This section of the Kazan Dojo website contains a great deal of information about Kazan Dojo, which has been presented in sections to speed access to your areas of interest.  Here are the links: 

At Kazan Dojo, we teach the martial arts of JuJutsu, a very unique and special style of self-defense. The physical techniques of JuJutsu include blocks, strikes, kicks, joint locks, throws, weapons and grappling.  Weapon methods taught include a specialty that is unique to the Long Island area -- Iaido, or Japanese Sword.  The mental techniques include meditation, mind and body control, centering the mind, body and spirit.  The cornerstone of the techniques we teach is respect for the mind and body -- our own as well as those of our comrades and adversaries.  Our teachings follow the traditions of the Masters who have come before us.   

We at the Kazan Dojo feel that our students are special. We have spent much time and effort developing a system of training to benefit all of our students. With the proper guidance, everyone is capable of doing things that he or she never before imagined to be possible.

Our school holds special classes in self defense for children.  Unlike at some other dojos, these classes specifically teach techniques for children.  Our children are very important to us.  They represent the future of our country.  We believe that a good education is what they deserve.  Inherent in the philosophy at Kazan Dojo is that we choose not to fight unless absolutely necessary, and then only when given no other choice.  The classes for children are disciplined yet at the same time contain an enjoyable atmosphere in which the children may learn.

The only equipment needed is a uniform, Kazan Dojo T-shirt, Kazan Dojo Patch, hand gear, head gear, foot gear, mouth piece and for the boys/men an athletic support and groin cup. The uniform, T-shirt and patch give each student a sense of comradeship and identity with the other students at Kazan Dojo. 

Classes for Adults

Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes are offered for men and women five days per week.   Semi-private and private lessons are available on an appointment basis. 

Each class is designed to meet the needs of the individual student.  Students may select any day of the week to train on and are encouraged to experience each class that is offered within his or her rank level.  In addition to regular JuJutsu training classes, many special programs are offered throughout the year.

Classes and Programs for Children

At Kazan Dojo, we are very proud of our Children’s program, which includes daily classes, Summer & Winter camps, seminars designed especially for children and many special events throughout the year such as “Night of the Ninja.” Beginner, intermediate and advanced classes are offered, providing each child with a unique environment in which to train.  Kazan Dojo now offers "mommy-and-me" or "daddy-and-me" classes for the younger children, in the 2-3½-year-old age range.  On a pre-arranged basis and depending on the package selected, Kazan Dojo will host a "Karate Kid Birthday Party" for up to 20 (or more) children, including the following features:

• 1-2 Instructors

• Group Training

• Fun Exercises

• Party Time  

• Use of Dojo Facility

• Pizza and Soda 

• Private Lesson for Birthday Child

Rank and Testing

Kazan Dojo uses the traditional Japanese rank system of Kyu (beginner) and Dan (advanced) ranks.  Kyu levels are indicated by the following,  colored belts: 

The purpose of the different colored belts is to provide a precise system of discipline whereby the instructor can keep track of the level that each student has attained.  When a student has acquired the necessary skills for his or her next belt rank, he or she will be given the opportunity to test.  

In keeping with tradition, we prefer that students do not ask when they will be tested, nor should parents ask when a child will be tested.  

Promotions are based on attendance and ability.  In order to progress, regular attendance is important.  We encourage students to make up any missed classes within the month that they are missed.  It is the responsibility of the student to be at class, especially as Kazan Dojo provides so many opportunities to train.  No rank promotion is a gift at Kazan Dojo . . . each belt is earned.

Kyu rank (below black belt) tests are given three to four times a year. When a student is selected to test for his or her next rank, his or her name will appear on the testing board, as well as the date of his or her test. Each student selected will also be given a letter explaining the test schedule, requirements, rules and fees.

Tuition Programs

At Kazan Dojo, we understand that everyone has his or her own, unique, changing, schedule.  For this reason, we utilize “flat-rate” tuition programs. 

