Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) Introduce
For Central Texas families, Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) in Liberty Hill offers a truly unique and comprehensive approach to martial arts and self-defense. This isn't just a place to learn a few moves; it’s a school dedicated to teaching the "real skill" of traditional Japanese martial arts while also providing highly practical, modern self-defense training. The dual focus on time-honored techniques like Ninpo Taijutsu and Tai Jutsu, along with courses on firearms and weapons, makes it a rare find in the region. As one parent noted, the dojo has been "the best of all" the martial arts schools their child has attended, a testament to the high quality and effectiveness of the training. Whether you're a parent seeking to instill discipline and confidence in your child or an adult looking for a complete self-defense program, Shin Gan Dojo provides an empowering and educational environment.
The success of Shin Gan Dojo is deeply rooted in the expertise and passion of its leaders, Senseis Brian and Gigi. Their hands-on approach and dedication to their students are consistently praised by the community. They are described as professional, patient, and enthusiastic, creating a positive and structured environment where children not only learn skills but also build confidence, discipline, and respect. As one review highlighted, the kids "absolutely love them," which shows the strong connection they forge with their students. This personal investment ensures that the dojo feels like a second home, where every individual is valued and encouraged to thrive. For a homeschooling community, as one reviewer mentioned, the dojo is also a great place for kids to socialize with "other focused kids and adults," providing a much-needed social outlet.
What truly sets Shin Gan Dojo apart is its commitment to "traditional Japanese forms of martial arts" and their real-world application. As one satisfied parent explained, their child has been able to "apply the learned martial arts in normal daily life," and "lives the martial arts after she leaves the dojo." This focus on practical, integrated learning ensures that students gain skills they can actually use, making the training incredibly valuable. The dojo’s curriculum extends far beyond traditional martial arts, offering a variety of specialized courses, including firearms training, gun safety, and weapons-oriented classes. This comprehensive approach to defense, catering to both armed and unarmed self-defense, makes it a unique and powerful resource for the Central Texas community.
The academy's evolution is a story of dedication. Founded by Brian and Gigi Simmons, who have a background in real-world self-defense and firearms training dating back to 1998, the school was officially established in Liberty Hill in 2021. Their journey from Nevada to Panama and finally to Texas was driven by a commitment to empowering citizens with the skills and mindset needed to protect themselves. This rich history and extensive experience are what allow them to offer such a high level of instruction and a diverse range of training programs. Whether you're interested in a kids' martial arts camp, a women's self-defense workshop, or a comprehensive pistol course, Shin Gan Dojo provides a structured learning environment with a proven curriculum. It is a place that truly lives up to its name, providing a fortress of knowledge and skill for the urban world.
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) is conveniently located at 141 Jonathan Dr #400, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA. Its location in Liberty Hill makes it easily accessible for residents of the town and surrounding areas. The academy features a free parking lot and on-site parking, ensuring that finding a spot is never an issue for students and their families. This convenience helps to minimize the stress of commuting and parking, allowing everyone to focus on their training.
The facility is committed to being accessible to all members of the community, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This attention to inclusivity ensures that the school is welcoming and can accommodate individuals with various mobility needs. The on-site amenities, including a restroom, contribute to a comfortable and practical experience for everyone who visits. The thoughtful design of the location makes it easy for people to integrate their training into their daily routine without any logistical challenges.
Shin Gan Dojo offers a wide and comprehensive range of services, blending traditional martial arts with modern self-defense techniques and training. The curriculum is extensive and caters to a wide range of interests, from kids' camps to specialized adult courses.
Services offered include:
- Traditional Japanese Martial Arts: Instruction in arts like Ninpo Taijutsu and Tai Jutsu, providing a deep, traditional foundation.
- Adult and Kids/Teens Classes: Programs tailored for all age groups, focusing on building skills, discipline, and confidence.
- Self-Defense Training: Reality-based classes for adults and teens, designed to teach practical defense techniques for real-world scenarios.
- Firearms Training: Specialized courses, including pistol and rifle training, taught by certified instructors for gun safety and armed self-defense.
- Weapons Training: Classes that teach stick fighting and Samurai Sword techniques.
- Camps and Workshops: Engaging programs like a Karate Camp for Kids, Samurai Sword Camp, and Women’s Self-Defense Workshops.
- Free Introductory Class/Lesson: An opportunity for newcomers to experience the training and meet the instructors at no cost.
- Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions for personalized instruction and accelerated skill development.
- Kids Night Out: A fun, supervised event for children.
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier choice for martial arts and self-defense training in Central Texas. These qualities are consistently praised by students and their families and contribute to the school's excellent reputation.
Features and highlights include:
- Dual-Focus Training: The unique blend of traditional Japanese martial arts and modern, practical self-defense, including firearms training, provides a well-rounded curriculum not found everywhere.
- Expert Instructors: Led by Senseis Brian and Gigi, who are praised for their professionalism, patience, and ability to make learning fun and engaging.
- Positive and Structured Environment: The dojo creates a space where students can thrive, building not only physical skills but also confidence, discipline, and respect.
- Real-World Application: The training is designed to be applicable in daily life, as highlighted by a parent who noted their child "lives the martial arts after she leaves the dojo."
