Samurai History, Ninja, Armor, Swords, Culture Lectures and Lessons

History, Samurai Culture, Ninja, Taijutsu and Weaponry, How-To's

These courses are appropriate for all ages and body types. There is no experience necessary. Whether you train solo or with friends, these lessons will inspire and increase your depth of knowledge of the martial arts.

Example Curriculum

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Dojo Lessons and Courses

There is so much to learn and practice!

Entering Your Dojo - Level 1: Earth Fundamentals Course

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95/month

Level 2: Self-Protection Techniques of Water and Fire

The Dojos' level 2 'Advanced Self Protection' course builds on earth-based principles of personal confidence, the ability to recognize potential danger, and how to respond effectively.

CinciDojo

12 payments of $19.95/month

Level 3: Advanced Self-Protection Techniques of Wind

The Fu "Wind" element inspires effective action as the key to accomplishment. Circular movement, efficient leverage, and moving like a ghost make it very hard to control or pin you down, providing a very advanced way to win.

CinciDojo

$19.95/month

Taijutsu - Unarmed Techniques and Principles

Various vicious and highly effective Budo Taijutsu (non-sport) techniques taught at The Dojo Martial Arts School. There are no rules. Victory and survival are the goal.

CinciDojo

$19.95/month

Basic Throws of Budo Lesson

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)

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95/month

Tap Outs Part 1 - Samurai Finishes

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95

Tap-Outs Part 2 - Intermediate and Advanced Ground Control Techniques

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95/month

The Art of the Sword - Kihon Basics of the Katana

Welcome students to the "Art of the Sword - Sword Kihon Basics" course. In this lesson, we will introduce you to Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross, an experienced and skilled swordsmanship instructor with over 45 years of training in various martial arts and Kenjutsu/Iaido disciplines. As you begin your journey in learning the fundamentals of sword kihon under Sensei's guidance, you can expect to focus on mastering the basic stances, footwork, and parts essential for developing a strong foundation in swordsmanship. Sensei Norcross's teaching style emphasizes the importance of results, no-nonsense, proper alignment, and mental focus to execute each technique with efficiency and control. Through his expertise and guidance, you will learn the necessary skills to begin (or brush up on) your study of the sword. Key Lesson Concepts: Focus on learning characteristics, basic stances, footwork, Iai, Noto, and parts of the sword

CinciDojo

$19.95/month

Tono Ryu Kenjutsu (Talented Sword Style) Techniques and Principles

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95

Ninja Sword Basics of the Togakure Ryu Style

Sword teacher Todd Ryotoshi Norcross guides you through the fundamental techniques of the legendary shinobi. Ninja were not known for flashy sword techniques. They were all about escaping. Sensei shows the stances and a few of the reliable movements and defenses using his shorter shinobigatana sword against a longer katana. Experience the movements as only Sensei Norcross can deliver. Filmed in 2021 at The Dojo in Mason, Ohio

CinciDojo

$19.95

Kukishin Ryu Secret Sword School Techniques

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95

Original Katana Sword Basics Lessons

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95/month

The Yawara/Kubotan/Tonbo - Short Stick of Self Defense

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95/month

Basics of the Hanbo - 3' Stick of the Ninja

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

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95

Long Staff Mastery - Bōjutsu and Jōjutsu

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95

Naginata Basics - The Samurai Polearm of Power

Sr. Budo Sensei Todd Ryotoshi Norcross introduces how to use the Samurai Naginata. The Naginata was a polearm used for many years against foot soldiers, cavalry, and armored warriors of ancient Japan. Learn the stances and several reliable techniques vs. a sword. Filmed outdoors at The Dojo Martial Arts in Mason, Ohio USA.

CinciDojo

$19.95

The Art of the Shuriken - Basics of the Throwing Star

Join The Dojo’s Chief Black Belt Teacher Todd Ryotoshi Norcross (9th Dan/8th Dan) as he guides you through cool the fundamentals of the legendary hidden throwing blades of the ninja and samurai. Segments include: Shuriken Combat Techniques 6 Sub-Skills of Shuriken Uses in History Kneeling Throws Standing Throws Long-Distance Throws Advanced Ukemi Throwing Release Techniques Bo Shuriken Throwing Outdoor Throwing

CinciDojo

$19.99

Pistol Disarming - Taijutsu Firearms Counter- Strategies for Survival

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$14.95

Weaponry - Knife Fighting, Sai, Jutte, Kusari Fundo

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross

$19.95/month

A Ninja's Code of Ethics and Philosophy Lectures

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.

Todd Ryotoshi Norcross