Bushido Kenkyukai: Japanese Martial & Cultural Arts

Welcome 2016!!!

January 2016 is the start of my 30th year as a Martial Artist.  I have been so incredibly blessed to have Sensei James Hawkes, 10th Dan, as my instructor.  I owe him a tremendous amount of gratitude for all that he has taught me.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to train with him for so long.  I will forever miss him.

As we head back into the Dojo after Christmas break I look forward to a wonderful year of training hard with Sempais, Kohais, and students.  I am anxious for never ending floor drills, Kata, Kumite, and drills, drills, drills.  🙂

Domo Arigato, Thank you, to all the other Martial Artists that have been a part of my training both in and outside of the Dojo.  We share a warrior spirit that forever calls us.  Thank you to my friends and family that have supported me, even though they may not of understood but were patience when I said “I have to train, I have to go to the dojo.” Thank you to my students both past and present you are my family.  I thank God for directing me to my Passion in life.  I am so grateful and blessed.

Domo Arigato Gozaimas!

2016 Gambate!

A Gallegos, 5th Dan Bushido Kenkyukai Head Instructor

Take A Women’s Self Defense Class, Your Life is Worth it!

A 3-week Woman’s Basic Self Defense Class will be held on Saturdays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at ABQ Self Defense October 17^th to October 31^th.  The goal of the class is to teach women basic awareness and basic self defense skills. This class is for women and is taught by women.

Women of all ages face so many possible threatening situations, such as purse snatchings, groupings, rape, domestic violence, date rape, bulling, battery, road rage, assault, muggings, active shooter, and home invasions. Taking a self-defense class can decrease your likelihood of facing a life threatening situation. Your personal safety is worth the time and money spent on a self-defense class.

ABQ Self Defense is located at 9911 Southern SE unit F (near Eubank & Central).  To register for the class go to www.ABQselfdefense.com or call 505-294-6993.   The class fee is $90 for 9 hours of hands on instruction. Groups of 3 or more pay $80 per student. Participants must pre-register prior to October 10^th. Call now to Take Control of Your Life!!!

ABQ Self Defense provides a comfortable, safe environment for Women ages 13 older to learn hands on self-defense. The classes are fun, relaxed & interactive with lots of opportunities for questions. The physical techniques are easy to learn. Students will learn to prevent assaults, identify dangerous situations, and effectively fight back in life-threatening situations. This is NOT a martial arts class. Due to the nature of the topics, discussed the minimum age for students is 13 years old. Students should wear comfortable loose clothing suitable for exercise.

For more infomation call ( 505-294-6993 or go to : www.abqselfdefense.com.

Taiko Japanese Drumming classes

Taiko Drumming is a fun physical activity.  We are always looking for new students to join our dojo.  Please come try a class for FREE.  No experience necessary.  Classes are fun and energetic!

Taiko is great for creative expression, learning group cooperation, improving physical fitness, improving self-confidence, improving hand eye coordination, de-stressing and cultural awareness. And of course just to have fun! Taiko is also music.

All classes cover basic taiko knowledge, including taiko history, taiko terminology, and drum info.  In addition, students will learn:

• Kuchi shōga (Japanese phonetic system for “pronouncing” the sounds of drums)
• Kihon (the basic techniques of Japanese martial arts)
• Kata (choreographed patterns of movements )

Beginning Kids Taiko classes Wednesday 5:30 – 6:30pm, cost $32 per month plus Tax
Beginning Adult Taiko class Wednesday 6:40pm – 8:40pm, cost is 60.75 per month plus Tax

Onetime start-up fee for all classes: $20 (includes reusable hearing protection and a beginner packet)
Send us an email at Taiko@BKWoW.com and we will reserve a drum for you.

Self Defense Class for Women

A 3-week Woman’s Basic Self Defense Class is being offered on Saturdays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at ABQ Self Defense March 21st to April 4^th.  The class is only offered a few time a year.

The goal of the class is to teach women basic awareness and basic self-defense skills. This class is for women and is taught by women.  ABQ Self Defense is located at 9911 Southern Blvd SE unit F (near Eubank & Central).  To register for the class go to www.ABQselfdefense.com or call 505-294-6993. The class fee is $90 for 9 hours of instruction.  Groups of 3 or more pay $80 per student. Participants must pre-register prior to March 16th. Call now to Take Control of Your Life!!! Space is limited.

