Fresno’s School of Traditional Japanese Sword Arts and Jujutsu

Fresno Samurai Arts offers in-person and online classes in traditional jujutsu, Japanese swordsmanship, and classical samurai weaponry.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE STUDY OF
CLASSICAL SAMURAI MARTIAL ARTS

武士武術
  • KENJUTSU & IAI JUTSU

    Learn to use classical samurai weaponry such as katana (sword), wakizashi (short sword), tanto (knife), naginata (glaive), and jo (staff), and more.

    Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu at Fresno Samurai Arts
  • Aiki-jujutsu

    Aiki-Jujutsu techniques and principles come directly from Classical Japanese sword arts. Aikido and modern jujitsu have their origins in Aiki-Jujutus.

    Aiki-Jujutsu at Fresno Samurai Arts
  • System of Strategy

    We study and use of classical martial arts for modern-day personal defense. This study includes awareness, mitigating use-of-force, preparedness, and more.

    System of Strategy personal defense training at Fresno Samurai Arts

Benefits of Nami Ryu Training

We provide professional instruction in an environment of Courtesy, Integrity, Responsibility, and Self Discipline

Training with us will provide you with lifetime skills that will allow you to realize your potential.

Calmness of mind and spirit

Understanding of Tactics
and Strategy

Increased Awareness

Self-Defense Techniques
and Principles

Community

Honor, Commitment, Dedication

稽古

Online and
In-Person Classes

We uniquely offer in-person training at the Fresno dojo and an online option with on-demand videos and class recordings for distance students.

Please visit the Online Classes page for information about becoming a distance student.

For information about enrolling as a student in the Fresno dojo, please visit the Classes page.

meet our instructors

先生
  • Randy George Sensei

    RANDY W. GEORGE

    Chief Instructor

    Randy George Sensei began his training in Shotokan Karate in 1984 under Robert Halliburton Sensei of Fresno.

    After several years of Shotokan, he decided to study Aikido and was the first live-in student (uchi-deshi) of Patricia Hendricks Sensei (7th dan Shihan, Iwama ryu Aikido) of San Leandro, California.

    He studied and taught Aikido for over 20 years before becoming a student of James Williams Sensei, kaicho of Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho, in 2008.

    George Sensei has had a passion for Japanese culture, language, and history since an early age, all of which are interwoven in his instruction.

    In addition to the dojo, he runs a marketing agency specializing in branding and communications for family businesses.

  • JP Scott Sensei

    John "JP" Scott

    Instructor

    John “JP” Scott is a United States Navy veteran.

    He brings a diverse background of emergency medical experience and practical know-how in firearms and personal defense.

    He has trained in various martial arts disciples and has been practicing Nami Ryu since 2010.

  • Earl Giffen Sensei

    EARL GIFFEN

    Instructor

    Earl began training in Nami Ryu in 2011. He originally trained under Randy George sensei of Fresno and subsequently moved to San Diego to train directly with James Williams sensei in 2015.

    In 2022 Earl returned to Fresno, where he currently teaches. In addition to studying martial arts, Earl is an ardent marksman and outdoorsman.

    He currently works as a systems engineering consultant.

  • Earl Giffen Sensei

    Matt Bangtson

    Instructor

    Matt grew up in the Midwest, studying Tae Kwon Do off and on during his teenage years

    After ending up in California, he searched for a martial art that could also teach him to use weapons.

    In 2016 he found Nami Ryu and began training under Randy George Sensei. Aside from martial arts, he enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family, and squeezing in a video game now and then.

質問

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Learn Japanese Swordsmanship?

Japanese swordsmanship is a sophisticated art and martial science. Through swordsmanship, we learn the applied principles of strategy (heiho).

Japanese sword arts are also the foundation of traditional Japanese jujutsu. The movements in classical jujutsu come directly from kenjutsu (Japanese sword combat arts).

What Aiki-Jujutsu techniques will you teach me?

Every student’s initial study involves learning proper breathing, movement, relaxation, awareness, and falling. You will also learn strikes, throws, and how to use training weapons to augment your practice.

Most importantly, our goal is to teach you skills to become safer, more aware, and more capable of heading off conflict before it happens.

What are the principles of Aiki-Jujutsu

Our primary principles are, 1) Move, 2) Allow (Don't contest for space), and 3) Don't be where pressure or force is applied. There are many more strategic principles that you will learn over time through dedicated training.

What ages do you teach?

We accept students 14 years and older. Please contact us if you would like to discuss further.

I've never training in martial arts. Can I learn Nami ryu?

If you have the willingness to learn, we can teach you.

Are there competitions in Nami ryu?

Classical Japanese martial arts are, at their core, schools of military strategy. While this context continues to be the foundation of Nami Ryu principles and techniques, we are dedicated to teaching personal defense and the defense of loved ones. With this in mind, we do not have competitions or train with the mindset of competing for points. Competitions and tournaments can be beneficial on many levels, but they are not designed to address modern self-defense scenarios so they are not part of our training.

Rather, in accordance with Classical Japanese training methods, our instructors expose students to increased pressure as they progress in the Nami Ryu training curriculum. This pressure takes the form of working against skilled opponents and learning to handle a wide variety of potential situations.  

Ultimately, our goal is to avoid conflicts and bad situations while training for the functional ability to de-escalate them or quickly solve them with an appropriate response.

Still have questions?

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US TO TRAIN IN TRADITIONAL SAMURAI MARTIAL ARTS

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