Hooked from my very first class! The curriculum masterfully combines multiple arts into a practical, real-world self-defense system. The Sensei's expertise and dedication to student growth are evident in every session. Add in an incredibly welcoming and supportive community, and you have the perfect place to train. I look forward to continuing my martial arts journey here! read more

Been coming here for years. Hands-down, the best Dojo you'll ever step into. Regardless of what level you're at We learn everything from stand up, ground, and weapons defense Aside from all the cool skills you'll get here. There's a sense of brotherhood here and that's rare to find today. 5 stars read more

I couldn't find a better dojo to be a part of their team than Bushido Ryu in Dania Beach with Sensei Gerry's guidance. He's been doing martial arts since 1978. He's an 8th degree black belt who loves to encourage others to be their best. This dojo is very effective teaching you self defense with numerous testimonials from folks in various scenarios who have used the skills that they learned successfully in dangerous situations. I was very impressed from the first class how many different styles of martial arts are incorporated with Bushido. One can never be bored learning numerous techniques incorporated with Karate, Krav Maga, Kali, Jujitsu and Kung Fu. This dojo offers a brotherhood and sisterhood to everyone in an environment given the guidance that you need to become an exceptional martial artist. Rather you have never tried any martial arts or you have multiple black belts, this dojo offers something for everyone no matter how much experience or skills you have. I have never been part such an engaging environment where everyone helps each other and encourages each other like this dojo. I am truly blessed to have found this group less than 5 minutes away from where I live, so convenient. Come join us! read more

See all

The curriculum is well balanced and brings martial arts into real world application and potential scenarios. Well rounded empty hand and weapon utilization and comprehension. Sensei Gerry Knapton is an amazing instructor and is very expressive in his teaching style making the knowledge easier to absorb and retain. read more

This is the best martial arts studio in South Florida. I've tried every single dojo in the past and there is none quite like Bushido Ryu Dojo. You learn real self defense and practical application of martial arts to protect yourself and your family while challenging yourself in a great environment surrounded by great people who help you transform into the best version of yourself! read more

Bushido Ryu Dojo is the best school I found. I liked that I learned all the martial skills training here. The school teaches a self defense focused blend of Karate, Krav Maga, Jujitsu, Kali (weapons) & Wing Chun Kung Fu. They teach you to have a complete set of martial arts skills. You learn quickly through practicing hands on, realistic self defense scenarios. It will quickly make any novice to the martial arts feel confident, and it will give any practitioner with experience a new set of skills which will make them a better martial artist. Training here helped me to gain confidence in myself and in my self defense skills, gave me internal strength and also helped me lose weight. This Dojo is a great place place to train. read more

This Dojo is the saving grace for getting back into the swing of things no matter your skill level. You are continually learning new combat skills, self-defense skills, and confidence. The classes are perfect in size and experience to foster a learning environment without judgement. It is about being better today than you were yesterday and drills to reinforce that process. Sensei has a wealth of experience in various styles and skills that really challenges you learn and develop your understanding of the arts. I say check this place out for an introductory class to see what all of the hype is about!! read more

