1809 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach CA 90266
310-798-2010
We hope you enjoy our website and will stop by and visit us if you are in the area.
This site is designed to give you information about our facility,
our training programs, our instructors and provide you with information on how to contact us as well.
By offering both ancient traditions with modern applications;
We pride ourselves in providing the most effective programs in self-defense and fitness.
Here at L.A. Budo our goals are to provide a safe, serious but friendly, realistic atmosphere for you to train in and accomplish your training goals. Whether it is just getting in shape, building self confidence, improving self-defense, or becoming an complete functional martial artist, we have it all. Our school has a friendly, family-like atmosphere, with no attitudes or egos.
When my son was nine and a half years old, I brought him to LA Budo. As I told Sensei, I was looking for someone to give my son to for a long time. Zachary has been in training with David Dow for over five years. Just this month, he became the first minor to earn a black belt. For five years, Sensei trained my son. When Zachary arrived, he was unfocused and lacked confidence. I have watched as my son became lightening fast, sharply focused while his body grew strong and lean. More important, I saw a tremendous growth in self confidence and self esteem as he mastered increasingly difficult maneuvers. As a parent, I am confidant that he can defend himself anywhere. Perhaps the most valuable lessons Sensei teaches are moral in nature. I have heard the youngest children reciting these words at the end of every class, rules by which to live: “I only hit pads and bullies hard, I only use Budo to defend myself. I will be a bright light and make a difference in this world.” My son, now fifteen, has never been in a fight. My son is unafraid. He has compassion for others, and self respect for himself. As a parent, I would urge you, whether you have a son or daughter, to give them the gift of this experience. They will grow in discipline, focus, self defense and self confidence. My best to all of you. - Mary L. Hughes, Proud Mother of a Black Belt September 2008
Elora absolutely loves your class. She says that it is so
much fun! Twice a week she reminds me in the morning that she has
ninjitsu later on in the day.
- Marla Becker, Mother of a 6 yr old White Belt
I learn something new EVERY class and cannot wait for the next one."
- Rick Stevens, 39 Owner of the Stripe Shop
For nearly two years my daughter has been enrolled at the L.A. Budo in the Panther Kub program. When she started, she was about 3½ and the youngest child in class. Through the guidance of Sensei David Dow and Nidan Sophia Dow and the help of her fellow students, my daughter was welcomed into class with kindness, sensitivity and the support of a structure a child her age could learn from and grow with. To that end, she has excelled in the following areas:
- Listening, concentration and focus
- Physical coordination, flexibility and stamina
- Stranger Danger and Environment Sensitivity
- Introduction to Japanese culture, language and customs
Now, as she starts kindergarten, these skills have manifest themselves in her academic/language immersion class and her social interaction with other children - both at home and at school. She is outgoing and polite in class and on the playground. She loves to learn new things and engages that process with enthusiasm, focus and discipline.
I would highly recommend the Panther Kubs program to any parent/caretaker who wants to expose their child to an environment that is both fun and intent on introducing the child to an activity, both mental and physical, that will bear fruit for many years to come."
-Andre Bustanoby Visual Effects Supervisor Brain Zoo.
"Having just turned 40, I'm probably in the best shape of my life right now - thanks to the Bujinkan Anko Dojo and Budo Taijutsu"
- Andre Bustanoby, Visual Effects Supervisor Brain Zoo Studios.
"As an adult student I find that training at L.A. Budo has exceeded my expectations on many fronts. I initially decided to join because I had a curiosity about the "martial arts" since I was young. Dragging myself to the gym every other day exercised my body but left my mind unchallenged. So I joined on a lark...not quite sure what I'd find in the training,"
- Christian D. Nimsky, 36 Father of twins
"Joining L.A. Budo is one of the best decisions I've made. It's been a great honor to train here. I've only been training a short time, and already I have learned a great deal about myself, both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Budo Taijutsu is not only a highly effective and efficient fighting art, it's also teaching me to discipline my mind, which is essential in all aspects of life. Dow Sensei is a great instructor, and I couldn't have imagined better training partners. It's truly an enlightening experience."
- Ryan Castle, 25 student
"Alexander has been in LA Budo for almost two years and everyday he learns from his class with David Dow. Before we entered him in karate Alexander lack focus and mostly wondered around in his own little world, being the only child it was very difficult for him to make friends or go up to children his own age, instead he would find it easier to play with kids that were two to three years younger.
Now Alexander is more focus, able to interact with kids his own age or older. I just had parent conference at school and his teacher was amazed on how focus he is and how following directions is not a problem with him any longer, she also mentioned that he is very helpful, sweet and is always there to help a class mate.
I know all of his changes has to do with him being in L.A. Budo, at first I thought he would get tired of being in the class, but he enjoys the hour there, not just for the kids that he as befriended but the activities that they learn, all lessons are games to them but at the end of the class they all go home with a a valuable lesson and a new karate move.
We are all very happy with Alexander taking this class as an art instead of just another sport, he loves it more now that both of my sisters have their girls there too and enjoy the same or more than Alexander."
- Carol Munoz, Mother of a 7 yr old Yellow Belt
"I've been studying Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu now since October and I have to say that it has made a big difference in my life. I've found that I'm more confidant in my day to day interactions with people than I was before, I can hold my head high, and just generally feel good about myself. I highly recommend studying martial arts at L.A. Budo. Everyone that I have encountered and trained with at this dojo are very easy to get along with. It has very relaxed and easy atmosphere. Plus there are no bad attitudes and all of the training partners are great with helping out new students with learning and understanding the material as well as the philosophy behind studying martial arts. Out of all the dojos I visited in the South Bay, and I went to more than a few, L.A. Budo in my opinion is the best. David Dow Sensei is a fantastic Instructor and I wouldn't think of studying with anyone else. Thank you for all of wisdom and patience."
- Mike Gragg, New Adult Student
