As the founder of the International Budo Institute and Bubishido I would like to welcome everyone to The Institute and our family.

The Institute has been designed to be primarily an Open Leaning Institute where all students can grow and mature in the martial arts and in life as well. It is hoped that it becomes a community of sharing. When The Institute was formed there were several very important elements that I wanted to make sure were not overlooked.

First, I wished that The Institute would be opened to all students from around the world whether they be new, existing or just returning to the martial arts. In my many years of training, I have come across many people who have been frustrated as they were no longer able to train in the martial arts due to limitations of their schedules or because they were no longer located near their original school (dojo). I had also met many people who wished that they too could have studied martial arts but unfortunately were not close to a school or they were not predisposed to going alone to a school for various personal reasons. I had always wanted to reach out to these individuals in particular.

There are also many instructors that require assistance but often due to the fractious nature of martial arts they too may be without a teacher or organization/association to support them. Supporting these independent individual teachers is also a role of The Institute.

Of course, as an Open Learning Institute, the primary role is to provide lessons and advancement for existing and potential martial artist. In this regard, The Institute has created a modular approach to the study where the student may start at the basics manual and move through the curriculum at their own pace, eventually achieving a Black Belt ranking. For other more experienced students, advanced materials are being developed each day to satisfy their need for further knowledge. These students may simply purchase additional materials to reinforce their existing knowledge base with or without following a course. All students are able to view and print the materials on this web site in order to build an informational resource.

Through the practice of Budo (martial arts) everyone can become more secure and self assured as they feel their mind, body and spirit developing. Martial arts has given me so much through my life and I hope that with the tools we have developed at The Institute that much of that benefit will be given back to each and everyone of you.

I am glad to see that you have taken the first step by obtaining the basics manual and/or reading these web pages. Following this plan of study is the beginning to fulfilling your dream of martial arts study. The first step is always the hardest, but with each step comes other steps, still more and more until before you know it --- you’re a great success !!

The motto of the International Budo Institute and Bubishido is “Development Of Individuality In Body, Mind and Spirit”. At The Institute we are concerned with the total development of the student as a person using Budo as the tool for that development.

I hope that you enjoy your Budo studies with the Basics being just the first lessons of many. I know that if you follow the lessons, the manual, and video material you will be a success. But during your studies always remember that you are studying for yourself. Make sure you keep your Budo studies enjoyable. Try to relax and enjoy each and every lesson, don’t get disappointed if you are not able to master a particular technique right away, no one is able to do that. Keep your mind focussed on learning something new each session, a small step forward each time. And as we know, every journey begins with small steps. After a lot of small steps you will see that you’ve made a lot of progress and that will translate into a better sense of self.

Remember also to reach out. You are always welcome to contact myself, other Sensei’s, or other members at The Institute, so don’t be shy. I look forward to saying hello to each and everyone of you. My very best wishes of success to you now and in your future Budo studies.

Sincerely,

Shihan Jeffrey Henderson, 6th Dan

Founder