About Us

We are a school that believes character development is what martial arts training is all about.

Comments from Raj:

"This is a place for those who wish to study realistic martial arts, which is not about how to overcome others but how to defeat one's own limitations."

We are looking for the serious minded only.

Our training is for the serious minded only. We believe in the development of the teacher-student relationship by dedication and hard work. If you are looking for something that is different from what is offered in the commercail martial arts world, you may want to contact us.

Renshi Scott Ashley

Scott Ashley is the director of the Yama-Matsu Dojo, has been practicing martial arts since 1979, and is a direct decendant of Mejin Ken Ruiz. He is a 6th degree black belt, a former World Kickboxing Champion, a law enforcement defensive tactics instructor, and a published author.

World Champion "Great Scott Ashley"

Atlantic City, NJ

Our Philosophy

Martial arts practice is much more than learning self-defense. It is the ultimate vehicle for character development. A practitioner will always be a student as there is always something new to learn about the simplest movements. The study of self results in a person who is free from the subjective mind. Mushin (no mind), is developed through this study. Mushin combined with martial arts movements has been referred to as Moving Zen. This principal becomes vital when faced with an opponent in battle.

Ken Zen Ichinyo

Karate and Zen as One

Bunkai Practice

Renshi Ashley and Sensei Jason Valentin