Zenzan Dojo

I've found that the greatest masters are also the kindest. This is my teacher meeting my son for the first time. It was a moment he won't remember, but one that I will never forget.

Happy Father's Day! 👨‍👦

A short tutorial on ukemi.

Basic Ukemi Basic principles of breaking a fall.

Summer session starts June 26th. Sign up now.

Suenaka-ha Aikido Learn self-defense and improve your health with aikido. Suenaka-ha Aikido classes incorporate exercises from tai chi chuan, karatedo, and aikido to help improve your health and develop basic self-defense skills. Suenaka-ha Aikido is appropriate for all fitness and experience levels.

This is why we practice defense against shomen uchi.
[Warning: Video contains disturbing images.]

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本日、4月26日は合気道開祖・植芝盛平翁のご命日です。
合気道を創始してくださったことに感謝の意を表します。
On April 26th, 1969, the Founder Morihei Ueshiba's passed away.
We would like to express our gratitude for the creation of Aikido.

A class on kokyu nage.

17 April 2024 - Aikido and Karate: Kokyu Nage Highlights from class, 17 April 2024: Applications of "classic" kokyu nage.

My teacher's teacher.

Old school. Morihei Ueshiba at the Noma Dojo in 1936

The first class of spring session was awesome - we had ten students on the mat! 😊🙏

This week in class we will cover no-touch knockouts, ninja invisibility, and the touch of death.

Our next session starts April 10th!

Register now: https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=192747081

Winter Session Highlights Our next session starts April 10th!Register now: https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=192747081

Another class on blending karate and aikido techniques.

Our next session begins April 10th. Register here: https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=192747081

13 March 2024 - Aikido and Karate Class: Basic Combinations Highlights from class, 13 March 2024: Entering with basic karate blocks and controlling/finishing with basic aikido techniques.

Martial arts classes at Zenzan Dojo incorporate training methods from aikido, karatedo, and tai chi chuan, arts that chief instructor Shihan James Huss has studied for more than three decades.

Classes consist of stances and basic movements that increase core strength and improve posture, repetitive drills that develop unconscious reaction under stress, and body conditioning for stamina and fortitude.

The exercises and drills can be tailored to individual needs and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Classes are held at Jane E. Lawton Community Center in Chevy Chase, MD, and run in 10-week sessions (no contracts). We welcome students age 14 and up.

Registration is open: https://mdmontgomeryctyweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=192747081

Kumite is for training, not for competition.

21 February 2024 - Aikido and Karate Class: Kumite Drills Highlights from class, 21 February 2024: Exercises to develop reflexive and unconscious reactions to spontaneous attacks.

Tai chi chuan is a beautiful exercise, but without push-hands it is only an exercise.

7 February 2024 - Aikido and Karate Class: Pushing Hands Highlights from class, 7 February 2024: Tai chi pushing hands and karate applications.

Some intermediate and advanced karate blocks that blend well with aikido.

31 January 2024 - Aikido and Karate Class: Intermediate Blocks Highlights from class, 31 January 2024: Intermediate karate blocks blended with aikido techniques.

While studying in Taiwan, I was introduced to the concept of chēng-bá. Chēng-bá refers to the connection from the ground through the body that is the basis for all our strength in martial arts.

Since then I have developed a curriculum to practice the principle of chēng-bá through qigong, push-hands, karate, and aikido practice. I would like to share this curriculum with you and your students.

If anyone in the Mid-Atlantic or SE regions would like to host a seminar, send us a message.

James Huss, Shihan

Entering with karate and controlling with aikido.

24 January 2024 - Aikido and Karate Class: Basic Blocks Highlights from class, 24 January 2024: Basic karate blocks blended with aikido techniques.

First class of the year. We worked on basic techniques.

10 January 2024 - Aikido and Karate Class: Basic Techniques Highlights from class, 10 January 2024: Basic defense against grab attacks.

Our next session begins January 10th!

Sign up at https://web1.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mdmontgomeryctywt.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=148268988

Suenaka-ha Karate and Aikido Fall Session Highlights Our next session January 10th! Sign up at https://web1.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mdmontgomeryctywt.wsc/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=148268988

Happy New Year! 🎉

Do you have a resolution? Is it to get fit? Develop a new skill? Learn self-defense?

Try martial arts!

Suenaka-ha martial arts classes incorporate training methods from aikido, karatedo, and tai chi chuan, arts that Suenaka Zenzan Dojo chief instructor Shihan James Huss has studied for more than three decades.

Classes consist of stances and basic movements that increase core strength and improve posture, repetitive drills that develop unconscious reaction under stress, and body conditioning for stamina and fortitude.

The exercises in a Suenaka-ha martial arts class can be tailored to individual needs and are suitable for all age and fitness levels. Classes are held at Jane Lawton Community Center in Chevy Chase, MD, and run in 8-week sessions (no contracts). We welcome students age 14 and up.

Link to registration in comments.

Suenaka-ha Aikido Learn self-defense and improve your health with aikido. Suenaka-ha Aikido classes incorporate exercises from tai chi chuan, karatedo, and aikido to help improve your health and develop basic self-defense skills. Suenaka-ha Aikido is appropriate for all fitness and experience levels.

among others

Sign up for the spring session now. Link in comments.

13 December 2023 - Aikido and Karate Class: Ushiro Katate Tori Waza Highlights from class, 13 December 2023: Defense against a double wrist grab from behind (ushiro katate tori waza).

Defense against hiji-ate (elbow strike).

15 November 2023 - Aikido and Karate Class: Hiji-ate Waza Highlights from class, 15 November 2023: Defense against elbow strikes (hiji-ate waza).

Defense against eri tori (lapel grab).

8 November 2023 - Aikido and Karate Class: Eri Tori Highlights from class, 8 November 2023: Defense against a lapel grab (eri tori waza).