See all

STAY CLEAR FROM THIS "DOJO" IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU. The Bearded Sensei (AKA: Sensei Gerry Knapton) ....is nothing short of a Caucasian Martial Arts version of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh ... if you don't know who he was, look the name up... These are individuals who pray on the Weak Minded and Naive and the similarities are uncanny. In the interest of fairness, my interactions with the "Bearded Sensei" have compelled me to write this review and is therefore more a review on HIM rather then the organization as a whole. My first impressions of this establishment is that it is a well equipped MMA style Dojo that focuses on "Real World" scenario's. Hence as an experienced MMA practitioner, I assumed that this school was a "God sent" since it is within proximity of where I work and it would allow me the opportunity to apply everything I have learned in Real World scenario(s). The School offers a 2 week trial to see if your a good fit, which I think is a great idea, when I got there however things got really Strange. Firstly, The Bearded Sensei asked me to fill out a Blue colored questionnaire and asked me questions about my MMA experiences and sized me up financially. He began telling me that this Dojo is like a Graduate school of Martial arts and that BJJ is not effective on Concrete streets (which I agreed with). Followed by tales of how he trained former Green barters and how his former students thwarting Gun attacks in Curacao and Shuffle attacks in the Florida Keys followed by asking me to stand-up and picked up a simulated Katana knife. He placed a simulated knife to my neck and asked me what I would do in such a situation ... I told him, that would never happen, I would never allow an over 200 Lbs male to get this close to me without consequence....BUT if it did...that's why I am here. Then he followed with the simulated Gun scenario and asked me to point the Simulated Gun at close range at him ... again I told him that's not what I would do... I would maintain my distance ... he responded well that is because your professionally trained....Well Ya I am .. but I came here to learn and improve on my skill sets. Clearly he did not seem happy with this interaction, he told me that I was not welcome here .. I said no problem...I asked if I can Have my personal information (the Blue sheet) back, since I would not appreciate any spam from this Dojo. HE refused to give it back..he crumbled the sheet and threw it in the Trash. Again I said I like to have the sheet ..He followed by ripping it up. Clearly, this Breaded Sensei took it personal and displayed to me that he has a few screws lose and reminds me of a Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh in addition to showing me that this Dojo is nothing short of well marketed on-line HYPE. AS AN ADVICE to Sensei Gerry Knapton, don't profess to be a Graduate school if your not going to like answers to questions you posed. That's the whole point of a "Graduate School environment" and if you are a true student of the Fighting arts, you would know that this has been going on for thousands of years ... as Bruce Lee said: "Be like Water" ... You Sensei Knapton chose to be like Old Cracked Fake Wood. If this guy is the face of Bushido Ryu Dojo .... My suggestion is to STAY CLEAR of this place. It appears that "The bearded Sensei" can ONLY deal with the naive who do not ask questions or challenge HIS assumptions. In particular, HE should not crumple up and/or rip-up prospective students information sheets when they ask for it back... it just shows what a fraud he may be. Heed my warning ... Stay clear from this Guy.. he's got a few screws lose. read more

I have been wanting to study martial arts for years and I researched all different types of martial arts and even tried out other schools before deciding to join Bushido Ryu Dojo. Bushido Ryu Dojo sets itself apart from of martial arts schools in several ways. One of the first things you will notice is the atmosphere that is created by Sensei Gerry Knapton. Everyone in the dojo is welcoming and friendly. The members of the dojo are not competitive but rather eager to take you on as a student and teach. The students ages range from 17 to 70s and are all from difference backgrounds and skill levels. Another thing that sets Bushido Ryu Dojo apart is how they teach. Sensei teaches practical life fighting skills and goes over the most common attack scenarios using various weapons; hands, knife, gun, bat... etc. My very first day of class, I learned now to take a knife away from an attacker. Prior to that class, I didn't even know how to properly hold a knife. Bushido Ray Dojo is a semi-private Dojo and does not accept every student. This selective process is what keeps the environment good and leads to effective learning. If you are interested in joining, Sensei will give you a free two week trial. This allows you to get to know the Dojo and for the Sensei to get to know you. You are not accepted into the school on your skill level ( believe me I had none when I started) but rather on attitude and willingness to learn. I could go on forever about the greatness of Bushido Ray Dojo but I do have to end my review. I'll end my review on Sensei Gerry Knapton. He is genuinely kind, caring and just wants to share his knowledge of the martial arts that he loves. In his words, " I wanted to create the Dojo that I always wanted to train at". read more

I joined Bushido Ryu Dojo July 2018. It is the best decision that I made for myself and my self-improvement. Prior to joining the dojo, I did significant research and the reviews for Bushido Ryu were all outstanding. Bushido Ryu Dojo offers classes five days of the week (Monday - Friday) with two class times, an afternoon and evening class. The Dojo also offers an open mat session Saturday afternoon. The school is adults only and membership to the school is by invitation only. The Sensei is awesome. Sensei Knapton is a masterful instructor, having studied for most of his life in various martial arts disciplines. He is very humble and very personable. He is a great teacher. His love of the martial arts is evident in everything that he does and sets the tone for the entire school. The school is well equipped with new equipment and gear. Everything is always well maintained. Everyone at Bushido Ryu Dojo has an attitude of friendship and humbleness. All the upper belts are always willing to teach. Most students have varying levels of experience in martial arts, but all come together in a spirit of learning and teaching. For myself, this is my first experience with the martial arts. It has been a life long dream of mine to learn the martial arts and I couldn't have chosen a better school. I feel confident in my ability to defend myself and my family as a result of the training that I have received. On a final note, you can tell a lot about the quality of the school when former students who have advanced return to the Dojo when they're in town visiting, to train and just to visit. It really is a special brotherhood that goes well beyond the training. If you're considering training in the martial arts, I strongly recommend Bushido Ryu Dojo. read more