You may train as often or as little as you like for a single monthly fee.  We feel this method offers our students the best value and the greatest number of opportunities to train.

Tuition payments are due on the first of each month. We prefer that you place your payment in an envelope bearing the students name and tuition plan on the outside of the envelope. This is a tradition that we like to uphold in our school and we ask for your cooperation. 

Rates are listed below:

Sensei Tom Renner began his journey in the martial arts 24 years ago.  After extensive training in a number of styles, he opened the Kazan Dojo to share his knowledge with others.  

Sensei Tom Renner has acquired multiple black belts in both JuJutsu and Iaido (sword), and has won numerous awards in competitions in both of those arts.  He is a 4th Dan in Hakkoryu JuJitsu under Shihan John Olshlager, a 3rd Dan in Kokusai JuJitsu under Soke Shoto Tanemura, and a 4th Dan in Iaido.  Most recently, he was awarded first-place honors in  Wakezashi Tameshigiri (short sword cutting) at the U.S. Federation of Toyama Ryu Iaido Tai Kai (Toyama Ryu sword competition), held in Orlando, FL.  He was the 5th Place Winner in Dodan at the Zen Nihon Toyama Ryu Tai Kai in Machida, Japan, and was awarded JuJutsu Instructor of the Year at the World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Fame awards banquet held in Alexandria Bay, NY.      

Sensei Tom currently serves as the New York Affiliate (Dojo Cho) of the U.S. Federation of Toyama Ryu Iaido.  He is a frequent speaker and demonstrator at high schools, organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, women's groups, civic organizations and community events.

Sensei Tom has appeared in numerous martial arts magazines, television programs, instructional videos and movies.  His acting career began in 1997, when he was cast along with Michael Depasquale in the martial arts action/drama film, "The Cutoff."  He subsequently received parts in the films, "WatchUsDie.com," " Gangland," and the HBO release, "Redemption," starring Don “The Dragon” Wilson.  He has also appeared on television’s "Law & Order," "100 Center Street," and in segments on "NBC News 4 Extra" and "ABC World News Now."  

Along the way, Sensei Tom has worked or trained with many of the current stars in martial arts, including:

Sensei Tom has trained with masters in both the United States and Japan.  A lifelong student of the martial arts, Sensei Tom continues to train in the art of JuJutsu under Shihan John Olshlager and Professor Wally Jay, and in Iaido under Sensei Hataya Mitsuo.

Kazan Dojo is proud of its growing number of dedicated Students.  Ranging in age from 3 to 55 years old, these Students represent a wide spectrum of aspirations, accomplishments and skill levels.  Here are some examples:

• Twenty percent of our Students are under the age of 8

• Fifteen percent of our Students are teenagers

• Forty-five percent of our Students are over the age of 21 

• Ten percent of our Students are over the age of 40

• Twenty-five percent of our Students have achieved Brown Belt

• Seven percent of our Students have achieved Black Belt

• Over thirty of our Students have won competitive awards  

• Two of our Students have become Sensei (teachers)

• Six of our Students are pursuing careers in martial arts film and television productions

While these benchmarks and milestones are important, what is more important is the portfolio of opportunities Kazan Dojo provides its Students to learn the true disciplines of the most ancient of martial arts, and to test, define and stretch themselves as they experience the process.

While many people may say that the pursuit of the martial arts is about toughness and fighting skills, Kazan Dojo's Students -- young and old alike --  will tell you that it's really about . . .

 . . . and about all the ways these qualities can make us more fully human.

. . . to inquire about how Kazan Dojo's programs can be structured to meet your needs, interests and aspirations.

 Kazan Dojo Sensei Thomas A. Renner is one of the few martial arts instructors on Long Island who is qualified to teach traditional Japanese sword (Iaido).

