Rocky Mountain Budokan, formerly Mountain States Budokan, was founded in 1965 by Mr. Hideki Iwakabe. Iwakabe Sensei was born in Japan and has trained in the martial arts from his earliest youth. Thus, he was raised with the true spirit of Bushido, the code of ethical conduct of the Samurai warrior based on personal valor, honesty, integrity, and patience.
Iwakabe Sensei holds black belts in Shotokan Karate, Kendo, Iaido, and Judo. He has held numerous regional and national titles in Japan and the United States. Iwakabe Sensei began teaching Shotokan Karate in 1958.
His extensive credentials as Chief Instructor of Karate at the Rocky Mountain Budokan include hand-to-hand combat training for law enforcement personnel and the Army's 101st Airborne Division. He also continues to teach in numerous recreational and intramural programs throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
The Introduction of Kendo
In 1973, Kendo became incorporated at the dojo when Iwakabe Sensei became acquainted with Mr. Hiroshi Umemoto, 7th Dan Kyoshi Kendo Instructor. With Umemoto Sensei as Chief Advisor and Instructor of Kendo, Iwakabe Sensei soon became Head Instructor of Kendo and organized the Rocky Mountain Kendo/Iaido Federation.
The Path to Iaido
In 1975, Iwakabe Sensei returned to Japan to study Iaido from Master Danzaki Tomoaki, 9th Dan Hanshi. Two years later, Iwakabe Sensei began teaching Muso-Shinden-Ryu Iaido, establishing Rocky Mountain Budokan as Colorado's first Iaido school.
A Living Tradition
For over six decades, Iwakabe Sensei has maintained the customs and formalities of traditional Japanese martial arts at the dojo. Every class upholds the ancient traditions, ensuring that each student experiences authentic instruction in the arts of Karate, Kendo, and Iaido.