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EnglishWhat is Bakersfield Budo and what martial arts does it teach?
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Bakersfield Budo is a Japanese martial arts dojo in Bakersfield that offers instruction in three disciplines: Karate-Do (空手道), Aikido (合気道), and Iaido (居合道). It describes itself as teaching budo—the "Martial Way"—and invites prospective students to call (661) 398-2100 to set up a free two-week trial. Each tradition at the dojo operates under the rules and regulations of its parent organization, so what you practice and how you progress depends on which class you join.
The three arts at a glance
| Art | What it emphasizes | Instructor | Class times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karate-Do (Goju-Ryu) | Empty-handed practice; fitness and coordination; Goju-Ryu balances internal and external force through physical training and breath technique | Charlie Tootle, Sensei, OGRKK Certified Godan | Kids 6–14: 5:30–6:30 pm Mon & Wed; Adults: 6:30–7:45 pm Mon & Wed |
| Aikido | Joining and redirecting an attack's speed and energy; body throws, joint locks, fitness, mental focus, controlled relaxation, and development of ki | Jason Parsons, USAF Certified Yondan and Shidoin | 7:30–8:45 pm Tue & Thu |
| Iaido | Listed as an offered discipline; the site's excerpt provides no further curriculum or schedule detail | Not specified in the provided material | Not specified in the provided material |
Karate-Do
The dojo teaches Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, described as a synthesis of the native Okinawan fighting style Te, Shaolin boxing from China, and systematization in early 20th-century mainland Japan. 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. Children's classes accept ages 6–14, with 5-year-olds considered case by case based on maturity.
Aikido
Aikido is presented as a modern martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba (O-sensei) in the early 20th century, combining traditional samurai jujutsu with philosophical influences from Shinto and Buddhism to emphasize harmony and non-destruction. Instruction is overseen by Jason Parsons, a USAF Certified Yondan and Shidoin.
Iaido
Iaido appears in the dojo's list of offered instruction, but the available site material does not give its curriculum, instructor, or class schedule. If Iaido is your reason for contacting the dojo, ask about it directly when you call.
What to expect as a new student
The dojo's Prospective Student Guide sets out a few practical expectations:
- Arrive early. Instructors use the extra time to go over dojo and class basics with you. The guide notes that in Japan, being on time is effectively late, and being early is barely on time.
- Dress for movement. Wear comfortable clothing that allows unrestrained mobility and physical exertion.
- Leave jewelry off. It is not permitted during class because of injury risk to yourself and others.
- No footwear on the dojo floor. Shoe racks are provided; socks are permissible if you cannot go barefoot.
- No food on the dojo floor.
How to decide whether to try it
The free two-week trial is the clearest way to test fit, since the three arts differ substantially in character: Karate-Do is a striking-focused empty-hand practice with separate kids and adult sessions, Aikido centers on throws and joint locks with evening classes twice a week, and Iaido's details are not published in the material reviewed here. Call (661) 398-2100 to arrange the trial and to confirm the current Iaido schedule and any equipment expectations before your first class.