Pacific Northwest Budo Association
A membership-based 501c3 non-profit educational organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for Japanese martial and
cultural arts as effective means to promote character development, harmonious cooperation, peaceful
conflict resolution, and global citizenship.

We are artists, teachers, business leaders, and students, all united in our respect for Japan's rich martial and cultural arts heritage.  The PNBA was founded by a small group of martial artists who wanted to give back to their community.  The PNBA, together with its member organizations, has contributed more than $1.2 million in grants, scholarships, volunteer hours, and in-kind donations to schools, community organizations, individual artists and arts organizations.  Let us know if we can help you!
Download the PNBA brochure
Download the PNBA Newsletter


Become a PNBA member
Discover Japan's rich martial and cultural arts heritage

Apply for a PNBA Grant or Scholarship Award
2012 applications due by February 25
Join our low-cost group liability insurance program
Contact the PNBA:mailto:info@pacificbudo.org

Participate as a volunteer - Education/Outreach, Martial Arts
Committee, Cultural Arts Committee, Auction Committee
Schedule a program for your school, business or community organization
Contact the PNBA

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An example of a PNBA Educational Outreach Program:

Budo "River of Social Change"
After School Japanese Martial
& Cultural Arts Program

An Introduction to the Martial and Cultural Arts of Japan

featuring participatory exploration of Aikido's profound

principles of non-violence, cultural arts such as brush

calligraphy and bonsai, traditional games and crafts.

Budo "River of Social Change" Brochure (download)

Instructed by the PNBA's Executive Director
Dr. Jonathan Bannister, Ph.D./Ma.D.Sc.

Master Aikido teacher, accomplished swordsman, Japanese cultural artist whose works reside in private collections all across North America.  Dr. Bannister is also an acknowledged business leader specializing in marketing, graphic design, conflict resolution and negotiation.  In 2009 he was honored by the mayors of the City of Seattle and the City of Seattle for his efforts to promote friendship between the peoples of the United States and Japan.  He currently serves on these Boards of Directors: Pacific Northwest Kendo Federation, Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association, Japan-America Society of the State of Washington.  Dr. Bannister is the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame 2010 "Swordsman of the Year" and 2010 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame "Japanese Martial Arts Multi-Disciplinary Master of the Year. 

The PNBA is a non-profit 501c3 educational organization federal tax id #05-1695055

Join our extensive community of motivated and socially-engaged
Martial Artists, Cultural Arts Teachers, Business Leaders, Educators and Students

Member Services

Free Educational Visits to Your School, Business, or Community Organization
Grants and Scholarships to Support Martial and Cultural Training and Research
Marketing, Logistical, Business Support, and Fiscal Agency for Member Programs

PNBA Group Liability Insurance Coverage

Joint Demonstration Planning and Public Education Events
Event Planning, and Public Performance Support
Charitable Fund Raising and Fiscal Agency


The Pacific Northwest Budo Association is a federal 501c3 educational organization founded in 2003 by a visionary group of civic-minded martial and cultural artists in Seattle, Washington. PNBA membership encompasses dozens of extraordinary teachers and practitioners, organizations, and representatives in the United States, Canada, and Japan.  Our funding comes entirely from annual membership dues, donations, and matching grants.  The Association supports a shared social and civic mission that enthusiastically advocates for Japanese martial and traditional cultural arts traditions.  We deeply appreciate the commitment and effort of all teachers and arts advocates no matter the particular art or discipline they represent.  By providing a vehicle for mutual cooperation among our members, we seek to enrich all the arts and the community in which they exist.  The PNBA organizes financial support for reseach and development in the arts, facilitates the sharing of members' experience and expertise, and provides for a stronger voice and greater ability to share our enthusiasm for martial and traditional cultural arts with the general public.   In this way the ideals and philosophies of greatest benefit to individuals and society are empowered to reach the broadest possible audience. 

