Offering instruction in Karate‑Do, Aikido, and Iaido
武道
Budo— “Martial Way”
Call (661) 398‑2100 to setup a free two-week trial.
Prospective Student Guide
Be early for the class you intend to take so that instructors have time to go over dojo and class basics with you. In Japan, if you are merely on time, you are actually late, and if you are early, you are barely on time!
Dress appropriately. Comfortable clothing that allows for unrestrained mobility and physical exertion is necessary. Jewelry is not permitted to be worn during class due to the potential for injury to yourself and others.
No footwear of any kind is allowed on the dojo floor; shoe racks are provided for your convenience. If you cannot go barefoot, socks are permissible.
No food of any kind is allowed on the dojo floor.
Have fun!
Every Budo tradition represented at the dojo is subject to the rules and regulations of its parent organization.
空手道 Karate-Do
Karate‑Do is the synthesis of the native Okinawan fighting style Te, Shaolin boxing from China, and systematized by mainland Japan in the early 20th century. Karate focuses on empty handed practice that trains fitness and coordination. Additionally, Goju-ryu emphasizes a balance of internal and external force by combining physical training and breath technique to generate and release energy for control and power.
The Okinawan Goju‑Ryu Bujutsu Kan of Bakersfield is a Shibu (member) dojo of the OGRKK— founded by John S. O’Hara, Kyudan, Hanshi and Steve Wilson, Nannadan, Shihan.
Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate‑Do instruction is led by Charlie Tootle, Sensei, OGRKK Certified Godan.
Karate-Do class times:
- Kids ages 6–14: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm M,W
(5-year-olds are considered on a case-by-case basis for maturity level) - Adults: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm M,W
合気道 Aikido
Aikido is a modern martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-sensei) during the Showa era (early 20th century). Bringing elements of traditional samurai jujutsu together with philosophical influences from Shinto and Buddhism created a system of technique that emphazied harmony and non‑destruction. Through joining with the speed and energy of an attack and redirecting it, Aikido training emphasizes body throws, joint-locking techniques, physical fitness, mental focus, controlled relaxation and development of ki (spirit).
Aikido instruction is overseen by Jason Parsons, USAF Certified Yondan and Shidoin (指導員).
Aikido class times:
7:30–8:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly.
居合道 Iaido
Iaido’s roots originate in 16th century Japan— during the Muromachi era and Sengoku Jidai (warring states period) and is characterized by drawing the sword and cutting in one motion. Emphazising a practical need for presence in the moment, curriculum includes solo and paired techniques that build an awareness of distance, timing, pressure and focus for effective and strategic use of the Japanese sword as taught in the tradition of the Muso Jikiden Eishin‑Ryu Iai Heiho maintained by the KNBK.
Iaido instruction is led by David Loya, under the auspices of Carl Long, Hachidan, Hanshi, current Chairman and So‑shihan of the KNBK.
Iaido class times:
6–7:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly.
New students should arrive 15-30 minutes early for an introduction. Minimum age: 15 years old.
Dojo Kun
One. To seek to attain perfection of character.
一つ。 人格の完成喫すること。
Hitotsu. Jinkaku No Kansei Kissuru Koto.
One. To live with politeness and discipline.
一つ。 礼と節に終始すること。
Hitotsu. Rei To Setsu Ni Shūshi Suru Koto.
One. To honor a code of ethical behavior.
一つ。 信義を重んずること。
Hitotsu. Shingi O Omonzuru Koto.
One. To strive for excellence through effort.
一つ。 千鍛万錬に徹すること。
Hitotsu. Sentan Banren Ni Tessuru Koto.
One. To refrain from impetuous conduct.
一つ。 血気の湯に早るべからざること。
Hitotsu. Kekki No Yu Ni Haya Ru Bekara Zaru Koto.
Zen Fellowship of Bakersfield
The Zen Fellowship of Bakersfield is dedicated to the practice of zazen (Zen meditation) in the Soto tradition of Taisen Deshimaru and Kodo Sawaki.
We are an American Zen Association member organization affiliated with the New Orleans Zen Temple, the Zen Fellowship of Alexandria, Louisiana, and the Mississippi Dojos in Starkville, Jackson, and Hattiesburg.
COVID-19 & Public Health Protocols
We hope that for your safety and the safety of the communities you interact with that as a prospective student, you have undertaken a complete and current course of vaccination.
If you have not been vaccinated, we simply ask that you wear a proper fitting mask that covers both the nose and mouth while in the dojo.
If you have been in recent contact with someone who is ill, or, are ill yourself, please wait until your quarantine has ended before attending.
Beyond the clear health benefits that vaccination and/or face coverings provide, these measures are also a sign of respect to your fellow students and instructors who also care a great deal for the friends and family they interact with.
Thank you!
Bakersfield Budo
Japanese Martial Arts
1100 24th St.
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 398-2100
Copyright © 2025