Japanese Martial Arts Center

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Judo, Jujutsu (Jiu Jitsu), Iaido

Welcome to the Japanese Martial Arts Center, the "Rolls-Royce" of Ann Arbor martial arts schools, where you will find world-class instruction, a stunning facility, and tireless dedication to your success. Our goal is to help each of our members achieve excellence - in technique, character, and in their relationship with the world. Our dojo offers training for serious, committed students, small class sizes, and a joyful but focused atmosphere. You can train in iaido (Japanese swordsmanship), jujutsu (sometimes spelled "jujitsu"), and judo.

Read Testimonials from Leading Martial Arts Instructors:
"I hold Nicklaus Suino Sensei in the highest regard. I have seen hundreds of schools in my 20+ years of martial arts training, and met as many teachers. Out of those hundreds of teachers I personally endorse only three. I train with only one, and that is Suino Sensei." -- Daniel B. Vigil

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts):

Interested in MMA but don't want to go home with a broken nose or dislocated elbow? Our high-energy MMA classes put safety first! You'll learn strikes and kicks from kickboxing, Muay Thai, and karate, takedowns from wrestling and BJJ, throws from judo, grappling skills from judo, BJJ, and wrestling, and ground-and-pound popular in the UFC.

An incredible workout! Call us today to find out more!

Japanese Swordsmanship:

Iaido is Zen swordsmanship. Our Sensei (instructor) is one of the best-known iaido instructors in North America. He was 4-times All Tokyo Champion and is the author of many books and articles on Japanese martial arts. You will learn iaido forms, sparring drills, and test cutting while you cultivate a keen sense of awareness and spiritual calmness. You are welcome to stop in to watch iaido - check our schedule for class times.

Nihon Jujutsu:

Also known as "jujitsu" or "jiu jitsu," this traditional martial art is an enjoyable and effective system of self-defense and character development, founded by Sato Shizuya Sensei, Chief Director of Kokusai Budoin, IMAF. Through training in joint locks, takedowns, and pins, you will learn to defend yourself, improve your ability to concentrate, and develop a balanced mindset. Jujutsu is a terrific martial art for all ages - we encourage you to try it!
About Nihon Jujutsu

Kodokan Judo:

Judo is both a traditional martial art and an Olympic sport. You will learn throwing and grappling skills while you cultivate a strong body and fighting spirit. No martial art is more physically demanding, no martial art is more fun than judo. Classes at our dojo are available daytimes, evenings, and Saturdays.

Other Martial Arts:

Although JMAC does not offer aikido classes, Japanese jujutsu is considered the mother art of aikido, and employs many of the same principles as aikido. However, Nihon Jujutsu is considered easier to learn and somewhat more practical. Like the striking arts karate and kung-fu, jujutsu teaches the effective use of striking methods, as well as the use of vital points as targets for striking in self-defense. Jujutsu also incorporates weapons practice: the tanbo for self-defense, as well as defense against such weapons as the knife, pistol, and jo (staff). Because the JMAC sensei have at least some experience in a variety of martial arts such as aikido, bagua, batto-jutsu, hsingi, iaido, jujujtsu, judo, kali, karate, kendo, kickboxing, kungfu, san chuan dao, taekwondo, and tai chi, they can offer insights into the relationships between various martial arts and the effective training methods found in those arts.
About our instructors More Information about Nihon Jujutsu

The Frog at the Bottom of the Well
Sato Shizuya (Chief Director of Kokusai Budoin, IMAF) sometimes tells the story of the frog at the bottom of the well. The frog, it seems, thinks that the sky he sees is the entire universe. He has no idea that anything exists outside what he can see. The point of the story, of course, is that we must always guard against thinking we know everything. In martial arts, we must always recognize that there is more we can learn about a technique, more room to perfect our skills. While most martial artists recognize this in theory, it can sometimes be difficult to approach a skills we already "know" with the kind of open-mindedness and keen interest that is required. For more on this topic, visit the JMAC Blog.