Budokan Academy Dojo History

Budokan Academy is sited at Willow Pond Reception Centre on 3.5 hectares of landscaped Japanese gardens including a large lake. It was built during the latter half of 1987 by Sensei Ramon Lawrence and opened officially on 17th January, 1988.

Initially it was teaching Jishukan Ryu Jujitsu, a Jujitsu, Kempo and Jojitsu style, and as part of the West Australian Kendo Renmei, Kendo.

In the beginning of 1989, a Junior Self-defence club was started (teaching a sub-set of Jishukan) and has proved to be very successful both in membership and performance.

In 1990 the teaching of Iaido commenced as part of the West Australian Kendo Renmei. In 1996 Muso Shinden Ryu Iai was introduced to senior students.

In 1994, the teaching of Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo commenced. In 1998, the Jodo club converted to the Seitei style of Jodo as part of the West Australian Kendo Renmei. Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo is now only studied by senior students.

In 2003, the teaching of Tamiya Ryu Iaijitsu commenced. It is only taught to selected advanced Iaido students.

In recent years the Academy has been visited by many top martial art Masters from Japan and England as well as other states of Australia. In 1991 fourteen senior Masters from Japan visited the Academy to teach seminars in Kendo, Iaido and Naginata. The seminar was made up of Australian Kendo Renmei students from each state of Australia.

Members of the Academy have represented WA in National and International events of Kendo, Iaido and Jodo and have attended special training sessions overseas (of all arts currently being taught at the dojo).

Students are required to attend training regularly and exercise a strong code of ethics, etiquette and self-discipline. Footwear is required to be worn to the dojo at all times. Cross training between different Martial Arts is not discouraged.