The physical techniques are easy to learn.  Students will learn to prevent assaults, identify dangerous situations, and effectively fight back in life-threatening situations.  This is NOT a martial arts class.  Due to the nature of the topics discussed the minimum age for students is 13 years old.  Students should wear comfortable loose clothing suitable for exercise.

Youth Karate Classes in Albuquerque

Bushido Kenkyukai has Youth Karate classes Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.  The age range is 7 years to 13 years old.  We teach Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate.  The first week of classes is Free.  Bushido Kenkyukai is a Family friendly dojo and offers a variety of periodic Japanese Cultural Arts activities in addition to its core year round Martial Arts Training and Taiko Japanese Drumming.

Classes are structured with Traditional Karate basics and values.  The Youth are not only taught Karate basics, but Japanese terminology, Karate History, Basic Japanese etiquette & culture, personal safety, Disciple & Character (7 Virtues of Bushido), Sempai/Kohai, and  basic physical fitness.  Our head instructor is a strong supporter of education and therefore students are required to keep a minimum grade point average in order to continue participation in Karate classes.

Our head instructor has over 27 years of experience.   With small class sizes, your child will not get lost and become another number as in some larger schools.  In addition, with senior Adult Karate students often assisting with the youth classes there is plenty of one on one training.

Belt level progression is based on the successful completion and understanding of basic skills needed for each level.  Students are given a requirements sheet for each level which clearly defines the needed skills and minimum class time required for each belt level.  Since everyone learns at a different pace there is no regular calendar set testing schedule.  Students test when the instructor sees that the student has comprehension and demonstration capabilities required for that level.  Students which are ready for testing will be scheduled to test and will not be held back to wait for a group testing.

Karate, Taiko, Self Defense, We’re “In the Press”

Bushido Kenkyukai, BK Taiko, and ABQ Self Defense, Students and/or Instructors have been “In the Press” from time to time so we have created a page where you can view our Press.  Links to our most recent press is located on our “In the Press” page; other links can be found on our webpage containing the subject being featured or on our Facebook Pages.  Here is a review of some of our Press.

• March 2014:   2 KASA Fox, Our Taiko Instructor was on to help Popejoy promote a professional Taiko performance coming to Albuquerque in April 2014.  There were 2 TV spots.
• November 2013:  Albuquerque Journal, Gallegos Sensei’s Promotion to 5^th degree Black belt.
• July 2013:  Albuquerque Journal, Top 5 Billing, Bushido Kenkyukai’s Open House 2013
• June 2013:  Albuquerque Journal did a feature story about our instructor and our Taiko classes
• October 2012:  Albuquerque Journal,   Two members of our Taiko performing group were pictured at Aki Matsuri 2012 with a story about the NMJACL’s dream of a Japanese Cultural center
• February 2011:  KOB channel 4:  Did a feature on Women’s Self Defense which including an interview with our instructor and video of our Women’s Self Defense Class
• October 2010:  Albuquerque Journal Entertainment Magazine, BK Taiko’s performing group was pictured and listed as part of the “Taste of New Mexico” event in downtown Albuquerque
• March 2009:  Albuquerque Journal, Bushido Kenkyukai Karate &Taiko students were pictured as part of our participation (Taiko & Origami) in the Balloon Museums event “Children of War, Voices of Peace: Japanese and American Perspectives”.

https://bkwow.com/press

Women’s Self Defense Class, Registation Now Open

Registration is now open, don’t miss this opportunity.  The class is only offered a few time a year.

      A 3-week Woman’s Basic Self Defense Class will be offered on Saturdays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at ABQ Self Defense April 12^th to April 26^th.  The goal of the class is to teach women basic awareness and basic self-defense skills.  This class is for women and is taught by women.  ABQ Self Defense is located at 9911 Southern Blvd SE unit F (near Eubank & Central).   To register for the class go to www.ABQselfdefense.com  or call 505-294-6993.   The class fee is $65 for 9 hours of instruction.  Groups of 3 or more pay $55 per student.  Participants must pre-register prior to April 5^th.  Call now to Take Control of Your Life!!!  Space is limited and this will be the last session offered this year.

     The physical techniques are easy to learn.  Students will learn to prevent assaults, identify dangerous situations, and effectively
fight back in life-threatening situations.  This is NOT a martial arts class.   Due to the nature of the topics discussed the minimum age for students is 13 years old.  Students should wear comfortable loose clothing suitable for exercise. 

