott Kays visited Hobbs Sensei this past weekend. Training consisted of approximately four hours of Jujutsu and Karate training. Both Andy and Scott are doing exceptionally well, and marked improvement was noted in their technique. Andy operates a Dentokan dojo in Indianapolis, and Scott operates a Dentokan dojo in Frankfort, Indiana. Future visits are already planned.

05-27-08 Bill Henderson from Folsom, California visited the Hombu this past Memorial Day weekend for some extensive, and intense, Jujutsu training. Bill and Sensei Hobbs trained nine-plus hours together over two days. Anyone familiar with Dentokan Jujutsu knows that's an accomplishment in itself. Bill, who has an Aikido background, performed exceptionally well. He now heads a Dentokan Jujutsu study group in the Sacramento area. We look forward to many more training sessions with Bill and his group.

07-01-08 This year's annual seminar and conference in Alanya, Turkey was absolutely outstanding. Safak Sensei has set the standard for everyone else to meet in the future. The accommodations and training area at the Blue Star Hotel were wonderful. Attendees included Dentokan members from England, Italy, Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovenia, the Solomon Islands, Turkey, and the United States. There were a number of highlights this year. Among them the attendance by Dr. Nasrollah Kakavand from Iran. Following discussions and the completion of training, Dr. Kakavand was established as the Dentokan National President for Iran. We also had some senior gradings as follows: Lloyd Allum (Shichidan, Kokamishin-Ryu Jujutsu), Brian Rogers (Rokudan, Kokamishin-Ryu Jujutsu), Andy Roosen (Godan, Shorin-Ryu Karate), David Cook (Yondan, Kokamishin-Ryu Jujutsu), and Alison Nyoni (Yondan, Shorin-Ryu Karate). We're all looking forward to next year's annual seminar and conference in Northampton, England.

07-02-08 Dentokan Goju-Ryu Karate kata changes: Following recent discussions with the Dentokan senior Goju-Ryu Karate practitioners in Alanya, it's been agreed that we will shift our Goju-Ryu kata practice and teachings to bring them more in alignment with the kata as practiced within the World Karate Federation (WKF). This decision was made because many Dentokan Karateka compete internationally utilizing the Goju-Ryu Shitei and Tokui kata as outlined in the WKF competition rules and regulations. It was becoming an undue burden on these fine athletes, to require them to learn two slightly different kata sets for competition and promotions. There will be no changes in the Shorin-Ryu Karate kata as taught within the Dentokan.

07-12-08 The Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center (BBTMAC) / Shindokan Dojo is hosting Hobbs Sensei on August 2 & 3 (Saturday & Sunday) for a Dentokan Aiki Jujutsu course.  The BBTMAC/Shindokan Dojo is located at 163 South Broad Street (Route 1), Pawcatuck, Conneticut.  For complete details please contact Johnstone Sensei at eajohnstone@cox.net as soon as possible.  There will be other senior Dentokan instructors present as well, with one of the most notable being Dr. Michael P. Nemeth.

07-19-08 Andy Bryant and Scott Kays visited the Hombu for over five hours of training in Shorin-Ryu Karate, Goju-Ryu Karate, Aiki Jujutsu, and Iaijutsu. The training went exceptionally well, and both Andy and Scott are actively teaching Dentokan Martial Arts in their respective dojos. While Andy's dojo has been a Dentokan member for some time, Scott's dojo "officially" affiliated just recently. We offer our thanks to these two fine martial artists for representing the Dentokan in Indiana.

08-08-08 This past weekend Hobbs Sensei taught a two-day Dentokan Aikijujutsu seminar at the Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center (BBTMAC), Pawcatuck, Connecticut.  Mark Spear and Erik Johnstone were wonderful hosts, and their hospitality is very much appreciated.  The course itself went wonderfully well with those in attendance having the opportunity to go through both Shodan and Nidan Gi.  Additionally, they were given glimces of Sandan, Shihan, and Kaiden Gi.  Hobbs Sensei was ably assisted by Dr. Michael P. Nemeth of NASA fame, who is a Sandan in Dentokan Aikijujutsu as well as being a Shichidan-Kyoshi in Shorin-Ryu Karate.  The Aikido and Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu background of Johnstone Sensei made him a quick study, which culminated in the BBTMAC being accepted as a Dentokan member dojo.  We were also fortunate to have the opportunity of meeting and training with Adrian Smith Sensei who has an extensive background in Aikido.  He, like Johnstone Sensei, took to Dentokan Aikijujutsu like a duck to water.  Thus, it is with great pleasure that we announce Smith Sensei as a full fledge member of the Dentokan.  Discussions have already begun regarding future Dentokan seminars at the BBTMAC, as well as planned visits of Johnstone Sensei to train with Hobbs Sensei in O'Fallon.

