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Self Defense Classes

Adult Jujitsu
Japanese Jujitsu escapes, throws, locks, & holds to defend against a larger opponent.
Adult Karate
Okinawan Shorin Ryu blocks, punches, strikes, & kicks, to protect against an attack.
Children's Jujitsu
Boys and girls learn self defense, confidence, discipline, and coordination.
Women's Self Defense
Effective techniques to protect against a larger attacker.
 

"I was looking for a school that taught traditional martial arts.  I was happy when I found Lakewood Budo Kai.  I started training in their Karate class and later decided to
take both Jujitsu and Karate.  I've now been in class over five years and I really enjoy it."

History and Traditions

History
Founded in 1979, our Lakewood Budo Kai martial arts school has offered Jujitsu, Karate, and Women's Self Defense classes in the Long Beach area for over 30 years. Lakewood Budo Kai is a traditional martial arts school providing students of all skill levels the opportunity to benefit from our training. For more information, please see our dojo history.

Instructors
Jim Kelton, the founder and head instructor at Lakewood Budo Kai, is an instructor’s instructor. He is widely regarded as one of the last martial arts instructors to uphold traditional Japanese martial arts and Okinawa Karate ways and philosophies. He teaches the arts in the purest, most historically accurate manner possible, as they were passed down from his instructors.  Mr. Kelton holds black belts in four martial arts:

  • Karate - Hachidan 8th degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate
  • Jujitsu - Shichidan 7th degree black belt in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
  • Judo - Sandan 3rd degree black belt in Kodenkan Judo
  • Sword - Nidan 2nd degree black belt in Iai sword drawing

Our certified instructors have over 10 years of teaching experience and have passed a personal background check.

Awards and Certifications
Throughout his 40 year career, Mr. Kelton has received numerous awards and certifications from many organizations including:

  • Kodenkan Judo Gold Life Member from the United States Judo Association
  • Kansetsu Waza joint locking techniques from the Southern California Jujitsu Association
  • Karate Kobudo weapons training sword drawing from the Japan Karate Federation
  • Monadnock persuader police baton certification from Westchester Jujitsu Kai
  • Lamplighter Award from Shoshin Ryu Yudanshakai martial arts association

What is unique about our School?

Lakewood Budo Kai has a proud identity that distinguishes our school

  • Traditional approach to martial arts training
  • Proven physical self defense techniques with noble Samurai traditions and codes of honor
  • Direct, unbroken lineage passed down from instructor to student for thousands of years
  • Pure, old-school martial arts and self-defense training

Find out what is unique about our classes.

What is the meaning of Lakewood Budo Kai?
Lakewood Budo Kai means "The Lakewood school of stopping conflict". Lakewood - our school (dojo) was initially founded in Lakewood California. So the use of the name Lakewood gives heritage to the initial roots of the dojo. Lakewood also has a more current meaning as our dojo is close to Lakewood Blvd in Long Beach, California. Budo - Budo is often translated as "the Way of the Warrior", or "martial way", and may be interpreted as a way of stopping conflict. Kai - means school. Please see our Long Beach Class Schedule for dates, times, fees, and special offers.

Traditions
Our school, Lakewood Budo Kai, uses a traditional approach to the martial arts that teaches you not just physical self defense techniques, but also the traditions and codes of honor that have been passed down from instructor to student for thousands of years.

  • Etiquette and Dojo Courtesy - Samurai warriors showed dedication by following basic procedures and proper etiquette.
  • Protocol - the formal code of conduct for the martial arts practitioner when interacting with and showing respect to high ranking visitors and guest instructors.
  • Vision, Mission, and Values - Our purpose, priorities, how we work together, and positive impact we have on students.

What are the Values that Define a Lakewood Budo Kai student?

Lakewood Budo Kai students are part of a noble and traditional family of martial artists. Our students train to uphold time-tested values:

  • Commitment
  • Courage
  • Honesty
  • Honor
  • Integrity
  • Loyalty
  • Respect

In the News

As a leading martial arts school, Lakewood Budo Kai is frequently "In the news".  Featured in the Long Beach Press Telegram, the Lakewood Herald American, and on television, our Long Beach self defense classes help men, women, and children learn how to defend themselves. 

Sign up for our free Lakewood Budo Kai Martial Arts Newsletter.  You will learn about martial arts history, fitness tips, current events, and steps you can take to improve your techniques.

When you train with us you join our family and our commitment to the martial arts.