"WHERE ZEN AND THE WARRIOR MEET"

ZEN BU KAN

SCHOOL OF JAPANESE SWORDSMANSHIP

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About Us

A Modern Day Dojo with Deep Heritage

Zen Bu Kan is a well established school that teaches genuine Japanese swordsmanship. Zen Bu Kan instructors hold nationally recognized rank and train in Japan or with instructors from Japan.

  • Traditional Japanese Sword Arts
  • United States & Japan Recognized Instructors
  • Live Guided Training
  • Salt Lake Based 26 Years
Begin the Journey

DISCOVER THE SWORD ARTS OF THE SAMURAI

TRAIN WITH THE SWORD, DISCOVER A NEW GATEWAY TO MIND & BODY

RESPECT & MANNERS

In swordsmanship, the first step begins with understanding proper etiquette towards self, sword, and others.

FOCUS & CALMNESS OF MIND

For the sword to be correct, the mind must be right. The sword reflects the condition of the mind.

COORDINATION & PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

The practices of the samurai sword provide a new way to move and explore the physical self.

training suitable to people of all types

The Journey of a Lifetime Begins with a Single Step

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Who Is Training At Zen Bu Kan?

A Wide Range Of Ages and Genders

Over the years, Zen Bu Kan has hosted students from age 7 up into the 80's. The starting age for swordsmanship depends on an individual's maturity. Once started, the arts of the sword can be practiced for a lifetime. Swordsmanship is suitable to both male and female. High rank positions are held across the globe by both men and women alike.

A Host of Career Types and Mindsets

From professional students to engineers, retail, scientist, bankers, military and more; you'll find all manners of people benefiting from training in the Japanese swords arts.

What Our Students Say...

Zen Bu Kan dojo is a place to learn Japanese swordsmanship from the highest quality teachers. They are extremely proficient, teach by example, and have patiently guided many students as far along this path of budo as they’ve wished to travel.
Jared B.
Jared B.3rd Dan
"When I began practicing with Zen Bu Kan, not only did I find a fountain of self-improvement that I have been able to use in my daily life outside of the dojo, but also a community of compassion, unity, discipline, and a deep respect for Japanese culture. Iaidō and Kendō are not easy, but Zen Bu Kan makes that hard work so much fun."
Amelia W.
Amelia W.1 Dan
Zen Bu Kan is a great community. The teaching there is done with seriousness and respect for Japanese tradition, but also with a lot of patience and joy. I entered as a clumsy beginner with no martial arts background and was able to progress to a place I'm really proud of. My time at Zen Bu Kan laid the foundation for my friendships with Iaido practitioners in Japan and around the world.
Jarrett W.1 Dan; Tokyo, Japan
I immediately felt welcomed by the members and Sensei at Zen Bukan. The depth of their experience and their commitment to my growth as a student is genuine and sincere. I believe Hankins Sensei and the members of Zen Bu Kan truly embody the principles of the sword and kenshin ichinyo.
Benton SenseiKendo 4 Dan
"The community is extremely welcoming and talented. The instructor is excellent and very kind."
Taren7 Months of Practice
“I have had the immense honour and privilege to be a student at Zen Bu Kan for 2.5 years. In that time I have grown physically, mentally, and spiritually in no small part due to the discipline and Zen practice of the dojo, under the masterful tutelage of Hankins Sensei and his apprentice Sensei’s. It has impacted and improved my life in ways I could not express in such a short format. Also, getting to swing a katana around for a few hours is pretty dang cool! Highly recommended. Come join us if you can!”
Aidan Crump- 2.5 Years of Practice

Years ago I was looking for a class that would foster physical activity and mental wellbeing when I found Zen Bu Kan Dojo. I started training in Iaido and found it to be a challenging and beautiful art form that gave me just what I needed. With encouragement and personal attention from highly trained instructors I have developed a calm mind, confidence, perseverance, and resilience as I have become part of a community that celebrates positive Budo values. Practicing with Zen Bu Kan has provided self improvement physically, mentally, and spiritually. I have learned life lessons that apply to other areas, leading to major improvements that I am very grateful for. I plan to continue Iaido to learn, practice, and improve well into my old age.

- Celeste Rosell, 4th Dan

“When I first visited Zen Bu Kan to observe an iaido class, I saw teacher Jason Hankins’ ability to concisely convey information to students of varying skill levels in a way each could understand. I could also tell, even though at that time I knew very little about the use of the Japanese sword, that his sword cuts were strong and incredibly precise. I immediately knew that this was a teacher with tremendous skill and volumes to teach. What I did not expect was the sense of family I gained as the students welcomed me into the school. It’s been one of the best decisions of my life to become a part of Zen Bu Kan.”

- Phil Seven, 3rd Dan

"I've been training at Zen Bu Kan along with my kids for ten years, and it's been an incredibly enriching experience for both myself and my children. For me personally, Iaido has become a form of moving meditation. It's a place where I can find focus and calm, build lasting friendships, and cultivate mental discipline. The benefits and lessons extend well beyond the dojo, impacting my daily life in profound ways. Seeing my children train has been equally rewarding. They've learned valuable life skills like mental discipline, accepting constructive criticism gracefully, and managing performance anxiety – skills that have proven invaluable in school, work, and other areas of their lives. What truly sets Zen Bu Kan apart is the strong sense of community and the exceptional instructors. The leadership of a 7th Dan head instructor, combined with the dojo's other instructors creates an environment of excellence and support that caters to all skill levels. It is a privilege to be a part of this dojo."

- Andrew W. , 3rd Dan
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