About Kitsap Martial Arts Dojo

Our Approach to Training

When I started this dojo, I wanted to build a place where the training actually translated to a better life outside the gym. For me, martial arts has always been about more than just movement. It is a way to develop a quiet kind of confidence and a level of focus that stays with you long after you leave the mats.

The Foundation: A History of Movement

My path started in 1997 while I was a student at Western Michigan University. That was my first introduction to Budo Taijutsu, and it changed how I looked at physical discipline. Over the following decades, I spent time exploring several other martial arts and movement systems as well.

I did not do this to collect titles. I did it because I wanted to understand how different systems solve the same problems. By looking at how various arts approach balance, leverage, and conflict, I was able to refine my own understanding of movement.

Building the Community

After years of leading small training groups and teaching kids classes, I officially opened the doors to our dojo in October 2017. This school was built on the idea that martial arts should be a practical, life-long study. I focus on the “why” behind every technique so my students can move with more intelligence and less effort.

Two Paths to Growth

While our roots are in the traditional study of Budo Taijutsu, we recognize that everyone has different goals for their health and safety. At Kitsap Martial Arts, we offer two distinct ways to train:

Budo Taijutsu: A technical study of natural movement, awareness, and traditional self-defense.

Fitness Kickboxing: A high-energy, focused environment designed to build functional strength and cardiovascular health.

Regardless of which path you choose, the core values remain the same: focus, respect, and a commitment to improvement.

What We Practice

Our foundation is Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, a traditional Japanese martial art that prioritizes natural movement and efficiency over raw power.

We do not focus on trophies or tournaments. While we occasionally use internal competition as a tool to test our skills and build resilience, our primary focus remains on three main pillars:

Awareness and Mindfulness: We train to stay present and keep a calm head. This helps our students recognize and avoid conflict before it even starts.

Mobility and Strength: We focus on how the body naturally moves. This includes learning to fall and roll safely, which builds a type of functional strength and flexibility that protects you from injury in daily life.

Calm Confidence: By working through challenges in a supportive environment, our students learn to handle pressure with composure.

Whether you are five or sixty five, the goal is to move with intention and develop a mindset that is both resilient and adaptable.

Meet Our Teaching Team

I have spent my life practicing and teaching, and I have learned that people get the most out of their training when the environment is right. I like to keep my classes light and use humor often, but I also maintain a high expectation for focus.

Brian Church: Dojo Owner/Head Instructor With a journey beginning in 1997, Brian focuses on the mechanics of movement and the mindset of Budo. He opened Kitsap Martial Arts to share martial arts with the Poulsbo community.

Melanie Stroud: Fitness Kickboxing Coach Melanie brings incredible energy to our fitness program. She specializes in helping our members push their physical limits in a supportive, ego-free environment. She ensures every class is a step toward a stronger, more confident version of yourself.

Join Us on the Mat

The best way to see what we do is to experience a class for yourself. We offer a two-week trial so you can meet our instructors and see how our approach fits your goals. There is no pressure. It is just a focused place to train and grow.