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Welcome to the West Michigan Budokan website. West Michigan's premier source for authentic Japanese Martial Arts located in Kalamazoo. Please enjoy your visit! This site is best viewed with 1280 x 1024 resolution.
Creative Growth Is Unending, But Ever Satisfying.
The Yearly Bujinkan Theme has been set! We will be studying Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, along with the Shuko, Senban, Ninjato and Kyoketsushoge in 2008!
The West Michigan Budokan offers an outstanding traditional martial arts experience with a friendly, relaxed and noncompetitive atmosphere. We are offering several martial arts systems designed for self-protection and self-development, not sporting events. Our dojo offers realistic self-protection and awareness skills through an extensive and highly effective curriculum while transmitting the authentic warrior traditions of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi and Soke Kenshinsai Machida. Members of our dojo can take pride in their training knowing they have truly earned the kyu and dan ranks they achieve. We follow the formal ranking systems set by Soke Hastumi and Soke Machida. We also offer students International rank certification and memberships from the Grandmasters in Japan. We offer instruction in true samurai jissen kobujutsu as taught by Grandmaster Machida and true ninpo as taught by Grandmaster Hatsumi. These arts have not been changed and are taught at the WMB as they are taught in Japan.
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Our Chief Instructor is Shihan Robert Bessler, 10th Degree Black Belt in Bujinkan Ninjutsu / Budo Taijutsu. He also holds the traditional rank level titles within the Shin Bu Ryu Enbukan of "Mokuroku" (5th Degree Black Belt) in Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu, "Shoden Kiri Gami Oku" (4th Degree Black Belt) in Kashima Shinden Jigen Ryu Battojutsu and "Shoden Oku Jo-i" (4th Degree Black Belt) in Takeda-ha Aiki-no-Jutsu and "Chuden Jo-i" (5th Degree Black Belt) in Fudo Ikken Ryu Battojutsu. Robert is an active teacher and practitioner of the Japanese Warrior Ways. He is a member of the Bujinkan Shidoshi-Kai Instructors Guild and student of Bujinkan Soke Masaaki Hatsumi and Enbukan Soke Kenshinsai Machida. Robert has been training in the martial arts and meditative arts for over 25 years, traveling extensively throughout the United States and Japan. He travels to Japan twice every year for extended training directly with the Grandmasters, Shihan Bessler acts as a direct link between the Grandmasters of Japan and the students of the West Michigan Budokan. In 2003, Robert was awarded the great honor of being the first representative of the Shin Bu Ryu Sogo Budo Enbukan Dojo in the United States and currently oversees the training and development of the Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu, Kashima Shinden Enshin Jigen Ryu Battojutsu, Fudo Ikken Ryu Enshin Battojutsu, Aizu Mugai Ryu Kodachi, Takeda-ha Enshin Ryu Aiki-no-Jutsu, Yagyu Shingan Ryu Enshin Heijutsu, Yagyu Shingan Ryu Enshin Bojutsu and Asayama Ichiden Ryu Jujutsu Samurai traditions, under the direct guidance of Soke Kenshinsai Machida and So-Shihan Takeshi Machida in Japan. The Enbukan teaches various schools passed on through the Machida family, Soke Kenshinsai Machida is the 2nd Soke of the arts listed here along with others that were passed on to him from his father. Soke Kenshinsai Machida holds Sokeship in many of these arts and Menkyo Kaiden in the others that he teaches. The following are the martial arts systems taught at the WMB...
ENB UKAN SHINBU RYU SOGO BUDO: Soke Kenshinsai Machida
Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu
Fudo Ikken Ryu Battojutsu
Kashima Shinden Jigen Ryu Battojutsu
Aizu Mugai Ryu Kodachi
Takeda-ha Aiki-no-Jutsu
Yagyu Shingan Ryu Hei-Jutsu
Yagyu Shingan Ryu Bojutsu
Asayama Ichiden Ryu Jujutsu |
BUJINKAN BUDO TAIJUTSU / NINJUTSU: Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
 Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu
Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu 
Kukishinden Ryu Happo Bikenjutsu
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu
Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu
Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu
Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo
Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo
Meet the newest addition to the West Michigan Budokan!
