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Training partners 2026
School of Budo provides guidance and facilities for serious martial arts students who want to train hard with experienced partners. We work to build up our members in a safe environment where we can continue to train and grow together. We have a unique dojo with a heritage of disciplined, remarkable training. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, but share a common desire to train diligently and safely with strong, considerate partners.
School of Budo classes are free for all members. All class dues are suggested donations of $150 a month to School of Budo Foundation. Dues are generously covered by members.
Learn more on our FAQ page.
Our story
Families that train together have a special bond. Just ask the Selins. Fun training moment from 2016 with Coach Michael atop his son, Alex. Michael’s younger bro, Jeff, snaps the shot. It includes the brothers, Reuben and Shane, alongside Laurent who holds his baby daughter.
The best training happens with the best partners. We connect on and off the mat to help each other. This shot is from the recent April, 2026 seminar with Tim Cartmell. The Sunday training session featured this crew of black belts: Jeff, Spencer, Tim, Michael, Jason, and Chris.
Many of the techniques we use in sports jits can be augmented for real self defense. Our members learn how to protect themselves, and escape attackers in real-life situations. This shot circa 2017, Coach Michael teaches his niece, Maddy, to keep up her mitts.
We are proud and lucky to attract remarkable martial artists and fighting coaches from around the world who come to St. Johns to train with us. This shot of Jaff Raji with Chong Lee during one of our earlier seminars, in 2007.
Our weapons training includes gun, knife, cane, jo, and bokken. KoRyu (old school) weapons, pictured here, connects us to 800-years of martial tradition. Modern weapons training in our Enhanced Combative Options class helps our members practice vital skills, who may need this knowledge to manage the risk of their daily work.
Over two decades in St. Johns, our community has proudly tended this beautiful Dojo and garden on N. Chicago Avenue. We planted the ivy, wisteria, maple, bamboo, redwood, magnolia... They have developed incredible roots. We are dedicated to the longterm development and health our community.