Traverse City Samurai Arts
About
Traverse City Samurai Arts in Traverse City, Michigan is a dojo dedicated to teaching authentic Japanese martial arts, primarily Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho and Kenjutsu. Under the leadership of Matt Carlson Sensei, who opened Tonbo dojo in 2021 after years of training and teaching experience, students receive expert instruction in traditional samurai arts. The school has garnered praise for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality instruction that balances technical expertise with accessibility for practitioners of all levels.
Jiu Jitsu VerifiedOur weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.
We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.
Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.
InstructorsClass StructureSafety and HygieneFacility QualityValue for MoneyLocation & AccessibilityPublic Review Sentiment
Instructors
Matt Carlson Sensei is consistently praised as an exceptional instructor with decades of martial arts experience across multiple disciplines. His teaching style balances technical expertise with humor and accessibility, making complex martial arts concepts understandable for students of all levels.
Facility
The dojo is housed within the Traverse City Fencing Club in a large converted warehouse located just 5 minutes from downtown Traverse City. While the space is shared, it provides adequate room for training, and the gym offers basic gear for borrowing until students can purchase their own equipment.
Pricing
While specific pricing information is not readily available on the website, the dojo appears to offer good value based on the quality of instruction and authentic training experience. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the dojo directly or attend a class to learn more about membership options.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
While not explicitly stated, the dojo likely offers prospective students the opportunity to observe or participate in a trial class before committing to regular training.
Location
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 7:30 - 9PM |
| Thursday (Today) | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | 10AM - 12PM |
Location
Located just 5 minutes from downtown Traverse City in a converted warehouse space shared with the Traverse City Fencing Club, the dojo offers a convenient training location for local residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of martial arts is taught at Traverse City Samurai Arts?
The dojo primarily teaches Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho, which includes Japanese swordsmanship (Kenjutsu) and traditional jujutsu techniques from the samurai tradition.
Do I need prior martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. The instructor, Matt Carlson Sensei, is known for making classes accessible to all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners.
What equipment do I need to start training?
The dojo provides basic gear for borrowing until students can purchase their own belt and wooden sword (bokken). Beginners are not allowed to use sharp weapons, which are only permitted with the chief instructor's approval after diligent study.
When are classes held?
Classes are currently held twice weekly: Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:00pm and Sunday mornings from 10:00am to noon.