About Our Club

William and Mary Martial Arts Club (1969) curriculums are endorsed and accredited by Dai Nippon Butoku Kai,(Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society) Japan's oldest and renowned Martial Arts Society (circa 1895). Located in Kyoto, Japan, Dai Nippon Butoku Kai is chaired by His Excellency, Higashi Fushimi, Royal Family of Japan, and it accredits eight major martial arts disciplines: Karatedo, Aikido, Jiujutsu, Judo, Kendo, Iaido, Kobudo, and Sojutsu. Its membership consists of more than three hundred thousand Black Belts.  We strongly emphasize the optimal development of individual excellence through the martial arts disciplines and focus on preservation of the classical virtues of nobility. DNBK also endorses the college martial arts programs offered at: Old Dominion University (1975),Duke University(1985),University of Colorado in Boulder (1992), Quincy University in Illinois, the US Marine Corps in Okinawa, and many affiliated special programs offered across the USA. DNBK has a powerful USA and international division with more than one thousand Black Belts registered from fifteen nations. Dr. H. Tesshin Hamada, Hanshi is the head of the International Division of DNBK. Dai Nippon Butoku Kai is very proud of its highly decorated historical legacy and tradition.  

How We Train

We are more than just a club. We are a formal dojo. We follow traditional Japanese protocols and training formats. Anywhere we meet is considered a dojo. A dojo is two things: a training hall and, more importantly, a place of enlightenment, where one seeks to learn and challenge oneself. The style of training we offer is focused on the classical aspects of budo. The formalities are ways to prepare yourself for training. When you enter the dojo, you leave everything else behind. You have one purpose: to train. When students bow to enter the dojo, it is to show respect to the place and the people you will train with. It is your final chance to quiet your mind and ready yourself before beginning workout.

About Our Instructors

Training is conducted by qualified instructors operating under the direct instruction of Hanshi Tesshin Hamada, Chairman, International Division, DNBK.

All Instructors are certified through Dai Nippon Butoku Kai.

Karatedo:

Kyoshi Pete Gastoukian, Shichidan Karatedo, dojo head

Aikido: 

Shidooin Eric Brasseur, Godan Aikido, Sandan Iaido