Wherever I go, everyone is a little bit safer because I am there. Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend. Whenever I return home, everyone is happy because I am there. It's a better life.
- Robert L. Humphrey
- Train Your Body, Sharpen Your Mind
- Because Life Doesn't Have a Reset Button
Welcome to Instinct Defense Academy, where we offer practical, reality-based self-defense and functional fitness training classes through our four different courses that are suited for everyone. Our aim is to show you not only how to fight but also how to live.
We have been teaching martial arts in the larger Portland region since 1991. Recently, we changed our name from "Bujinkan Family Dojo" to "Instinct Defense Academy" to better reflect our expanding services.
Enthusiastic to Learn Self Defense
To gain from this training, you don’t need any prior martial arts experience or to be a super athlete; all you need is a willingness to learn. Since these are combat skills, strength and power often play a secondary role in distance, timing, and energy redirection. Height, weight, and physical strength are not relevant to being a good practitioner.
What We Are Offering
We practice the art of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, often known as Ninjutsu training. We will have different classes to train you. The methods provide more than just instruction in practical self-defense; they also promote efficient daily living. We have four different courses available for you;
Women’s Self-Defense - Empower Her
Designed for teens and women of all ages, this course teaches situational awareness, boundary-setting, and the ability to respond quickly to threats. Learn to rely on your instincts and build confidence from the inside out.
What You Will Learn
Empower Her aims to equip you for practical scenarios and assist you in regaining control over your life.
- Situational Awareness: Learn to identify and evade possible dangers before they worsen. Then, handle the situation confidently.
- Intuitive Mindset: Utilize your instincts as your most powerful asset. It is said that women’s sixth sense works faster. Therefore, it should be used in the most challenging circumstances.
- Practical Self-Defense Techniques: Learn efficient reactions to the 10 most frequent assaults women encounter. It not only enhances your inner power but also helps you find the mighty and strong you.
- Mental Resilience: Build the assurance to manage stressful circumstances with composure and efficiency. It’s the mind that operates our whole body. So, they should develop the confidence to handle the worst kind of situation.
Adult Martial Arts Classes – For All Levels
Our Martial Arts classes for adult beginners are perfect for anyone wanting to build strength, agility, and smart defense skills—without needing any prior experience. Techniques are easy to learn, and you'll improve focus, discipline, and self-trust.
What You Will Learn
- Practical Self-Defense: Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a martial discipline crafted for genuine combat situations rather than sporting events. Its methods depend not on strength or physical ability but on timing, distance, and energy redirection, making them very efficient in the unpredictable turmoil of battle.
- Warrior's Mentality: In actual self-defense scenarios, there are no regulations—only the imperative to stay alive. The ego-centric quest for victory in martial arts can obscure decision-making and hinder the flexibility required for authentic self-defense.
- Combat, Not Sport: This discipline emphasizes self-defense techniques for safeguarding yourself and others in the face of an attacker, no matter the circumstances. These arts lack any sports application—there is no competition for titles or points. Instead, the emphasis is placed on utilizing any methods required to guarantee your safety.
- Personal Development: It provides personal growth in areas such as self-control, self-assurance, emotional awareness, and understanding of situations.
Instinct Over Everything
Be Prepared. Be Aware. Be Unshakable.
At Instinct Defense Academy, we teach martial arts and train minds and bodies to respond with purpose. Our purpose is to assist individuals of all ages in acquiring practical self-defense skills that help in the real world, not only in the dojo. If you're walking home from work at night, want your kid to remain safe, or just want confidence to face threatening situations, INSTINCT DEFENSE ACADEMY trains you to respond with strength, clarity, and composure.
We offer specialty martial arts self-defense classes that combine old-style combat techniques with contemporary application. From Karate classes for adult beginners to empowering women's self-defense in Portland and engaging kids' martial arts classes in Portland, every program is built around the principles of awareness, control, and personal power.
Black Belt Master Class
The Black Belt Master Class is exclusively for black belts, offering an advanced deep dive each year into a specific theme. In 2025, we will explore the complete Densho of Koto Ryu Koppojutsu. This class sharpens your understanding of Koto Ryu’s techniques and applications while connecting you with a dedicated community of passionate martial artists who share your commitment and enthusiasm.
What You Will Learn
- Leadership and Team Coordination: An essential part of the Black Belt master class is the development of leadership skills. Participants acquire skills to guide cross-functional teams, handle stakeholders, and initiate change within an organization. The program focuses on coaching and mentoring abilities to support Green Belts and Black Belts in their initiatives.
