The Missouri Budo Taijutsu Dojo-- the oldest dojo of its kind in Missouri-- was established by founder Ken Harding in 1988. Our purpose is to teach effective methods of self-protection and self-development to responsible, goodhearted people. We strive to preserve and faithfully transmit the six traditional schools of Japanese warriorship that make up our rare system, emphasizing authenticity, realism and adaptability.

Missouri Budo Taijutsu draws methods from the Densho (handwritten scrolls) of the following six ancient Japanese martial arts traditions:

AN ORIGINAL MIXED.MARTIAL ART

We call it an original mixed martial art because from the very beginning its practitioners understood that you must do everything possible to achieve victory in combat. They were skilled at striking and kicking, as well as grappling (throwing, joint locking, choking, etc.). As warriors, they were also expected to be highly skilled with edged and blunt weapons (knives, swords, spears, clubs and staffs). Everything that we do is built upon a carefully-designed unified system of movement and method. Our studies also include tactics of combat and warrior philosophy.

Warriors of old Japan developed combat methods based on actual experiences in battle. Born on the battlefield, bugei (arts of the warrior) were developed during the 'Warring States' period in Japan-- the Sengoku Jidai, an intense period of civil war that spanned centuries, during which a warrior either lived or died by the quality of his combat skills. To that end, our method is not based completely on kata (2-person forms). We place a strong emphasis on randori, or free sparring.

Our martial arts system is not a modern, recently-fabricated hybrid. It is not a sport-oriented style geared toward competitions. It is not an ineffective, pretend martial art chasing spiritual enlightenment, or a dusty museum piece. Our martial arts are not for children. It is a serious, battle-tested warrior tradition from the regions of central Japan, passed down from teacher to student for many centuries. You are now invited to experience the ancient secrets for yourself.