The Dojo's level 1 Foundations of Self-Protection course is designed to provide you with a powerful set of experiences that will prepare you for all types of physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges that arise when we least expect them.

In this course, we add several classical katas for you from six lineages. Each of these techniques offers many insights into the depth of Budo. Watch them over and over to pick up on new things. As your knowledge increases, so does your understanding.

These are over arcing important points (Kaname) regarding Budo and many Martial Arts. They are timeless principles that could save your life, both mentally and physically.

Learn some of the first Nage Waza (Off-balancing and throwing techniques) of the armored samurai - taught by Master Instructor Todd Ryotoshi Norcross (9th Dan/8th Dan) 1. Osoto Gake (Big Outer Hook) 2. Harai Goshi (Hip Sweep) 3. Gyaku Nage (Reverse Lock Throw) 4. Ganseki Nage (Big Rock Throw) - (Otoshi – smash, drop), Oshi – push/lever) 5. Uchi Mata (Inner Thigh Hook) 5 a. Uchi Gake (Inside Hook) 6. Hane Goshi Nage (Upward Hip Shake) 7. Taki Otoshi (Waterfall Drop/Retreat/Unfinished throw) 8. Itami Nage (Throwing with Pain) 9. Ryu Sui Iki (Dragon Waterfalling) (Sutemi Principle: Giving your body weight to add to the movement) Tachi Nagare (Standing Flowing) Yoko Nagare (Sideways Flowing) Kuruma (Wheel Landing/throwing) Te Makura (Hand Support Throw) Tomoe Nage (Comma, whirling Throw) Henka Principles Uzu Maki (Vortex throwing i.e. Ryote Gake) Seoi Nage (Back throws) • Katate (One handed) • Ryote (Two-handed) Kuki Nage (Air/Vacuum Throw)

Learn some of the non-sport finishes that the Ninja and Samurai were feared for. Master Instructor Todd Ryotoshi Norcross (9th Dan/8th Dan) shows you a few of the reliable pins and pain compliance locks to get you home safe. Warning: Risk of Injury. Please do not try these at home. Find a qualified instructor before attempting.

Here you will learn several ground self-defense and grappling techniques to finish an attacker, all taught with a non-sport mentality. Taught by David Ryoshi Johnson (4th Dan), a direct student of Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross.

Tono Ryu 刀 能 流 The Way of the Talented/Skilled Sword Learn a few of the movements of Tono Ryu Kenjutsu. These katas are designed to be quick and efficient - often using Iaijutsu. The Tono Ryu combines unorthodox fighting methods using Taijutsu, precise distancing and cuts, and footwork to win.

As only he can, Sensei Norcross (9th Dan/8th Dan) enthusiastically goes through the legendary Kukishin Ryu (Nine Demons School) Style of Swordsmanship. In this Advanced lesson, Sensei teaches the stances, methods, and secret techniques for winning against other samurai on the battlefield. A must for all martial artists, sword lovers, and students/teachers of Kendo, Iaido and Kenjutsu.

This is the older sword lesson video, where Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross goes over the stances and cuts of the longsword in detail. A very cool series of lessons from 2018.

The yawara is a Japanese weapon used in various martial arts. Numerous types of jujutsu make use of a small rod, made of wood, that extends somewhat from both ends of a person's fist. The yawara likely originated from the use of the tokkosho, a Buddhist symbolic object, by monks in feudal Japan. The methods of using a yawara may have been created by samurai that used tantojutsu, which was a combat that made use of a short knife. According to another theory, a samurai might have fought with the scabbard when a more deadly weapon was not necessary. The yawara stick was popularized by police officers in the 1940s. A modern yawara is a kubotan which is about six inches long, made of plastic, weighs about two ounces, and has no sharp edges. The kubotan is used by police officers and the general public. Sensei Norcross has mastered the use of the Kubotan. He uses it with his Taijutsu to defend against opponents and various weapons.

