Tenchikan Dojo
Reviews and Comments
In my early sixties, I came to Tenchikan Dojo to study Seibukan jujutsu. I know that is a bit late in life to take up a physically demanding training regimen but I am glad I did. Hanshi Mike Sauders has guided me on a path that has helped me grow both mentally and physically. Now I can do things that I had never before been able to do in my life. Seibukan is not only a self-defense art but also one of mental and physical movement. To keep going, not only in different directions but also with greater awareness to my surroundings is a lesson I have learned. Besides, it is a great workout.
Our dojo may be small but the students and instructors are all relaxed and friendly. High standards are expected and taught in a manner that is more guidance than browbeating. There is always time for that extra little bit of help or practice if needed.
Would I recommend Tenchikan Dojo? Of course. Come to view a class on some Saturday
and watch young and old (ouch) mix it up on the mat! This is fun for all in a
non-intimidating environment.
Yes, you can learn to take a high-fall at age 63!
-Larry
Training at Seibukan Jujutsu of Washington Tenchikan Dojo is one of the greatest decisions I have ever made! I had practiced martial arts a bit during my teenage years and now, at over 30 years old, it was calling me back. I had my doubts, worried that I was too old to begin training again, not to mention that I was not in tip-top shape. I scoured Tacoma for training possibilities and visited many of them, but my doubts lingered. After visiting Tenchikan Dojo and speaking with the head instructor, Mike Sauders - Hanshi, I decided to give it a shot.
Hanshi Sauders displayed patience and understanding while teaching me precise and
practical techniques. He instilled a confidence in me and took me from an uncertain
white belt to helping me achieve one of my life-long dreams of becoming a black belt.
The quality of training I have received has exceeded my expectations in every way.
Everyone at the dojo has been supportive in my journey and I am pleased to think that it
has only just begun. No longer am I the uncertain and out-of-shape man that I was when I
first stepped foot into the dojo, having reaped all the health benefits, mental and
physical, that the training provides. I am extremely excited about what the future holds
for me at Seibukan Jujutsu of Washington Tenchikan Dojo.
-Jeff
Through the Tacoma-South Sound Sports Commission, I
see and work with more than 70 sports events throughout Pierce
County annually. As such, our office works with dozens of sports
clubs and national governing bodies of sport. I've been around a lot
of sports and organizations for most of my professional career. We
placed both of our sons in Seibukan Jujitsu because we wanted a good
environment with a base built in respect and discipline. We've been
part of this group for a few years now and have watched our youngest
son continue with and embrace the sport. Our family has never been
short on sports to play and options to play them. We're proud to see
the development and thankful for the leadership of the program.
Our son wanted to provide his own review as well.....
I really enjoy Seibukan jujitsu and Tenchikan Dojo. I have met a
variety of people and made some new friends. Seibukan jujitsu has
taught me discipline and that hard work pays off. I started in the
youth class and now am in the teen class too. Sometimes I get to
work with the adults and was part of the demo team at the Tacoma
Dome this year. I enjoyed the extra work we did to show the public
our skills. I hope to one day become a black belt. Thank you Hanshi
Sauders for your friendship and being a leader in my life.
Dean Burke
I've trained here for 6 years now and I haven't
found a better dojo. The Sensei is no-nonsense and takes training
seriously but he keeps close tabs on his students' progress,
strengths and weaknesses. Many of the dojos I've attended have
either provided lessons with no structure or never varied from a
single lesson plan, but Hanshi Sauders always has something new to
focus on and it keeps the same material interesting. I'd recommend
it to anyone at any level of skill.
Jasper R.
Mike has a great program and his years of working with youth really
show. I highly recommend his program, especially for kids!
Butch Trail