Welcome to Open Budo, a martial arts consultancy where tradition meets innovation. We are dedicated to providing a unique training experience that combines the ancient wisdom of traditional Japanese martial arts with the cutting-edge principles of modern sports science. Our approach is designed to make traditional martial arts more accessible, engaging, and effective for everyone.

Mission

At Open Budo, our mission is to democratize martial arts education by removing traditional barriers and promoting a flexible, adaptive learning environment. We strive to blend the rich heritage of Japanese martial arts with contemporary methodologies to foster personal growth, self-defense skills, and a deep appreciation for the art.

温故知新 (onko chishin) “learn new things by revisiting old knowledge.”

This reflects the idea that studying traditional knowledge or ancient wisdom can lead to new insights and understanding.

We’re not only applying the most scientifically proven effective contemporary coaching models to our own coaching, but we’re allowing the lessons of generations past to inform and sometimes direct our classes and seminars.

Programs Offered

Open Budo offers a range of classes and programs designed to cater to different skill levels and interests:

Special Seminars and Workshops:

• Immersive single or multi-day seminars for owners, instructors, and students alike.

• Each seminar will be unique and customized to your level of experience, particularly in Ecological Dynamics.

• Coaches will receive the “behind the scenes” theory, science, and jargon on which students don’t need to concentrate.

• We will work together to get you coaching your students using these mindsets. Importantly, you’ll be better equipped to create warmups and classes on your own.

One-on-One and Small Group Coaching:

• Starting online or in-person, we can coach you on mindsets and methods to get you moving in the right direction.

• Moving to in-person, we’ll have you and your small group up and moving. Similar to the larger seminars, you’ll be immersed in the movement, experiencing the effectiveness in real time.

Philosophy

Our training philosophy is rooted in the principles of Ecological Dynamics and the Constraints Led Approach. We believe in organic learning through immersive, game-based training that reflects real-world scenarios. By emphasizing adaptability and creativity, we help our students develop practical skills that are effective in both training and real-life situations. This philosophy ensures that learning is dynamic, enjoyable, and deeply rooted in authentic martial arts practice.

Mindset

At Open Budo, we employ the Ecological Dynamics and Constraints Led Approach to training. This methodology emphasizes the importance of the learning environment and the interaction between the student and their surroundings. Instead of focusing on rote memorization of techniques, we use games and activities to create a rich learning landscape where students can explore and discover effective martial arts strategies.

Ecological Dynamics

This approach considers the learner, the task, and the environment as a single system. By manipulating these elements, we create situations that naturally guide students towards effective movement patterns and decision-making skills.

Constraints Led Approach

By setting specific constraints during training (such as limited space, specific rules, or particular goals), we encourage students to find creative solutions and develop a deeper understanding of martial arts principles. This method helps students to adapt their techniques to various scenarios and enhances their ability to perform under pressure.