08-20-08 There has been a slight scheduling change to the next several Sekai Dentokan Annual Seminars & Conferences.  Please see below:
 
                         2009 - Northampton, England
                         2010 - Canterbury, England
                         2011 - Belfast, Northern Ireland
                         2012 - U.S.A., Bakersfield California

09-30-08 Dr. Andy Roosen, the Dentokan National President for the Solomon Islands, has been appointed the Director of Dentokan Operations in Oceania. Oceania includes the following Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Solomon Islands, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Samoa, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga, Kiribati, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Marshall Islands, Palau, Wallis and Futuna, Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru, Norfolk Island, Niue, Tokelau, and Pitcairn Islands. This is a huge responsibility, but both Col Hobbs and Dr. Chan know Andy is up to the challenge.

10-01-08 Tony Hammersley has been appointed the Dentokan Representative for New Zealand. Tony is a Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu yudansha who received his training while living in England, as part of the large Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu contingent in the Ipswich area. Tony’s appointment was the result of a recommendation by Brian Rogers, Kaiden of Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu. Col Hobbs and Dr. Chan wholeheartedly concurred. Dr. Andy Roosen, Director of Dentokan Operations in Oceania, will guide Tony in his duties.

10-12-08 Col Hobbs spent the weekend of 3 & 4 October teaching another Aikijutsu/Jujutsu course at the Bakersfield Budokan dojo of Robin Ramirez and Brandon Ream. It was a long, but fruitful weekend as we had the opportunity to work on the underlying principles and concepts of our unique Aikijutsu/Jujutsu style. Bill Henderson of Folsom, California was also in attendance. Bill, Robin, and Brandon are our three Dentokan Aikijutsu/Jujutsu stalwarts along the west coast of the United States.

11-16-08 Please visit www.alljapanbudofederation.com

11-24-08 Tony Willis recently visited the Dentokan Hombu for several days.  Willis Sensei, as most of you know, is the US Representative for Shinjo Anyu Hanshi's Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Goyukan.  Shinjo Sensei was a direct student of Miyazato Eichi, at the Jundokan, for many years.  Willis Sensei has been a tremendous help to us as we've converted our Goju-Ryu kata from the Toguchi Sensei method to that of Miyazato Sensei.  A big thank you to Willis Sensei!  We're already looking forward to his next visit.

12-11-08  Dr. Michael P. Nemeth, who is a very long time friend of Hobbs Sensei, visited the Dentokan Hombu for several days.  Dr. Nemeth and Hobbs Sensei spent many hours working the higher levels of Dentokan Jujutsu and Goju-Ryu Karate.  Andy Bryant and Scott Kays, from Indianapolis, Indiana were also here this past weekend for Jujutsu training.  Scott also spent some time having his Shorin-Ryu Karate kata reviewed by Hobbs Sensei.  It was noted that Scott has very significantly improved from his last visit.  Andy performed up to his usual high standard as well.  All are already looking forward to the next training session.

01-07-09 Hobbs Sensei has resigned from the International Bodyguard Association (IBA).

01-08-09 Welcome back Mike Jones Sensei to the Dentokan!

01-27-09  The first ever instructors only Dentokan Aikijujutsu course was held on the grounds of the Gedatsu Church (Senkakukai Dojo) in Sacramento, California.  It was a three day course (24-26 January 2009).  The course consisted of the in depth study and practice of Shodan Gi, Nidan Gi, Sandan Gi, and Yondan Gi.  At the conclusion of the course various Dan grades were issued based upon experience, technical expertise, and fighting spirit.  Those in attendance (in no particular order) were Dr. Michael P. Nemeth from Virginia, Erik A. Johnstone from Connecticut/Rhode Island, Robin Ramirez from southern California, Brandon Ream from southern California, Bill Henderson from northern California, and Phoenix Torres from northern California.  Sensei Bill Henderson was the course organizer and did a fantastic job.  The next instructors course for this core group will be held in Connecticut/Rhode Island in the late spring or early summer.  Sensei Erik Johnstone will be hosting that event, with details to follow.

