About Aibukan Dojo

Starting BUDO training in 1966, and after 22 years of training Tom Snowden (1951-2017) founded his school of martial training in 1988. Snowden Sensei’s first Dojo (place of training the way) was constructed in a garage out of his house. In those early days, practice was considered good but a bit unrefined and rather rough.

In 1991 the Dojo moved to its present location in an industrial rental space. Now the practice greatly subscribes to the principles of Aikibudo and follows the modern techniques of teaching which is to do the practice efficiently and smarter not harder.

In 1993 Snowden Sensei gave the Dojo its name sake “Aibukan” (Harmony Martial Arts Training House). At the time the name was given, research had indicated that there were no other schools named Aibukan (even in Japan). It is understood at the time of this writing there is at least one other group using the name Aibukan; so this school is most correctly called “Aibukan Dojo U.S.A.” It should be noted that it is quite common, even in Japan, to have schools with a similar or same name. One must take a good look inside the school to see how the instruction is actually given and received to understand what really matters in how the practice is studied.

The school curriculum has been developed with continuous practice in several martial arts since 1966. Snowden Sensei also based his curriculum on the practical aspects of these arts that have served him well in his 38 year professional career within the military and law enforcement communities. The curriculum is therefore considered Aibukan Budo (Aibukan Martial Arts).

In summary context of the Aibukan Budo meaning, “Budo is to promote life and happiness through the practice of discipline, health, humility, truth, and justice for the benefit of mankind.” The extenuation essence of Budo would dictate that, “In the logic of life’s process one is born to pass, hopefully having lived in service to a just mean.” (T.E. Snowden, Founder)