About
We teach and study the Japanese sword arts of Iaido and Kenjutsu to promote cultural, physical and mental well being
These traditional Japanese arts are a great way for folks to connect with their true inner self while reducing stress in everyday life. Ultimately this improves both physical and mental attributes of the practitioner both inside and outside the dojo.
Nothing please us more than watching folks grow both inside and outside the dojo. It's not just about the techniques you learn but how you grow as a person and the wellness that Martial arts provides. Budo is supposed to be a family and that's how we keep it!
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Valerie
Melissa D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Tom Duffy and his senior students are a committed group of martial artists who are passionate about their martial arts training and giving their students the best possible experience. We teach teachers!
As with anything success comes through preparation.
Instructors meet weekly to discuss new and better ways to serve our students and they’re growth and success.
Classes are taught in a relaxed but challenging atmosphere gearing the student towards constant, steady improvement in their lives as well as in their martial arts skills. Sensei Tom Duffy takes a personal interest in the development of each individual student.
Our Goals in teaching Budo include:
- The importance of creating a high energy environment for teaching to bring out the best in our martial artists.
- Helping students become comfortable with accepting new challenges in order to take them to more exciting levels of accomplishment and spirit.
- Teaching the value of discipline, hard work, commitment, and not giving up when things become difficult in order that our students can achieve their goals both in and out of the martial arts classroom
- The importance of helping students feel safe, comfortable, and able to have fun, while immersed in Budo
- Our instructors use simple but very effective teaching and communication techniques to bring out the very best in you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Thomas Duffy, is the co-founder and chief instructor at the Academy. His Martial Arts journey started in the mid 80’s when he trained and competed in full contact kickboxing at New England Tae Kwon Do and also Aikido at the late Shihan John Saviano’s dojo in Pawtucket.
After college Thomas continued Aikido training at both the Brown University Aikido club and AAA Aikido in Cranston RI. He then discovered Iaido while training at New England Aikikai in Cambridge MA
Looking for Iaido more locally, Thomas was introduced to Shihan Michael Brown of the Sei Kosho Shorei Kai at the Rhode Island Martial arts academy and dedicated his training there in Eishin ryu sword arts. He also discovered Kempo there and learned how much more effective it is compared to other arts with a good teacher! Thomas also met and trained with teachers from the Jikishin Kai International and their instructor seminars in Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijutsu.
He is now the chief instructor at the RI Budo academy and enjoys teaching at seminars across the East coast, Europe and other gatherings as well.
Thomas is a recognized instructor with the Sei Kosho Shorei Kai International and holds Dan ranks in the organization in Kempo/Jujutsu and Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iaijustsu as well as the Shudokan Martial Arts Association in their Iaido Division.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Our tuition rates are very reasonable.
We have three programs:
Shotokan Karate
Kempo/Jujutsu
Japanese sword arts.
Both Kempo and Sword programs are 115.00 per month, one of them is 75.00 per month.
Please contact us for prices on Shotokan Prices
We are currently running a two month special for new students, 125.00 for two months for all arts. This is an affordable method to get a good taste for to see which one is right for you!
How did you get started teaching?
Several years ago I made a commitment to help people through martial arts as these arts have always helped me with conflicts in life.
What types of students have you worked with?
The Rhode Island Budo Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference or national origin. We gladly consider Men and Women high school age and over as potential students. For younger children please contact us for information about our popular family Shotokan Karate classes here at the dojo.
All Revenue is to cover expenses, materials, equipment and to keep our examination fees low. Instructors do not collect salaries.
We give all qualified first responders, qualified medical personal and members of the military branches discounts. We thank you for your courageous and selfless service.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
When my students get promotions.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Martial arts is diffcult to find a good teacher, especially if you don't know much about the arts. I tell folks to go by how you are treated as a person and how your wallet is treated as well!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do I need to commit to a long contract? If so stay away.
Does the TEACHER contunue to learn from his or her teacher? If not stay away.
Are you enjoying yoursel? If not, then leave.