03-18-09 Ben Haryo, our Dentokan Representative in Indonesia, just recently hosted Dr. Andy Roosen for a visit. As most of you know Andy is the President of the Solomon Islands Dentokan National Federation and the Director of Dentokan Operations in Oceania. Ben was kind enough to have written an article about Andy's visit. Please click here: andy_visit.doc

03-25-09 Many of you have probably noticed a lot of activity occuring on the Dentokan Hombu website. This is largely due to the efforts of our new Webmaster, Per Hagstrom. Per lives in the United States, but was born and raised in Sweden. He immigrated to the United States approximately ten years ago. Per is a direct student of Hobbs Sensei, who he trains regularly with in O'Fallon, Illinois.

03-26-09 Video clips of the Goju-Ryu Karate kata have been added to the kata portion of this website. These clips were originally recorded at Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland in the 1990s. At that time Hobbs Sensei practiced and taught a modified version of the Toguchi method of Goju-Ryu Karate. Since that time we have shifted to the Miyazato method of Goju-Ryu Karate. While the embusen (patterns) are essentially the same, there are nuance differences.

04-20-09 The Dentokan Hombu was recently visited by Lt Col Tony Willis. Sensei Willis is Anyu Shinjo's senior most student and representative in the United States. Sensei Shinjo's Okinawa Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Goykan is a traditional Goju-Ryu Karate group which follows the teachings of the late Eichi Miyazato. Sensei Willis and Sensei Hobbs are long time friends, and this again gave them several days to practice and exchange their ideas as related to traditional Goju-Ryu Karate. Sensei Willis was a tremendous help to Sensei Hobbs in converting his modified Toguchi method of Goju-Ryu kata to that taught by Sensei Miyazato.

05-04-09 Sensei Hobbs has returned from teaching the latest in the series of Dentokan Aikijujutsu instructor courses in the United States. The latest course took place at the Black Bear Traditional Martial Arts Center of Erik Johnstone and Mark Spear in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. Experienced Aikijujutsu teachers in attendance were Andy Bryant (Indiana), Erik Johnstone (Connecticut/Rhode Island), Dr. Michael Nemeth (Virginia), Robin Ramirez (California), Bill Henderson (California), and Mike Holmes (North Carolina). The course centered around the teaching of Shihan Gi, but also included instruction on the underlying principles contained within the formal kata, and a review of Shodan through Yondan Gi. Promotions were presented at the end of the course, with the most notable being Dr. Nemeth and Sensei Johnstone achieving Shihan-Godan. A hearty congratulations to Mike and Erik!
Group picture from the event: 2009Connecticut.jpg

05-09-09 Sensei Hobbs was recently featured in the Spanish martial arts magazine "Budoka".
Click to view pictures: pic1 , pic2 , pic3 , pic4

05-30-09 Today Scott Kays visited Sensei Hobbs for training and testing. Sensei Kays oversees his Azamikan Dojo in Frankfort, Indiana. The day was spent with Sensei Kays performing all of the Dentokan Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do kata, to include the weapons kata. Sensei Hobbs observed, evaluated, and corrected Scott's kata after each kata was performed. Scott performed exceptionally well, and at the end of the session was promoted to Yondan. Congratulations Scott! Also, for everyone's information, Sensei Kays' Azamikan Dojo has been added as a link on our Links Page.

06-15-09 On the 13th Sensei Hobbs took part in the 30 year anniversary of the establishment of Sensei Bill Stockey's Shoshinkan dojo in Quincy, IL. Other guest instructors included Sensei Mike Sadler and Sensei George Parulski. Sensei Hobbs taught two sessions on Karate Kumite, with emphasis on footwork, bodyturning, proper hip rotation for power generation, and specialized parrying techniques for quick response to an opponent's attack.

06-20-09 Due to scheduling conflicts our Dentokan annual international seminars have been reshuffled
as follows:
                         2009 Northampton, England
                         2010 All Japan Budo Federation - Nippon Seibukan Budosai, Kyoto, Japan
                         2011 Canterbury, England
                         2012 Bakersfield, California, USA
                         2013 Belfast, Northern Ireland