Jordan Robert Bessler-Bly was born on 3/22/07. He is 5lbs. 14oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. Happy & Healthy!
Bessler Shihan is now a Grandpa!
Jordan will be making his first appearance at the Dojo very soon, his training will follow shortly after that. ;)
Photo courtesy of Borgess Hospital Virtual Nursery
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The West Michigan Budokan is now offering
training supplement DVD's!
The DVD's released by Shihan Bessler are designed to offer high quality, detailed instruction while you are practicing at home and offer a source of reliable reference for your training library. These DVD's include some of the most detailed information available and are extremely beneficial for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. There is absolutelty no substitute for training with an authentic, certified and qualified Bujinkan Shihan or Shidoshi. We hope you enjoy them all and they are able to help you in your personal development as a martial artist. Now all DVD's are processed using "Lightscribe" label technology instead of paper labels to insure that they play properly for you. All titles have been recently updated and are jam-packed with great information to help you get better faster.
Sanshin no Kata Shoshin no Kata Vol.1 (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $39.99 * Item #DVD01
This is the first of three volumes being released on the Bujinkan Sanshin no Kata by Shihan Bessler. These five solo kata help create the foundation of your taijutsu. This DVD offers 1 hour and 45 minutes of detailed instruction on these amazing forms of movement. The Shoshin no Kata is the first phase of skill and knowledge within the Sanshin no Kata. Centering around the development of proper balance, timing and distance, this outstanding DVD shares each of the five kata along with details of the postures, strikes, blocks, movement and more. Shihan Bessler has even included training drills so you can break down each step of the kata and practice it in depth, then placing it back into the flow of the kata for increased undertsanding and ability. Approx. 1hr. 45min. Item # DVD01
Sanshin no Kata Gogyo no Kata Vol.2 (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $39.99 * Item #DVD02
This is the second in the series of DVD's covering the techniques of the Bujinkan Sanshin no Kata. This volume picks up where the first volume left off, taking the practitioner to the next level of knowledge and skill in their taijutsu. The Gogyo no Kata Focuses on the proper Form, Feeling and Breath Application of the Sanshin no Kata. The Sanshin no Kata has three levels which are designed to help the practitioner to develop proper internal and external skills. Commonly, it is said to move naturally with these forms, but as we know, we first have to unlearn bad habits within our movement in order to develope new, proper movement and then we train to make these movements natural. Approx. 1hr. Item #DVD02
Togakure Ryu Hiken Juroppou (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $34.99 * Item #DVD04
The Hiken Juroppo (16 Secret Striking Fists) of the Bujinkan are the fundamental striking methods of our taijutsu. Shihan Bessler presents all of these "fists" in their proper form and includes many examples of their application. Learning to strike correctly using these methods is extremely important in order to gain power and effectiveness in your stikes. The Hiken Juroppou are also known as "striking treasures." Includes bonus footage of some additional striking methods detailing the porper taijutsu application from Togakure Ryu, Gyokko Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu and more. Approx. 45min. Item #DVD04
Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu Vol.1 Kihon Waza (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $39.99 * Item #DVD05
The first in the series of Gyokko Ryu DVD's covering the formal techniques of the Gyokko Ryu system. Now you can get many details of the movement to make sure you are learning this system correctly. As the primary influence within the taijutsu of the Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, the proper form in needed in order to help you understand the correct feeling, distance, etc. of this school. An amazing school of Kosshijutsu & Ninpo. Approx. 1hr. Item #05
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu Vol.1 Kihon Waza (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $39.99 * Item #DVD06
The first in the series of Koto Ryu DVD's covering the formal techniques of the Koto Ryu system. The powerful techniques of this school begin with the proper basics. There has been many definitions of "Koppojutsu" offered to us by Hatsumi Soke, along with the basic techniques, the understanding of Koppojutsu is shared in this DVD. Approx. 1hr. Item #DVD06
