Two kendoka in deep bow on polished wood floor — the essence of discipline and respect

Rocky Mountain Budokan

Shotokan Karate · Kendo · Iaido — Englewood, Colorado · Est. 1965

Est. 1965
8th Dan Master
3 Disciplines
Colorado's First Kendo & Iaido School

The Spirit of Bushido in Colorado

Rocky Mountain Budokan, formerly Mountain States Karate Association, was founded in 1965 by Mr. Hideki Iwakabe — Shotokan Karate 8th Dan, Kendo 5th Dan, Iaido 6th Dan. It is the first and oldest Karate school in the city of Englewood and the first Kendo and Iaido school in Colorado.

Iwakabe Sensei was born in Japan and has trained in the martial arts from his earliest youth. Raised with the true spirit of Bushido — the code of ethical conduct of the Samurai warrior based on personal valor, honesty, integrity, and patience — he holds black belts in Shotokan Karate, Kendo, Iaido, and Judo, with numerous regional and national titles in Japan and the United States.

The customs and formalities during all classes are upheld in the ancient Japanese traditions. The dojo offers classes in Shotokan Karate, Kendo (Japanese Fencing), and Iaido (Art of Sword Drawing), along with special programs including summer camps, annual tournaments, and special seminars.

Read Sensei's full biography →
Iwakabe Sensei — Founder and Chief Instructor of Rocky Mountain Budokan
Iwakabe Sensei in action — demonstrating martial arts technique

Six Decades of Tradition

1968 Rocky Mountain Budokan group photo — founding era karate students
1965

Founded as Mountain States Karate Association. Iwakabe Sensei begins teaching Shotokan Karate in Englewood.

1979 Kendo class group photo at Rocky Mountain Budokan
1973

Kendo incorporated at the dojo. Iwakabe Sensei becomes Head Instructor and organizes the Rocky Mountain Kendo/Iaido Federation.

Modern era karate camp at Rocky Mountain Budokan
1990s

Summer camps, annual tournaments, and special seminars become cornerstones of the dojo tradition.

2012 Kendo seminar participants at Rocky Mountain Budokan
2012

Six decades of continuous instruction. A living tradition passed from teacher to student, generation to generation.

Begin Your Journey in the Martial Arts

New members receive a free item when registering for three months. Family discounts are available. No contracts to sign.

Visit the Dojo

Rocky Mountain Budokan, Inc.

3301 West Hampden Avenue, Unit J

Englewood, CO 80110

Phone: (303) 781-5334

Fax: (303) 781-5334

Email: hiwakabe@aol.com

Class Schedule

Karate

Monday & Wednesday, 7:00–8:00 PM

Junior classes: call for details

Iaido

Tuesday & Thursday, 6:00–7:00 PM

Saturday, 10:00–11:00 AM

Kendo

Tuesday & Thursday, 7:00–8:00 PM

Saturday, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

From West: Drive east on US-285 N. Take the exit toward Knox Ct, turn left. Immediately turn right on W Hampden Ave in front of the 7-Eleven. Destination is the 3rd building on the left between Knox Ct and Irving St. Dojo is in Unit J, northeast corner.

From East: Drive west on US-285 S. Take the exit toward Knox Ct, turn right. Immediately turn right on W Hampden Ave in front of the 7-Eleven. Destination is the 3rd building on the left between Knox Ct and Irving St. Dojo is in Unit J, northeast corner.