The bushido ryu dojo is an extremely positive and encouraging place. Sensei is a kind and genuine man, who has provided only the best quality of teaching And efforts to help grow is student's skills. He is Very knowledgeable skilled in several arts, and truly cares about the well being and ability for self defense in his students. I have only met the best of people being here, And I highly respect the standards of this Academy, not just anybody can come and join you have to be accepted. I would highly recommend it to anybody who is looking to further their skills or start up skills in martial arts and superior self defense as swell as anyone is looking for peace and discipline. If your cup is empty the possibilities of filling it with great new things are endless. -Z read more

Wonderful and well equipped mma style dojo. Sensai is courteous and dojo is open often enough for anyone with a busy schedule. Overall great atmosphere and well organized. read more

I met Sensei Knapton over 3 1/2 years in which I interviewed to become a member of his school. I have studied and am proficient in 3 other martial arts. We sat and chatted and I personally felt that his approach to this more private school in where he has created a culture where one feels safe that he has properly vetted the other students as to their proper fit both physically and mentally would make a good addition to this school was a unique approach instead of the hard sell one gets at a McDojo. I became a student of the school and instantly became aware that I was different but not unique in where I brought a unique skill set to the mix of this school. I met the other students who just like me have sought out this school and was proficient in other arts as well. This setup the combative style that sensei Knapton teaches that as in the real world I would meet and maybe be in altercation with another person who has had other fighting experiences. Now personally I live in a world in where I have had several life or death altercations and found that in my most recent altercation what saved my life was specifically to what I have drilled in this school. The flows that sensei Knapton has taught me are extremely dangerous and allows one to dispatch an assailant in under 8 seconds or you can consider this a fail if you go longer. He teaches a mix of real world combatives that are midbrain reliant which means once trained it becomes automatic. He teaches one how to become proficient with knives, sticks, kicks, striking, throws, locks, joint manipulations, and limb destructions. The culture of this school is different in where his philosophy is that he hides nothing. He shows everything and has and encourages the upper belts to assist the lower belts to allow one to teach and through teaching they are learning and to those being taught to take it in from someone who has came before them. He doesn't tolerate big egos or anyone who feels they are using this school to feed their egos. I've seen people come and people go and people who hop from school to school and discipline to discipline to say they have trained multiple styles. He filters these folks for the simple fact that what he teaches can severely and permanently damage someone for life. This school is the real deal and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to train with sensei Knapton . read more

My desire to defend my self led me to look for a specialist in Krav Maga. I found Bushido Ryu Dojo whole working in Miami. The classes are fun and you learn usable skills immediately. Class members are quick to help you both learn and feel welcome! The Sensei guides you in a no nonsense style that makes it easy to learn and add skills! The best part, they have classes 5 nights a week and Saturdays! read more

So, I have a lot to say about this place. I had the distinct privilege to train here off and on for the last four years while I was stationed at the FLL airport. I personally have trained in all types of Martial arts starting in middle school all through HS wrestling, then Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Jujitsu and also about 8 years of Judo.. I also served overseas as a Marine Infantryman in Iraq, Bosnia, and Kosovo. I can attest that the techniques taught at this dojo or the most relevant I've seen in actual street//combat scenarios. The sensei is very knowledgeable and also super friendly and nice..... it's a friendly environment. The techniques taught here are not extremely difficult to learn but highly effective. I just wish they had an affilite school here in Denver or if the Sensei just wants to move out here id definitely train with him again and highly recommend this dojo ! One of the best Dojo's I have ever trained at and I will truly miss it ! read more

Dropped in for a couple of months to refresh my skills Very organized Dojo, great Sensei & great students The instructional strategy is right to the point !! All time spent was learning essential skills Will recommend for friends & family & for all who need to work on their Self defense & learn martial arts. Ty for great instruction Sensei read more

Bushido Ryu is the best martial arts school I have ever been too. The Sensei is extremely knowledgeable in his craft and any student that decides to join this school would be very lucky to learn from him. I do not have a bad word to say about this place. As far as martial arts schools are concerned, this is as good as it gets. read more