About Muhai Martial Arts

Back Ground:

Muhai-Ninpo is a traditional, non-competitive Japanese Martial Arts school, founded in 1996 by David Gagnon, originally from Victoria B.C. Canada.
We are a small yet mighty school located in Nevada City California. As Of 2022, David has passed down his U.S. based school to his trio: Eli Calderon, Jeremiah Hawkins, and Brandi Hankins.

Run by a husband and wife team, David and Etsuko have brought Muhai Martial Arts back to its roots in Osaka Japan. There they bring their authentic talents and abilities to each and every class, workshop and individual student.

We take a lot of pride in our school. We are like a family! We feel are special in many ways, including:

Instructor David trained for 10+ years in Japan, under a Grandmaster.
We are very down-to-earth, friendly, and personable
Lessons are informative but also fun and enjoyable!
Both David and Etsuko are experienced teaching children with special needs.
Classes are supplemented with Japanese culture lessons such as origami, calligraphy, and music.
The techniques taught come not only from David’s training, but also from real-world experiences he has had.
Classes help improve self-confidence, awareness, fitness, discipline, and more!
Connecting East and West with live training sessions from the dojo in Osaka Japan.

If you have any questions or are interested in training, please contact us!

Testimonials

Master Jeff King, King’s Martial Arts Academy

“I have had the honor of working with David in the martial arts field for the past 16 years. I am the owner and chief instructor of a chain of children’s martial arts schools in Northern California. I have employed David in my school on numerous occasions to lead and instruct young martial arts students. I continue to invite him back to my school as he is a very professional, honorable, trustworthy and gifted martial artist and human being.

One program in particular that is extremely popular with the students (and their parents alike) is the Ninja Night. Over 30 students at a time spend the evening and overnight at the school and are treated to demonstrations, instruction, games, drills, and overall entertainment—all delivered solely and effortlessly by Sensei David Gagnon. David’s expertise in his art, coupled with his talents as an instructor and his approachable personality make him very effective with the students. They respond very well to him and they learn a tremendous amount.

David has such a strong passion not only for his art but for the good of others. He goes out of his way to make sure each student is not only learning and excelling, but also having fun. I have seen him work with challenging/difficult students and he always maintains both his professionalism and his friendly demeanor. Both children and adult students love being taught by David. It is therefore without hesitation that I recommend David Gagnon to put on a seminar or workshop in your school or company.

Ian R. private lesson student

“David Gagnon is a savant to martial arts. Michelangelo was born to paint, Chopin born to play, and David born to move. I see and feel the depth of his talent in everything he teaches, grounded in the decades of study and training he’s experienced. There’s something very special in what he does. It’s not magic, or fluff, but–I believe–is the result of a talented expert who maintains the practicality of self-defense while teaching from a perspective that raises you beyond a fighter and into an artist.”