The PNBA believes that the martial and traditional cultural arts of Japan have an enormous wealth of unique information and ideas that benefit our society.  Through formale disciplines that give concrete expression to timeless beauty and refinement, Japanese arts traditions have the power to awaken calmness and dignity in the face of adversity.  Contrary to popular misconception, martial and cultural artists are often the strongest advocates for a profound philosphy of non-violence and mutual respect.  This attitude is much-needed in the modern age and on the world stage.  Martial arts and traditional cultural disciplines harness individual potential, teach respect for others, and express a boundless appreciation for Nature.  Values such as the need for internal fortitude, the desirability of compassionate action, and the repudiation of violence as a legitimate means to resolve conflict lie at the heart of Japanese martial and cultural arts.  The PNBA recognizes these arts as an enormous wellspring of brilliant ideas that can impact our world for the better.  As society ponders its future, these ideas and values need to be shared with all stakeholders to engender a greater civic dialogue.  The human race faces great modern challenges.  There has never been a better time to coordinate the efforts of all inspired teachers, artists, social and civic leaders, in the abiding hope that together we can point a way forwards towards a more peaceful and beautiful vision for humankind.  It is for this purpose that we have created the Pacific Northwest Budo Association.


PNBA Supports Teachers in the Community
The PNBA was founded in 2003 to formalize and carry forward existing charitable programs of our founding member organizations.  Since 1990 PNBA members have donated more than $1.2M in grants, scholarships, and in-kind volunteer service hours.  We have organized more than 60 programs and events in support of martial and cultural arts education in schools, businesses, and community organizations throughout the Northwest. 

We work cooperatively with other organizations and agencies, both public and private, to achieve common goals in public education, community outreach, marketing and fund raising.  We support artistic research and development, and help craft programming and find facilities that bring Asian arts to the public.  Through scholarships and grants, public demonstrations, seminars and lectures, and by providing administrative, fiscal and logistic support for small businesses, the PNBA actively pursue every opportunity to disseminate the rich benefits of martial arts and traditional culture to the public.  

Check our Education & Outreach page for descriptions of recent PNBA projects.  Our diverse community of like-minded teachers, arts activists, friends and supporters has already accomplished a great deal, and continues to welcome new friends and discover additional ways to make a positive impact in our communities.  Think what we can do with your friendship and involvement!

The PNBA is Growing
We continue to cultivate relationships that transcend all boundaries.  If you practice, love, or represent a martial or cultural art that has a similar vision, please contact us about getting involved.  You'll have fun, connect to fabulous resources, build life-long friendships, and make an even bigger difference in your community than you already do now.

The PNBA is Involved
We maintain active memberships, relationships, or provide support
for the following organizations or events:

Japanese Culture & Community Center of Washington
Nikkei Heritage Association
Japan-America Society Seattle
Urasenke Foundation Seattle
Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association
AiShinKai
Shin Kan Kai Iaido Dojo
Seattle Children's Hospital
Phinney Neighborhood Association
Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association
Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival
Seattle Parks & Recreation
Seattle Public School District
Shoreline Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
Edmonds Public School District
The Bertschi School
The Evergreen School
North Seattle Community College
St. Thomas School

In addition, numerous individuals have received 
PNBA scholarships or grants to study martial
arts or traditional cultural arts


We welcome new friends.  Contact Us if your organization
would like to connect with our community. 

Click here to Become a PNBA member today!


The PNBA is a Community Resource
Are you a martial or cultural arts practitioner or teacher seeking expanded ties to the community or looking for new audiences?  Would your school, business, or community group enjoy or benefit from contact with some of the best Asian martial and cultural artists in the world?  Would you like to connect to and gain support and knowledge from other individuals and organizations actively engaged in performing and instructing, or get involved with a vibrant arts community engaged in charitable/fundraising work? 

The Pacific Northwest Budo Association seeks an ever-expanding network of members and friends.  If you or your organization would like to leverage your efforts in martial arts or traditional cultural arts education and support charitable and education work in the community, become a PNBA member today!  We believe in you, and know that by working cooperatively our community of engaged individuals and organizations can have a large and positive impact upon the world.

See the Contact Us page to get in touch.  Let's do good work together!

(425) 771-6816

Pacific Northwest Budo Association
info@pacificbudo.org