While it has gained instant popularity as a result of the publicity surrounding the release of the recent movie, "The Last Samurai," starring Tom Cruise, the art of Japanese sword fighting has ancient and honored roots.

A Capsule History

According to Iaido.org, "Archaeological evidence indicates that swords have existed in Japan for its entire historical period. Short straight swords imported from China and Korea are among the earliest weapons found in historical sites around Japan.  After 2000 B.C., when these swords first appeared, the Japanese began making their own swords.  Around 700 A.D., Japanese sword smiths forged the first of what are now considered the finest swords ever made."

Several traditions of sword fighting technique developed over the centuries.  Kazan Dojo teaches the art of Toyama Ryu Iaido, which was first formalized by the Toyama Military Academy, founded  in 1878.  The Iaido curriculum was codified in 1925, as part of a modernization effort.  While this initial effort ultimately failed, one of the three original instructors reintroduced the technique after World War II, making several modifications and improvements, and establishing the Federation dedicated to supporting the art, which has now come to be known as "Toyama Ryu Iaido."

Training Structure

Training in Toyama Ryu Iaido is highly structured and focused on safety, consisting of  a large number of specific techniques.  These techniques are learned primarily by practicing and executing kata, which are sequences of defensive (then offensive) sword moves in response to a simulated attack, and which always begin and end with the sword placed in its sheath (saya).  As one Iaido master has put it, "this practice makes one acutely aware of the dangers involved in -- and the safe methods for handling -- the sword."     

Once the kata have been mastered, then the Student is tested via "cutting" exercises, or "Tameshigiri," which, according to the U.S. Federation of Toyama Ryu, are designed to "test the cutting ability of the sword, gain experience in striking a solid object and improve timing, distance, angle and grip."  

The following sequence of photos, reprinted with permission from Martial Arts Insider magazine (www.ma-insider.com), depicts Sensei Tom executing an Iaido kata:

	Iaido requires a disciplined approach and special equipment.  Kazan Dojo can provide both, including a fine selection of Japanese swords. If you would like to learn more about Kazan Dojo's Iaido programs and prerequisites . . .

We live in an uncertain world.  For some of us, our fears involve physical threats, while for others the hazards are more intuitive, having to do with a general feeling of insecurity.  Either way, Kazan Dojo's programs can help you address your fears, and provide you with benefits that far outweigh your investment:

Kazan Dojo is prepared to guide you on your journey to conditioning and self-confidence.  When you're ready . . .

 JuJutsu -- A Capsule History 

Alternatively referred to as the "gentle art," the "art of weaponless fighting" or the "art of flexible adaptation," the origins of JuJutsu lie deep in Japanese pre-history.  Its beginnings predate the emergence of the Samurai class in Japan, with the first recorded references to "competitive grappling" occurring before 750 AD.

While JuJutsu was initially taught as a secondary skill designed to enhance fighting techniques using swords and other weapons, it came into its own during the Edo period (1603-1868), as Japan became unified under one leader and the use of violence for resolving local disputes began to recede.  It was during this time that many of the current techniques of JuJutsu were developed and refined.

The Art Form

JuJutsu challenges the student to achieve, maintain and deploy dynamic balance.  To practice it well requires the student to give way to or momentarily resist an attack so as to interrupt the attacker's momentum and thus gain control.  It's essence is not to overpower an opponent, but rather to respond to his or her energy in such a way as to convert it to your advantage.  As an art form, its focus is on achieving maximum results with minimum effort.

Tradition at Kazan Dojo 

Sensei Thomas A. Renner has studied under some of the top JuJutsu masters in the US and Japan, and through their tutelage, has become familiar with a number of JuJutsu traditions, most notably . . .

Kokusai JuJutsu Renmei Do;
Small Circle Ju Jitsu; and,
Hakkoryu JuJutsu.

Once you've begun to learn the basics, you will be challenged to develop your skills and improve your proficiency via seminars and competitive events.  Kazan Dojo will encourage your participation in both.