- Diverse Offerings: From kids' martial arts camps to women's self-defense workshops and advanced weapons training, there is a class for a wide range of interests.
- Community and Socialization: The school provides a great environment for kids to socialize, especially for homeschooled students.
For more information or to inquire about classes, you can contact Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) using the information below.
Address: 141 Jonathan Dr #400, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA
Phone: (512) 548-5655
When searching for a martial arts school in the Texas region, Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) is a choice that is truly worth making for its unparalleled approach to training. What sets this place apart is the combination of authentic, traditional martial arts with a strong emphasis on modern, real-world self-defense. The hands-on leadership of Senseis Brian and Gigi is a significant highlight, as they are personally invested in the success and growth of every student, making the experience feel both professional and personal. Their ability to teach with patience and enthusiasm ensures that even the youngest students are having fun while learning invaluable life skills. The positive feedback from parents, noting how their kids thrive and apply what they learn in their daily lives, confirms that this school is a powerful force for good in the community.
Furthermore, the diverse range of programs, from kids' camps to specialized firearms courses, makes the dojo a comprehensive resource for the entire family's safety and development. The option for a free introductory class removes any hesitation, allowing potential students to experience the welcoming culture and high-quality instruction firsthand. The focus on a positive, ego-free environment is another key reason to choose this academy, as it ensures that everyone feels safe and supported in their training journey. In a world full of impersonal gyms, Shin Gan Dojo shines as a place that is dedicated to building not just skilled martial artists, but confident, disciplined, and empowered individuals who are prepared for any challenge life throws their way.
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) Community
Martial Arts School
- Karate
- Adults Martial Arts
- Camps for Kids
- Courses And Workshops
- Defense Techniques
- Evening Classes
- Firearms Courses
- Firearms Instructor
- Free Introductory Class
- Free Introductory Lesson
- Ground Fighting Techniques
- Group Classes
- Gun Safety Class
- House Training
- Karate Camp for Kids
- Kids & Teens Class
- Kids Martial Arts
- Kids Night Out
- Martial Arts Class For Adults
- Martial Arts For Kids
- Martial Arts Instructor
- Ninpo Taijutsu
- Outdoor Training
- Pistol Course
- Private Lesson
- Rifle Training
- Samurai Sword
- Samurai Sword Camp
- Self Defense Classes Class
- Self Defense Martial Arts Class
- Self-Defense Training Courses
- Specialized Training
- Stick Fighting
- Summer Program
- Tai Jutsu
- Teens Martial Arts
- Teens Martial Arts Classes
- Teens Self Defense
- Traditional Japanese Martial Arts
- Traditional Martial Art Training
- Traditional Martial Arts Classes
- Training Exercises
- Training Program
- Training Seminars
- Weapons Training
- Women's Self Defense Instructor
- Women’s Self Defense Class
- Women’s Self Defense Workshop
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) Details
Service options
- Onsite services
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) Photos










Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) Location
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy)
141 Jonathan Dr #400, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA
Shin Gan Dojo (Urban Defense Academy) Reviews
sonsenseifunconfidenceskillsweaponsadultsdisciplinepassionbelt
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Looking for a top-notch martial arts school for your kids? I highly recommend Urban Defense Academy! My son has been training here, and the experience has been amazing.Sensei Brian and Gigi do an incredible job teaching the kids with professionalism, patience, and enthusiasm. They create a positive and structured environment where children not only learn martial arts but also build confidence, discipline, and respect. The kids absolutely love them, and it’s great to see them having fun while improving their skills.If you’re looking for a place where your child will thrive and enjoy learning, this is it!
March 06 · Idan LeviMy kiddo has been to many different martial arts dojos over the years. They have all been good in different ways, but this dojo has been the best of all. Sensei Brian teaches traditional Japanese forms of martial arts.My kiddo has been able to apply the learned martial arts in normal daily life, and lives the martial arts after she leaves the dojo. I highly recommend this dojo if you or your child wants real skill in martial arts.Many different classes and times available, also some classes are weapon oriented if that is the training you seek. They also offer gun safety and training classes as well. Tell them Rocky sent you....Update: dojo has expanded with more classes available. Also great for home schooled kids to join for socializing with other focused kids and adults.....
August 05 · Rocky3/7/25 - I have been training at Shin Gan Dojo for about a year and a half and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It's interesting to see how much I have learned since I started and how much more there is to learn. It is a very welcoming environment and students are free to ask questions on any topic. The classes are structured well but not so much that we don't have fun! Highly recommended if you're looking to learn real martial arts!
March 07 · Mark BellSensei and Gigi are absolutely amazing! They have created a safe and supportive environment for anyone wanting to study Martial Arts. The facility is always spotless, we are always greeted with a smile and my son always walks out each session a little better than when he came in. I love the structure, respect, integrity, and self awareness my son is learning from Sensei. Since starting at the dojo in August my son has gained so much confidence both on and off the mat. I can’t recommend the Shin Gan Dojo enough!
March 06 · Hannah RathoreThe martial arts courses at the Urban Defense Academy are top-notch! The instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and they really care about their students. The courses are well-designed and offer a great balance of theory and practical application. My cousins have really enjoyed the classes and have learned a lot. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for quality martial arts training.
September 03 · J L
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