Samurai Dragons

Rank, non-rank, and special focus classes available. Intermediate students also train in Okinawan Kobudo (weapons) including Bo, Sai, and Tonfa.

Samurai Dragons is a small school of Traditional Martial Arts offering training in Isshinryu Karate, Okinawan Kobudo, Japanese Iaido and Kenjutsu, Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo, and Adult Self Defense. Isshinryu is an Okinawan vertical fist form of Karate that focuses on a set of simple but direct techniques that have been proven effective for self defense in both public and military settings. Classes focu

s on improving mechanics, accuracy, power, and control while building confidence in each student’s ability to execute the techniques effectively. Kobudo classes are available to adult Black Belts from other styles who wish to add weapons work to their martial arts training. Iaido is a traditional Japanese Martial Art for learning Samurai Swordsmanship. Classes focus on the skills, physical conditioning, and mental focus necessary to safely and effectively handle a Katana. Students begin with a Bokuto or wooden sword training the cut movements, self-defense and other drills necessary to become proficient with skills fundamental to this Martial Art. Intermediate students begin training with an Iaito or un-edged metal sword and Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo, a 50” staff art designed for defense against multiple edged weapons. Adult Self Defense focuses on street application of techniques from Isshinryu, Iaido, and other Martial Arts. Every adult has both the means and right to be able to defend yourself, and these less formal classes help establish a personal toolbox to do so. Classes focus on training a small set of practical techniques along with the confidence, attitude, and awareness necessary to protect yourself and those you love. Special focus seminars are available upon request outside of our normal weekly classes. No previous martial arts experience is needed - just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Our programs offer a proven set of techniques from decades of training in traditional martial arts, and your trained responses will evolve over time shared in the Dojo. All of the Samurai Dragons classes are handled through positive instruction with a strong focus on mental and physical improvement while building the tools necessary to achieve your personal goals inside and outside the Dojo. Sheena and David have over 40 years of Martial Arts experience and welcome the opportunity to talk with you more about our programs.

06/16/2026

This.
"If you struggle to stop the blade exactly where intended, reduce your output immediately."

In Iaido, the hands are not merely gripping tools, but a precise kinetic system:

The Left Hand (The Engine): Generates linear power. It provides the consistent, continuous force required to drive the blade through its intended cutting path.

The Right Hand (The Rudder): Handles trajectory calibration. It ensures the blade’s edge maintains a zero-error path from start to finish.

The Logic of Precision (Point A to Point B):

A cut is a transition from Point A to Point B. "Braking" is not a sudden, jarring halt, but a precise locking at the target point. If you cannot cleanly stop the sword at Point B, your level of control has not yet caught up to your speed.

The Golden Rule:

Control > Power.

If you struggle to stop the blade exactly where intended, reduce your output immediately. Build muscle control first; speed and power will naturally follow once your precision is absolute.

05/04/2026

The Hidden Fortress
*Inspiration for Star Wars, according to George Lucas
This is recommended watching for our Iaido students, and we will be having a special class next Sunday with drills inspired by the duel scene

03/16/2026

Beware the IAIDES of March!
Today in Iaido students learned how to clean and oil their swords ... for after stabbing 😈

01/11/2026

Multi-Opponent Response Training

Samurai Dragons
Focused Intense Tradition

01/10/2026

Last Sunday our iaido students did this set of 500 cuts in 40 minutes to ring in the New Year.

12/21/2025

Training in Japanese Iaido and Okinawan Isshinryu
Introducing the Yon-Kyu to Tonfa Today!
See You In The Dojo

12/07/2025

Just Keep Training.
See You in the Dojo

Samurai Dragons at the Davis Family YMCA at Jefferson Park

japanesesword

Focused Intense Tradition
Samurai Dragons Traditional Martial Arts
Knoxville Martial Arts Budo Dojo

11/30/2025

Sunday Training in Japanese Iaido and Okinawan Isshinryu
Davis Family YMCA at Jefferson Park

11/09/2025

Sunday Iaido Training at the Davis Family YMCA

See You in the Dojo

Samurai Dragons
Davis Family YMCA at Jefferson Park

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Location

Knoxville

Telephone

(865) 300-2318

Website

http://samuraidragons.com/

Address

12133 S Northshore Drive
Knoxville, TN
37922

Opening Hours

Thursday	7pm - 8pm
Friday	4:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday	3pm - 5pm

Samurai Dragons

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