Classes & Schedule:
Youth Classes (ages 8-13)
With an emphasis placed on skill development through physical coordination and situational awareness, we teach our youth to become attuned to what is happening around them. Utilizing a comprehensive system of ethical codes and natural movement, your child will gain a true sense of self-confidence while building character.
To-Shin Do Self-Defense Training Level 1 (ages 14 and up)
This class is open to all levels with a focus on Level 1 skills and techniques. A great way for intermediate and advanced members to stay ‘tuned-in’ to the foundations that build our specific method of movement.
All Levels Training (Level 1, 2, 3 & Black Belts) (ages 14 and up)
Open to all students. Training is tailored for every student, covering their specific curriculum.
Black Belt Club/Weapons Training (ages 14 and up)
Extended training with a deeper emphasis on specific aspects of To-Shin Do.
Weapons training covers the follow applications:
Sword
Roku-Shaku Bo (6ft. Bo Staff)
Hanbo (3ft. Stick)
Kusari-Fundo (Flexible Cord)
Knife
Shuriken (Projectiles)
The schedule changes monthly. Check back within the last 2 weeks of each month for the next month's schedule!
Due to the precautions concerning the Corona (Covid 19) virus, we allow (but do not require) the use of masks during classes. Hand sanitizer is available and encouraged before/during/after all classes. Please take all necessary precautions to keep your family and loved ones safe. Thank you for your understanding!
Let’s Look at the Class Structure!!
Class Structure:
Classes are designed to provide a concentrated amount of study without mental overload. Working in a non-competitive atmosphere, practitioners move thru solo and partnered exercises to maximize curriculum retention. Within each of our 'elemental approaches', training partners will go thru 3 phases of study, each ending with a demonstration of learned skill.
The levels of study are as follows:
White Belt or White Stripe through (White, Blue, Red, Green, Brown)
Skill acquisition. Individual skills and techniques, along with their associated elemental principles are studied in great detail.
Solid Color Belt (Yellow, Blue, Red, Green, Brown)
Transitions. Within the principle context of each element, learning to ‘flow’ from one skill or technique to the next.
Solid Color Belt w/ Black Stripe through (Yellow, Blue, Red, Green, Brown)
Kata. Practitioners engage in full problem solving, self-defense scenarios. Engaging and ending each with full awareness of their surroundings
The Elemental Approach of To-Shin Do:
Level 1: Earth
During this introduction to your training, you’ll learn the principle of ‘Holding Your Ground with Assured Confidence’ and ‘Finding Your Value in Space’. Characterized by up and down directional movement, these foundational skills will carry on into further exploration of what you are truly capable of…You are worth it!
Level 2: Water
Utilizing proper timing and footwork to ‘maintain distance’ without losing connection, you’ll learn the principles of scientifically gathering physical energy/information while positioning yourself in space (ku-kan) to respond with natural speed and power thru effortless mobility.
Level 2: Fire
“To take preemptive action, intercepting conflict before it becomes out of control”. This is a primary principle of the Fire Element of ‘consuming space’. With confident mobility and proper timing, you collect experiences to connect with, shut down and resolve potentially dangerous encounters.
Level 3: Wind
Be everywhere and nowhere at the same time! With ghost-like movement, you’ll learn the concept of ‘opening up space’ to find the advantage. Gain knowledge of incredible power thru full-body, circular movement. Take action and always be one step ahead!
Level 3: Void
The potential of limitless possibilities. The space of spontaneous creativity. This level is an intermediate path of study while approaching 1st degree Black Belt…Each element is revisited with a deeper focus and expanded understanding. The application of the principles associated with the 4 elements come in to play throughout all movement as you gain the experience of ‘Moving freely with feeling’.
Level 4: Black Belt (and beyond)
Upon completion of these five areas of study, you’ll be invited to demonstrate your understanding of the basics (kihon) with Scott Akitoshi Bragg and a panel of other senior practitioners. This experience will mark your transition into the Black Belt ranks, leading to advanced, modernized To-Shin Do strategies from historical lineages of Ninjutsu.