Hanbōjutsu - If your spear, naginata, or polearm was cut in half on the battlefield, what would you do? What could you do to survive with half a weapon? Sr. Budo Instructor Todd Ryotoshi Norcross (9th Dan/8th Dan) takes you through some of the basic principles of Kukishin Ryu Hanbojutsu. The art of the stick. In modern days, these classic movements are still very much valid. Canes, umbrellas, garden tools, and a trillion sticks and branches are available to utilize to protect yourself and your family. • Kamae (Stances) of the Hanbo • Tai Sabaki Footwork and Grips • Drills and Precise Targeting for Skill • Various Strikes unique to the Kukishinden Style • Techniques to choke or grapple the opponent • Hanbo Leverage takedowns and finishes • Knife Vs. Hanbo in a modern context • The practical teaching style of Sensei Norcross

Working off of the "Hanbō Basics" course, Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross (9th Dan/8th Dan) continues deeper into the secrets and techniques of the Kukishin-ryū 九鬼神流 3' Stick. A versatile and subtle weapon, the Hanbō is known for its deceptive speed, 2-sided striking capabilities, and massive leverage to dislocate vulnerable joints in the blink of an eye. In this course, Sensei shows flows, locks, throws, and strikes to devastate an attacker. Please be careful. Techniques are dangerous.

Bōjutsu (Japanese: 棒術, lit. 'staff technique') is the martial art of stick fighting using a bō, which is the Japanese word for staff. Staffs have been in use for thousands of years in Asian martial arts. Some techniques involve slashing, swinging, and stabbing with the staff, In this module, Sensei Norcross shows many techniques and principles using the 6' long staff. In modern days, one could use these techniques using a rake, shovel, stick, pole, walking stick, etc. to defend.

Join The Dojo's Instructors as they address common pistol threats and how to use Intelligent Martial Arts to dissuade, avoid, or disarm the attacker as a last resort. This is a great lesson for those who wish to address firearm close-combat threats.

The 14-Point Codes of Mindful Action are a great way to remind us how to get through the day and thrive in happiness and contentment. Sensei Norcross inspires us to remember to pause and think about our intelligent power over our destiny.

Historical Lectures and Lessons on Japan, and Samurai and Ninja Culture and Methods.

Ukemi Tips

Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross has run a successful martial arts school for nearly 20 years. Here is some of his advice on opening and running a dojo. If you have dreams of beginning your own training group, watch this valuable information.

Experience in-depth interviews hosted by Todd Ryotoshi Norcross with Martial Legends and Influencers in the industry.

Sword Reviews, product Opinions, training equipment and How-To Videos for subscribers.

We have all experienced bad days, bad weeks and even bad years. When we feel that we lack a purpose, we tend to not care - much less care for others. In this interesting lecture series, Martial Arts Master Black Belt Instructor and Meditation Expert Todd Ryotoshi Norcross guides us through eight ancient philosophies that will strengthen our moods and minds toward equanimity. Join Sensei Norcross on this journey into how we habitually think, and how we can slowly remove the negative obstacles within us in order to find long-lasting peace of mind and contentment in this fast-paced world. Disc 1 1. Right View 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood Disc 2 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration Bonus Chapter: The Art of Gratefulness Our Life is Significant A trip to Abraham Lincoln’s Tomb

Sensei Norcross goes over several Eastern-based philosophical methods of achieving real and lasting joy within the mind. These lessons have helped thousands of listeners over the past 15 years. Enjoy these timeless tidbits and reminders.

Aside from being a Ninja Master and Musician, Todd Norcross has been an artist and painter in the style of his teacher (the one and only Bob Ross) since the age of fifteen. He has taught hundreds of painting classes and has sold many original works of art over the years. He primarily focuses on simple landscapes. His calming voice and relaxed demeanor are loved by thousands of Bob Ross fans from all over the world.

Through experience (both positive and negative), we can save ourselves tons of wasted time and needless suffering. In this section, teachers discuss "what not to do".