Business Details
47 Years
experience
Traditional Martial Arts Training in Long Beach, CA
Founded in May 1979, Lakewood Budo Kai stands as Long Beach, California's longest-running traditional martial arts school. We specialize in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate, preserving unbroken lineages of techniques and honor codes passed down for millennia. Our curriculum emphasizes physical self-defense alongside character development, instilling values like respect, discipline, and integrity. Recognized by former California governors and Long Beach mayors, we offer affordable community classes through the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine. With over 45 years of continuous operation, we maintain a family-oriented environment where students of all ages learn traditional martial arts in their purest forms.Our instructors, trained in samurai traditions, serve as role models who uphold the school's mission of conflict resolution and personal growth. We emphasize mental resilience alongside physical fitness, offering programs for children, teens, adults, and women seeking self-defense skills. Our month-to-month payment structure and absence of long-term contracts ensure accessible training for all community members.
Services
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Shorin Ryu Karate
Children's Self-defense
Teen/Adult Jujitsu
Teen/Adult Karate
Women's Self-defense
Martial Arts Philosophy
Conflict Resolution Training
Character Development
Traditional Kata Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Over 45 years of continuous martial arts instruction since 1979
- Specializes in unbroken lineage transmission of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate
- Recognized by former California governors and Long Beach mayors
- Affordable $45/month community-based pricing through City of Long Beach
- Family-oriented environment emphasizing character development alongside physical training
Services
Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Traditional Japanese martial art focusing on throws, joint locks, and chokes for self-defense. Students learn escapes from holds and control techniques against larger opponents. Emphasizes practical application of centuries-old techniques while developing physical coordination and mental discipline through structured practice.
Shorin Ryu Karate
Okinawan martial art teaching blocks, strikes, and kicking techniques for self-defense. Includes kata forms that preserve historical movement patterns. Develops physical strength, focus, and understanding of traditional martial arts principles through systematic training and partner drills.
Children's Self-defense
Specialized classes for ages 6-12 teaching simplified jujitsu techniques. Builds coordination, strength, and confidence while instilling self-control and respect. Combines physical training with character development to help children handle bullying and build social skills.
Women's Self-defense
Three-hour intensive program covering practical defense against various attack scenarios. Teaches techniques requiring no prior fitness or experience. Focuses on awareness, verbal de-escalation, and physical responses tailored to women's safety concerns.
Martial Arts Philosophy
Integral component teaching honor codes, respect, and discipline. Incorporates traditional values through protocol and instructor-student relationships. Develops leadership qualities and mental resilience alongside physical techniques to support personal growth in daily life.
People
Jim Kelton
Dojo Founder
Founded Lakewood Budo Kai in 1979 under Professor Carl Beaver's guidance. Holds black belts in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Shorin Ryu Karate, Kodenkan Judo, and Iai. Teaches traditional martial arts while preserving historical techniques and values for modern students.
Russell Kelley
Head Instructor
Senior instructor specializing in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate. Trains students in traditional techniques while maintaining the school's commitment to character development. Guides curriculum to preserve martial arts heritage through practical application.
Dr. Jeffrey H Smith
Instructor
Certified martial arts instructor with expertise in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Kodenkan Judo. Combines technical instruction with philosophical teachings to develop well-rounded martial artists. Emphasizes proper form and historical context during training sessions.
Jose Solorio
Instructor
Teaches both Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate techniques. Focuses on practical self-defense applications while maintaining traditional training methods. Assists students in developing physical skills and understanding martial arts principles.
William Senner
Junior Instructor
Supports instruction in traditional martial arts under senior instructors' guidance. Demonstrates techniques and assists students during practice. Embodies the school's values while helping maintain training standards in both jujitsu and karate classes.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We teach traditional Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Shorin Ryu Karate, preserving authentic techniques and honor codes passed down through unbroken lineages.
What age groups can participate?
Our programs accept students aged 6 and up, with specialized classes for children, teens, adults, and women seeking self-defense training.
How much are your classes?
Monthly class fees are $45 per person through the City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine, with no long-term contracts required.
Do you offer women-only self-defense classes?
Yes, we provide a three-hour women's self-defense workshop focusing on practical techniques for various attack scenarios without requiring prior experience.
Are your instructors certified?
All instructors have trained extensively in their respective martial arts and hold advanced ranks, with many serving as role models for students' character development.
What benefits can students expect?
Students gain self-defense skills, improved physical fitness, increased confidence, discipline, and understanding of traditional martial arts values through our structured programs.
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