School of Smiling Tiger (aka: Warau Tora Dojo)

Our First Annual Legacy Summit was a success!

We’re grateful to everyone who came out to train, support, and celebrate with us. From strong performances on the mat to meaningful belt promotions, the day reflected how much our students have grown — not just in skill, but in confidence and character.

We were also honored to have past students and friends of the dojo join us in support.

Thank you to our students, families, and supporters who continue to believe in what we’re building. This event marked an important milestone for our dojo, and it won’t be the last.

More to come. The legacy continues!

🎉 Student Promotion Announcement 🎉

Please join us in congratulating Tory, Sophia, Santiago, and Corbin on their successful belt promotions at the School of Smiling Tiger!

Their progress reflects consistent effort, discipline, and respect in the dojo. We’re proud of the work they’ve put in and look forward to their continued growth! Ganbatte!

Happy Birthday お誕生日おめでとうございます (Otanjōbiomedetōgozaimasu) to Hatsumi Sōke! 🥳🍻🎂

Congratulations to Stephan for passing his 6th kyu Green Belt test! It's been a long time coming!

This week we reviewed a lot of material from the recent seminar with Todd Schweinhart Sensei, hosted at Pasadena Martial Arts with Terry Ham Sensei. It was a pleasure and honor to work with and learn from amazing martial artists!

~Today we remember.
On this anniversary of 9/11, we pause to honor the lives lost on that tragic day and the heroes who stepped into danger to save others. Their courage and sacrifice remain an enduring example of selflessness.

~Today we also mourn.
We grieve the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a tragic reminder of the divisions and unrest that still trouble our nation. Regardless of politics, the loss of a human life to violence is a wound to us all.

This is not about right or left. This is about the reality of evil — the destructive forces within our society, and within ourselves, that thrive when fear, anger, or hatred take root.

It is easy in moments like this to be swept away by our emotions: sorrow, anger, fear, hate, confusion, and for some, even joy. Instead, let us strive for equanimity: to stop, breathe, and reflect.

Ask yourself:
- What have I done to make this world better?
- What am I doing to bring peace, light, or healing where there is brokenness?

We must encourage civil discourse, not violence. We must be open to discussion — especially when we disagree — and seek common ground. We have far more in common than many would have us believe.

This is how we grow as individuals. This is how we strengthen our communities. This is how we spread goodness and keep evil at bay.

The loss of Charlie Kirk is a loss for our country — not because of ideology, but because violence has again claimed a voice in our public square. We cannot let this be the direction of our future.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Let us be the ones who choose to do something — to stand, to speak, to heal, and to live with courage and compassion.

School of Smiling Tiger (aka: Warau Tora Dojo) Our school is dedicated to the proper study of Ninpo Budo Taijutsu as taught by Soke Masaaki Hatsumi.

We had another successful year running the Martial Art Stage at Japan Fest 2025! Put out fires on Day 1 and weathered the storm on Day 2!

Big thank you and shout out to The Japan-America Society of Houston, Inc. - JASH and all of the schools that came out to perform! We couldn't do it without you!

Clear Lake Iai Dojo
Houston San Shin Kai
Kenshin Kaikan Karate-Do
Murakumo Dojo
Funakoshi Karate
Rising Sun Karate
Karl Geis Legacy Dojo
Team Karate Academy
Houston Heights Kendo Club
Yamakaze Dojo
Ganshin Dojo
Houston Aikido Foundation
TnT Jujitsu
Houston Ki-Aikido
Pasadena Martial Arts
Shogeki Sumo

Happy Independence Day! "Liberty and independence forever.” God bless the U.S.A. 🇺🇸🎉❤️🤍💙

Happy Mother's Day to all the AMAZING mothers out there! (graphic design by )

“On September 11, I always take the day off. I want to be in a peaceful quiet place praying. It is a day I both mourn and celebrate.” — Genelle Guzman-McMillan, 9/11 Survivor







#911