- Strategic Planning and Implementation: The course provides instruction on strategic planning for the implementation. Participants in the Master Black Belt Training acquire skills to align initiatives with business objectives and create strategies for maintaining process enhancements over the long haul.
- Nurturing Self-Confidence: "Self-Belief as a Source of Empowerment" serves as our mantra for the initial segment. We emphasize fostering every child's self-assurance, acknowledging it as the foundation of a strong and optimistic mentality. Through focused activities and continual positive reinforcement, we aim to encourage a deep confidence in their capabilities. This empowerment allows students to face challenges with bravery and commitment, which are vital qualities not only in karate but in all aspects of life.
Kids Martial Arts Classes Portland
Our fun and structured Kids martial arts classes in Portland teach self-control, balance, and how to respond to unsafe situations—all while encouraging physical activity and focus. Great for screen-free growth.
What You Will Learn
- Safety Consciousness: Instructing young children in fundamental self-defense methods can aid in cultivating their safety consciousness. Although we wish they never have to utilize these abilities, being aware of how to safeguard themselves in a perilous scenario can be empowering and possibly lifesaving.
- Physical Conditioning: Self-defense classes can enhance your kid's physical fitness. It aids in building strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Consistent training in martial arts may result in improved posture and greater body awareness.
- Self-Control and Concentration: Young children often exhibit unlimited energy and short attention spans. Our self-defense courses can assist them in directing their energy and enhancing their concentration. Gaining knowledge and perfecting new methods demands discipline, a crucial trait for every child to cultivate.
- Confidence Enhancement: As young children learn and refine self-defense techniques, they build confidence in their skills. This increase in self-esteem can positively affect different areas of their lives, such as social relationships and academic achievements.
Why Choose Instinct Defense Academy
Instinct Defense Academy classes helps you enhance your comprehension of the Koto Ryu and its uses. It connects with a group of committed martial artists who have the same enthusiasm as you. A more advanced program for dedicated students looking to master the principles of Koto Ryu, leadership, and lifelong martial arts development.
Distinct Method for Self-Defense
In contrast to MMA or conventional martial arts, our methods are straightforward, effective, and designed for actual circumstances.
Distinct Method for Self-Defense
In contrast to MMA or conventional martial arts, our methods are straightforward, effective, and designed for actual circumstances.
Distinct Method for Self-Defense
In contrast to MMA or conventional martial arts, our methods are straightforward, effective, and designed for actual circumstances.
Distinct Method for Self-Defense
In contrast to MMA or conventional martial arts, our methods are straightforward, effective, and designed for actual circumstances.
Book Your Seat Now!
Sign up for our courses to secure your seat in the upcoming classes. For any queries or detailed information, feel free to contact us. It’s always better to learn than to regret later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What sets Instinct Defense Academy apart from other martial arts schools in Portland?
Realistic self-defence training forms the basis upon which we build our defence techniques. Sport-based techniques are not sufficient and do not prepare one well enough. We teach Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, which is an original art form of Japan. If you're looking for martial arts in Portland with real-world applications, you have found the right academy.
2. I am new to martial arts. Are there classes for beginners?
Definitely, if you are an adult living in Portland, we have martial arts classes for beginner adults in Portland. You do not need any previous martial arts experience or knowledge of sports. All you need is a student attitude and curiosity about practice. The adult classes train in intuitive self-defense, mental discipline, and individual self-growth, making them great for new students.
3. What is the 'Empower Her' course, and for whom is it intended?
Empower Her is a women's self-defense course reserved for women and teen girls. Situational awareness, practical techniques against common attacks, and resilience training form the essence of the course. Whether a college student, a working mother, etc, we designed this course to empower you and equip you for threatening situations that you may find yourself in.
4. Are there martial arts classes for kids?
Yes! We do offer kids martial arts classes in Portland with special emphasis on discipline, safety consciousness, confidence, and physical conditioning. These programs are excellent in helping children develop their character while keeping fit and learning essential skills of self-defense.
5. How do you enroll in a class?
It is simple; just visit our website, follow the link to your desired course, and fill out an online enrollment request. There are martial arts classes for beginner adults in Portland, women’s self-defense classes, classes for kids, etc. Just click on "Book Your Seat Now!" on the front page or call us for queries.