The Phoenix Study Group is sponsored by Sanrin Mountain Dojo. SMD is an official Nami ryu Aiki Heiho dojo under James Williams sensei. Williams sensei is one of the top proponents in the world of Japanese sword and unarmed combat arts.
Inquiries on joining the study group can be directed to Sanrin Mountain Dojo or directly to email: namiryuphx@protonmail.com
Our curriculum includes practical jujutsu and aiki applications which are subtle and extremely effective. These techniques remain true to their original purpose and principles, which are firmly rooted in a world where edged weapons were the norm. Nami ryu is well suited to law enforcement and military as well as home defense and personal self-defense.
Nami ryu Aiki Heiho is based on Japanese sword arts (kenjutsu, iaijutsu and tantojutsu), the principles of which directly apply to the unarmed martial arts (jujutsu, aiki) that were the exclusive martial arts of the samurai. Later these arts formed the basis of modern arts including Brazilian Jiujitsu and Aikido.
Rates & Payment
Dues are handled through an automated billing system. Monthly fees range from $25 – $50 per month depending on your training program and frequency. We have special membership programs for families, military, and first responders. Regular monthly weekend trips to Sanrin Mountain Dojo are part of our Study Group’s experience and opportunities for advanced training for our Study Group leaders and member students.
Study Group Leaders
Steven Armel – Steven began training in Nami Ryu in 2011 at the Hombu Dojo on Melrose Avenue, in Encinitas. Steven is a Phoenix native and a deep enthusiast of the Arizona wilderness. He currently works as a project engineer and leads our Phoenix Study Group.
Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho – Instructor: James Williams, Kaicho
• Aiki-jujutsu – Samurai unarmed art
• Kenjutsu – Samurai sword art
• Iaijutsu – Samurai sword art
• Samurai Jujutsu – unarmed art
• Tanto jutsu – Samurai knife art
Steven’s Martial Arts Experience (1995 – Present) includes:
• Songahm Tae Kwon Do – Instructor: In Ho Lee Affiliated Instructors/ ATKD
• Goshin Karate and Judo Academy – Instructor: Mike Anderson sensei
• Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate, Kobudo & Toyama ryu –Instructors: Shihan Tim VanDenover & Sensei Dana Abbott
• Eskrima and Systema – Instructor: Lester Cohen AAL
• Sabre, Pugislim, and Kickboxing – Instructor: Big Dave Slocombe