Kukishin Ryu Hanbojutsu Vol.1 Kihon Waza (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $39.99 * Item #DVD07
The Samurai system of the Kukishin Ryu is a powerful fighting system. Presented on this DVD is the Kamae and Kihon waza of the Kukishinden Ryu and Kukishin Ryu. Learn the postures, rolling, striking, blocking, and much more from these schools of Kukishin. The "Half Staff" is the first weapon formally presented in detail at the WMB. This is your chance to get all the details of the use of the hanbo basics along with the proper samurai movmenet and feeling. Approx. 1hr. Item #07
Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu Keiko 2 Disc Set (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $34.99 for WMB Members / $49.99 for Non-Members * Item #DVD08
The West Michigan Budokan focused their training efforts on the formal Kihon Waza and Shoden Omote Gata of the Takagi Yoshin Ryu in 2006 (January - June) as a way to share the specific methods of this amazing samurai system. This famous samurai bodyguarding school is known as a complete system of martial arts by itself and can take a lifetime to learn. Shihan Bessler took students through the details of the Kihon including postures, distance, striking, blocking, grappling, locking, as well as the kata in there proper form and in the proper order. This was primarily filmed during normal classes at the WMB with some details filmed seperately and added in. Get this 2 disc set and see for yourself how awesome this samurai school truely is. Approx. 2hrs. Item #08
Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu Keiko 3 Disc Set (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $49.99 for WMB Members / $59.99 for Non-Members* Item #DVD09
The West Michigan Budokan focused their training efforts on the formal Kihon Waza, Ten no Kata and Chi no Kata of the Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu in 2006 (July - December) as a way to share the specific methods of this truly great samurai system. The important concepts of Ikken Hasso, Biken Isshyun and other were presented to keep the 2006 Bujinkan theme going in our dojo. Shihan Bessler returned from Japan in May where he worked directly with Hatsumi Soke and the other Japanese Shihan on the techniques and concepts of the Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu yearly theme. Covered are the formal kata as well as the ura kata for the Ten no Kata level and the formal kata of the Chi no Kata level. There will be special bonus footage on this DVD set from our 2006 Daikomyosai celebration where we will be focusing on the higher level feelings and concepts of the kata of the Shinden Fudo Ryu theme. Shihan Bessler also breaks down many of the concepts so they may be better understood and applied to the kata resulting in the proper form and feeling of the kata. This set is a fantastic way to begin discovering the depth of the Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu. Approx. 3 1/2 hours. Item #09
Bujinkan Kuzuryu Dojo Mukyu (DVD NTSC - DVD+R) $29.99 * Item #DVD03
This DVD covers the requirements for "Mukyu" or the White Belt level of the training curriculum used by members of the West Michigan Budokan / Bujinkan Kuzuryu Dojo. This detailed DVD is a companion to the WMB/BKD Shodan Manual and a great way for new students to properly take their first steps on the path of budo. The information on this DVD covers the respect and etiquette applied when training in a dojo of traditional Japanese martial arts. Proper etiquette and respect are a crucial part of traditional Japanese Budo, now you can learn the correct methods for entering the dojo, entering the training floor, showing respect to instructors, showing respect to your peers and much, much more! The ability to show sincere respect to others shows your inner strength and increases your ability to learn the higher aspects of Budo. New edition includes bonus fottage of the Togakure Ryu Ryutai Undo, The "Dragon Body Exercises" to help the new practitioner to get ready for training. Approx. 45 minutes. Item # DVD03
Before ordering, please make sure that your DVD system is compatable to DVD+R, sorry no refunds. Each DVD is personally checked by Shihan Bessler insuring that it plays properly. To order your Bujinkan DVD's please call us at the West Michigan Budokan @ 269-349-3676 to place your order by phone or you can send your payment along with the desired title and item number to us at the address below. Shipping & Handling is $5.00 for the first title and $3.00 for each additional title. Items shipped within 24 hours of receiving the order.
West Michigan Budokan * 3975 Gull Rd. Kalamazoo, Michigan 49048 * USA * 269-349-3676
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