Kodokai Dojo

Chela Morin

So glad I found KODOKAI! I had wanted to practice martial arts all my life and finally decided to do it. I wasn't sure exactly what style I was looking for, but I knew what I didn't want after having taken my son to his classes in which he earned half-colored belts and to birthday parties at places that ensnared the guests into joining with a monthly commitment. At Kodokai, run by Sensei Branchaud and his wife Sempai Kim Branchaud, I knew right away I had found a dojo that taught a martial arts meant to be used in real self-defense, not for competition or show. The style is also a rare and authentic Okinawan Martial arts that I never knew existed and I really love the way its taught and how Sensei gives practical reasoning when teaching. The other members of the Dojo are also welcoming and very supportive of all the students who enter. It's a great environment that will boost confidence, skills and has even gotten me in better shape. There's nothing to lose and everything to gain if you've been wanting to give Martial Arts a try. My life has changed so much in just a year- choose Kodokai!

Kameko Branchaud

First, I should disclose that I am Sensei Branchaud’s daughter. I have also been a student of his on and off for nearly 30 years, and this review is based on that. Kodokai Dojo is an exceptional martial arts school where you can learn a mix of open-hand and weapons skills. It is a privilege to learn from Sensei Branchaud who was trained in Okinawa directly under instructors who were and are masters in their respective styles. The instructors at Kodokai maintain relationships with their senseis in Okinawa, returning there on occasion to receive more training which they are then able to bring back to the dojo in Rhode Island. In the past they were able to bring senseis over from Okinawa, which gave an opportunity to learn from them directly. Sensei Branchaud has been teaching martial arts for nearly 40 years, and I’ve experienced fist-hand his growth over the decades. He is constantly refining his teaching, mixing up materials, and pays very close attention to the skills and growth of his students. Care is taken in class to mix and match students who can learn from each other. He and Sensei Kim have a well-rounded knowledge base of multiple forms of martial arts. This means they are able to teach self-defense for a variety of contexts which is important because you cannot control when you might encounter danger. Sensei Branchaud and Sensei Kim break down the mechanics of techniques so that students can really understand the how and why behind the way techniques are done. Classes are offered for different skill levels and age groups so that instruction can be tailored accordingly. The main style they teach, Motobu Udundi (Palace Hand) is extremely effective and does not require muscle strength. I am a 5’3”, 120 (at the time) pound woman and I’ve learned skills that can take 300 pound men to the ground, or flip someone off of me from a laying position. I especially recommend this school to women since we need these skills most. There is usually a good reperesnetation of women in the dojo, but you get valuable experience practicing techniques on men, too. Kodokai offers more than martial arts lessons; it offers philosophy, a community, exercise, a sense of empowerment, and practical self-defense skills. It is a positive learning environment where everyone is supported and no one is left behind. The students you work with also have valuable experience to share, and you get real hands-on experience in each class. Kodokai’s approach is non-competitive, which means you can focus on developing your skill without pressure. My favorite part of attending the dojo is being able to unplug and be present in my body. Both of those things are essential especially after long days of desk work. Since I am sensei Branchaud’s daughter, I grew up with some awareness of what a good dojo looks like and some knowledge of what a bad school might look like. I am currently living in Austin, Texas and in searching for a new school that is up to my standards, I am appreciating more fully how rare of a place Kodokai is. There are not a lot of schools in the United States that have 1. authentic connections to a martial arts lineage 2. an instructor with multiple decades of experience and 3. a culture of respect and community. If anyone reading this is unsure about where to start, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kodokai Dojo.

Lindsay Aloise

I’ve been training here for just about one year, and this dojo has become such an important part of my life. The classes are incredible, the staff is the best, and the other students are kind and helpful. The skills I’m learning are useful, and I only wish I began earlier in my life!

Danny

Been coming here for about a year now and have nothing but positive experiences. As a former Marine I was looking for a ‘legit’ martial art and not a sport/points based dojo. This is the real deal and it’s done extremely well. The instructors are knowledgeable, professional, and friendly and the students are all very welcoming and helpful. Highly recommend to anyone interested in a real self defense system.