• COMPETITIONS are both informal and formal, and are held at venues sanctioned by the U.S. Federation of Toyama Ryu Iaido and the Zen Nihon Batto Jutsu Federation.  No matter what the stakes or the locale, Kazan Dojo will be pleased to provide the coaching and training you'll need to prepare to do your best.

• SEMINARS vary in content, and provide you with a unique opportunity to expand your command of a topic or technique by seeing it "through different eyes."  

Here is a sampling of the kinds of events that Kazan Dojo has sponsored or participated in over the past 24 months:

This privacy statement discloses the privacy practices of Kazan Dojo and those employed by its website, www.KazanDojo.com.

Kazan Dojo is an independent martial arts school whose mission is to use the Internet fairly and judiciously to publicize its name and to make its goods and services available to anyone, anywhere.  We believe that fair information practices are critical to this mission.  In order to promote fairness, we are hereby making the following information available to you: 

• What information of yours is gathered as you browse this website.

• How the information is used.

• Our pledge about not sharing this information with anyone without your permission.

• Your options and recourse with regard to our use of, and the accuracy of, the information we've collected. 

Collecting and Using Information

Kazan Dojo is the sole owner of the information collected on this site.  We will not sell, share, or rent this information to others without your express, written permission.  Kazan Dojo collects information from its users at several different points on its website.

Registration

All sections of this website are open to all users.  In order to receive regular announcements about Dojo class schedules and special events through this website, a user must first complete a  "mailing list" email form which can be accessed through our "Contact" page.  In that email form, a user is required to provide contact information (such as name and mailing and/or email address).  This information is used to contact the user about Dojo programs and events only.

Cookies

A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s hard drive containing information about the user.  Since we intend to use only information that you have voluntarily supplied to us, we have no current plans to employ cookies on www.KazanDojo.com.

Log Files

We may use IP addresses to analyze trends, administer the site, track user movement and activity levels, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use.  IP addresses are not linked to personally identifiable information.

Sharing

We will NOT share demographic information of any kind with others.

We may use outside shipping companies to ship orders, and a credit card processing company to bill users for goods and services, from time to time. These companies do not retain, share, store or use personally identifiable information for any secondary purposes.

Links

This web site may contain links to other sites.  Please be aware that www.KazanDojo.com cannot be responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites.  We encourage you to be aware when you leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects personally identifiable information.  This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Website, www.KazanDojo.com.

Newsletter

If you  wish to subscribe to any newsletters, email updates or other bulletins that we may from time to time make available, we will ask for contact information such as name and email address.   As stated above, that information will not be used for any other purpose beyond the ones described on the form used to gather the information.

Security

www.KazanDojo.com will take every precaution to protect your information.  When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and off-line. 

All of your information, not just the sensitive information mentioned above, is restricted in our offices.  Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, our billing clerk or a customer service representative) are granted access to personally identifiable information.

If you have questions about the security of  www.KazanDojo.com, you can address an email message to that effect to webmaster@kazandojo.com.

Correction/Updating Personal Information/Opting Out

If your personal information changes (such as your zip code), or if you no longer desire us to correspond with you, we will provide a way to correct, update or remove the personal data you have provided to us.  An "unsubscribe" option is included with every email we send to you, and links are provided on every registration page for updating information.  When in doubt, use mailinglist@kazandojo.com.

Notification of Changes

If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post a "NEW" flag on the "Privacy Policy" hyperlink that appears in the "Contact" page of www.KazanDojo.com, so that you can always be aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances, if any, we would disclose it.  If at any point we decide to use personally identifiable information in a manner different from that stated at the time it was collected, we will notify you by way of an email.  You will be given a choice at that time as to whether or not you want us to use this information in this different manner, and you will be given the option to opt out.  If you do not opt out, then we will assume it is acceptable to use your information according to the terms of the new Privacy Statement until you inform us that you want us to change your status.