Hasu Dojo will be hosting Jason Kratz-Shihan
for a weekend exploration into Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu. 

Sensei Kratz began martial arts in 1988 at the age of 9. With over 25 years of experience he has obtained rank in the martial arts of the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, and Japan. In the 1990's he began training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and has pursued the art ever since. He is a student of Bujinkan Happo Biken Menkyo Shihan - Dr. Luke Molitor of the Jigoku Dojo in Dallas Texas, and makes bi-annual trips to Japan to train with the Grandmaster, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, along with the Japanese shihan. While training in Japan he earned his shidoshi menkyo (instructor license) in the hombu dojo under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi's supervision.

In 2005 he started the Saint Louis Bujinkan Dojo to share the skills, strategies, and philosophies of traditional Japanese martial arts with the Mid West. Along with his personal training Sensei Kratz still continues to refine his skills in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu by frequently traveling to train with his teacher throughout the year, through trips to Japan to train with Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, and by teaching his students the warfare of the Bujinkan. 

Most famous in the Bujinkan as a "Bodyguard School" with fast and effective jujutsu techniques, and daishosabaki (jujutsu while wearing both swords in the belt). Other techniques are based around bojutsu. It has been mixed with sumo techniques, Takenouchi Ryu jujutsu and others. Takagi Yoshin Ryu has been handed down together with Kukishinden Ryu for gener ations. The Takagi Yoshin Ryu uses many techniques that appear similar to judo or aikido, but goes further in that when the techniques are applied it's made difficult for the opponent to escape by rolling or breakfalling.

These are very close quarter techniques with the opponent held close - a result of the techniques being developed in buildings. Students are taught to use speed, look the opponent in the eyes and use their impulse and weight. Also translated as "Heart of the Willow Tree School".

Cost of the seminar will be $50 for the weekend. 
please rsvp as soon as possible as space may become limited. 

more details will be made available as we get close to the seminar date =) hope to see you all there!