Kenukan Academy's 拳友館 Goshin Jutsu 護身術 (Self-Defense) training is a combination of the best techniques & tactics from a variety of martial arts, including Ju-Jutsu (Japanese & Brazilian), Judo, Karate (Okinawan & Japanese), Kickboxing (American, Thai, & Dutch), and Weapon Based Systems (Okinawan Kobudo & Kali).  Various bare handed defenses against grabs, holds, take-downs, ground attacks, striking, edged weapon threats & attacks, pistol & shotgun threats, and multiple assailants, are studied and developed until they become responsive and reflexive actions by Kenukan students.  In addition, knife vs. knife, stick vs. stick, (6 ft, 4 ft, & 2 ft), military search & destroy, law enforcement (hand gun retention, hand cuffing, & baton), & security methods are practiced.  Although Kenukan continues to excel in combat sport competition, it's primary focus and specialty is teaching practical, simple, and effective street self-defense.  Fundamentally, Kenukan believes that one should assume that a potential attacker will be bigger, stronger, faster, and more athletic than the defender.  Therefore, all self-defenses should be simple, leveraged based, and utilize proper body mechanics.  Unlike some systems that encourage going to the ground, Kenukan teaches staying on one's feet as long as possible.  Fighting on the ground should be the last option in a street situation.  Multiple attackers, weapons, and surface area, are all reasons to win fights using standing techniques.  However, if one does find themselves on the ground, a solid blend of Ju-Jutsu, Submission Grappling, and Street Tactics (such as biting, eye gouging, etc.), will allow the defender to get back to his or her feet as fast as possible.  Due to Kenukan Academy's Self-Defense effectiveness, it has taught members (both past & present) of the US Special Forces (Delta, Green Beret, Rangers), Law Enforcement (FBI, US Marshals, SWAT, SERT), and Security Personnel (Body Guards & Protective Services).

 

Kenukan Academy teaches two closely related Self-Defense curricula -  Kenukan-Ryu Goshin Jutsu (Fist-Friend-School Style Self-Defense Art) 拳友館流護身術 & Jim Harrison's Bushidokan-Ryu Ronin Goshin Jutsu 武士道館浪人護身術 (Way of the Warrior School Style Masterless Samurai Self-Defense Art).  Bushidokan Ronin Jutsu is a composite blend of Sensei Harrison's 60 years of studying, training, teaching, & testing self-defense methods around the world.  Sensei Travis Boggs, Kenukan Budokai President, Bushidokan Yudanshakai Board of Directors Chairman, & Kenukan Academy Chief Instructor, has been studying Bushidokan Ronin Jutsu for over 20 years and is the only person authorized in Kansas City to teach, test, and promote the system.  Sensei Travis Boggs holds a San-Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt) in Bushidokan Ronin Goshin Jutsu.  For 10 years, when Sensei Harrison visited the Kansas City Area, Sensei Boggs served as his personal practice partner.  In addition, Sensei Boggs traveled around the country in order to help instruct Ronin Jutsu Seminars.  A few notable seminars Sensei Boggs had the honor to be asked to help with include: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Health & Fitness Expo (Columbus, OH), Troy Dorsey's Dojo (Dallas, TX), and Roy Kurban's Dojo (Arlington, TX).  Col. Ike Slaughter (Ret.), one of Sensei Harrison's early Black Belts, and former Commanding Officer of Delta Force, said, "Jim Harrison was the the most positive influence during my formative years.  One of the reasons I moved to Montana was so my sons can also train with him".  Cmd. Rick Smithers, US Navy, Commanding Officer SEAL Team 5 & BUDS, said, "Roger Carpenter and Jim Harrison are the best hand-to-hand combat instructors I've had the pleasure to train with".

Kenukan Academy's Stick Training Equipment

A: Men 面 - The Men protects the face, neck, and shoulders.  The face-mask component (men gane) consists of several horizontal metal bars running the entire width of the face - from the chin to the top of the head.  Attached to this is a long thick rectangular cloth pad that curves over the top of the head and extends to cover the shoulders.  A throat protector (tsuki-dare) is attached to the bottom of the face-mask. The men is held in place with a pair of woven cords (men himo 面紐) that wrap around the head and are tied at the back.  The back of the men is left open for ventilation.

 

B: Kote 小手 - The Kote are mitten-like protective gloves.  Uniquely designed, enough mobility is allowed to grip the weapon of choice in a comfortable, powerful, and firm way.

 

C: Do 胴 - The Do is the gently curving stomach and chest protector.  The modern form has a pronounced bulge to help direct the force of strikes away from the soft areas in the middle of the torso.  Lacquered bamboo is traditionally used (although lacquered paper 'fiber' or molded plastic are used for less expensive Do). The Do is supported from the shoulders by two diagonal ties (do himo 胴紐) and is restrained at the small of the back with another set of ties.

 

D: Tanbo 短棒 (Ni Shaku 二尺) - The Tanbo is a two foot stick made from either hard wood or rattan.  Because of it's small length, it's ideal for close quarter combat.  Techniques include thrusting, checks / deflections, direct strikes, blocking, take-downs, joint locks, and chokes.  Filipino Martial Arts (such as Eskrima and Kali) and police departments around the world utilize this weapon (in the form of the modern-day police baton).  The Tanbo can be used either individually or in pairs.

 

E: Jo 杖 (Yon Shaku 四尺) - The Jo is a four foot walking stick made of hard wood.  Due to it's medium size, it can either be used at a distance, or at close range.  Although the Jo is normally manipulated with both hands, it is sometimes used with one.

 

F: Bo 棒 (Roku Shaku 六尺) - Considered the "king" of the old Okinawan weapons, the Bo is a six foot hard wood staff that is tapered at both ends.  The Bo is manipulated with both hands and is used to slash, poke, and entrap.  Because of it's length, it is generally used at a distance.

 

G: Shinai Bo 竹刀棒 (Roku Shaku 六尺) - The Shinai Bo is exclusively designed and manufactured by the Kenukan Budokai.  It is the same length as a regular Bo and is used for competition or contact sparring with Bogu Armor 防具.  The ends are made from bamboo, which allows for some "give" when delivering blows.