Introduction to Taiko Japanese Drumming Class

         Albuquerque, NM, March 10, 2014:  A 1 ½ hour “Introduction to Taiko Japanese Drumming” class will be offered on Monday March 10^th from 7:30 to 9 pm.  No previous music/drumming experience necessary.  This hands on workshop costs only $5 and drums are provided.  The Taiko dojo is located at 9911 Southern SE (near Eubank & Central).  Taiko is a high-energy blend of martial arts choreography and synchronized drumming which dates back over 2,000 years.  Taiko simply means “great drum” in Japanese and has taken on the meaning of the art form.  For more information or to sign up for the class, email Taiko@BKWoW.com or call (505) 294-6993.  Please register by March 5^th.

This class is great for a person interested in finding out more about taiko, how to get started in the art form or someone who just appreciates the art form.  The class will give an overview of basic taiko knowledge including taiko history, terminology, and basic drum info as well as introduce basic taiko stances, movement, kata and kihon.  Students will also enjoy hands on experience with the drums.         Taiko is great for creative expression, group cooperation, building self-esteem, cultural awareness, and improving physical fitness.

For more information on BK Taiko or their taiko classes go to www.BKTaiko.com.   Also like us on Facebook.

Instructor Biography

ANITA LEE GALLEGOS has studied Taiko for 15 years and has had the great opportunity to train & perform with professional Taiko drummers from Japan and the United States.  She teaches beginning taiko class for kids, youth, and adults in addition to leading BK Taiko’s performing group.

A Fun Way to Stay in Shape, TAIKO Japanese Drumming

With the Holidays behind us and the extra pounds lignering, it is time to get a little more exercise.  But who wants to get up early to pump some iron or run in the cold, how about trying something fun and different…Taiko Japanese Drumming.   For the average person, Taiko is a great way to relieve stress and improve physical fitness.  Taiko involves various movements of the arms and legs can be performed by people of all ages and fitness levels.  Actively performing the drumming training for 60 to 120 minutes not only benefits the cardiovascular system but also tones the arms, legs, back, shoulders, and the core.

Beating a drum is a great way to work out the stress of the day while toning your body.  It is perfect for both beginners looking for something fun and outside the sometimes intimidating mainstream gym, and jaded exercisers needing something new and interesting.  Kids and adults find it equally fun and exciting.  Taiko is also great for building self-esteem, creative expression, group cooperation, improving coordination, and cultural awareness.

The unique art form of Taiko is offered in Albuquerque at Bushido Kenkyukai Taiko Dojo located at 9911Southern Blvd Unit F (near Eubank & Central).  Beginning classes are Wednesdays with Kids (7-13 yrs.) classes from 5:30–6:30 pm and Adult (14 yrs. & above) classes from 6:40 – 8:40 pm.  No experience is necessary.  Practice Taiko drums and equipment are provided.  Improve your physical fitness and have fun while doing it!

BK Taiko’s instructor has over 15 years of Taiko drumming experience and has had the great opportunity to train with professional Taiko drummers from Japan and the United States.  For more information on Taiko Japanese Drumming email Taiko@BKWoW.com or visit www.BKTaiko.com.

A Family that Kicks together Sticks Together

Looking for a fun activity for the family or siblings, try Karate.  Bushido Kenkyukai’s Karate classes are mainly composed of families.  We have and have had sisters, brothers & sisters, cousins, uncle & nephew, neighbors, newlyweds, Mom with her kids and the son in law.   Our Family oriented school teaches Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate class for Kids and Adults.  Classes are Tuesdays & Thursdays.  Kid’s class is from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and Adult Class is from 6:30pm to 8pm.

Karate is a great way to relieve stress and improve physical fitness.  It involves various movements of the arms & legs and not only benefits the cardiovascular system but also tones the whole body.  Karate is also great for building self-esteem, improving physical fitness, Self-defense, coordination, self-discipline, and just to have fun!  It also helps students focus better at school or work.

Bushido Kenkyukai Dojo located at 9911Southern Blvd Unit F (near Eubank & Central).    Improve your physical fitness and have fun while doing it with the family!

Bushido Kenkyukai’s head instructor has over 25 years of karate Training.  Gallegos Sensei is a 5^th degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate and a 3^rd degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kempo Kobudo, and a Certified Self Defense Instructor.  For more information on Bushido Kenkyukai or our classes email Bushi@BKWoW.com or visit www.BKWoW.com.