Information about Toku Bu Kan Dojo

Virtue, martial art and the group we train with: the meaning behind the name, and the instructors who teach here.

The meaning behind Toku Bu Kan

In Kendo, defeating your opponent should not be obtained by ruthlessly overpowering your opponent or by actions of trickery or anger towards them. Winning using these things will only create feelings of anger, revenge and unhappiness; winning by true virtue (Toku) is truly winning.

Your opponent will thank you when being defeated by you in this fashion, and in the end, you will gain the respect of your opponent for the qualities you uphold during your exchange.

Therefore, we use Virtue (Toku 徳) for the dojo’s first kanji, and for the second kanji, we use Bu (武) as in Budo (martial art). The last kanji is Kan (館) as in group.

Tokubukan (徳武館) has a deep meaning and gives us a goal to strive for every day we train.

The Toku Bu Kan patch: the dojo name in kanji beside a sword
  • 徳TokuVirtue
  • 武BuMartial, as in Budo (martial art)
  • 館KanHall, or group

About the instructors

  • Moses Becerra

    Head Instructor, Rokudan Renshi (6th Dan)

    Becerra Sensei started his Kendo training at the young age of 16. He has trained in Kendo in the US and in Japan, and qualified for and competed in the 9th International Kendo Tournament in Paris, France, as a member of the USA team. He coached the Venezuelan Kendo team at the 10th International Kendo Tournament in Kyoto, Japan, and has won and placed in the top three at many national Kendo tournaments throughout the United States.

    If you ask him about these accomplishments, you will find that he is more focused on understanding and teaching good quality Kendo than on tournaments alone.

    Sensei established a Kendo dojo in Long Island, New York, in 1992. The Long Island Kendo Dojo is now led by one of Becerra Sensei’s students, a 4th Dan. He has over 30 years of experience in the Kendo world.

    In 2013, he moved to Florida and established a new Kendo dojo in Miami. The dojo grows stronger every day with students interested in quality Kendo. He is the highest-ranked Kendo sensei in South Florida, at Rokudan Renshi (6th Dan).

  • Guillermo Auvert

    Assistant Instructor, 6th Dan

    Guillermo participated in the 3rd Latin American Kendo Championships in 2013 in Medellín, Colombia, and in the 13th, 14th and 15th World Kendo Championships. He was a member of the 2015 Venezuela team at the 16th World Kendo Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

    He has over 11 years of Kendo experience, with training in Latin America and parts of the United States.

  • Patricia Villanueva

    Assistant Instructor, 4th Dan

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our dojo.

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What is Kendo?

Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art rooted in the discipline and techniques of the samurai sword. Practitioners use bamboo swords called shinai and protective armor known as bogu to safely train strikes, footwork, timing, focus, and mental discipline. Kendo emphasizes respect, character development, self-control, and continuous personal growth alongside physical training.

Where is Toku Bu Kan located?

Toku Bu Kan is located in Miami, Florida, and serves students throughout South Florida. The dojo provides instruction in traditional Japanese martial arts within a focused, respectful training environment dedicated to Kendo and Japanese swordsmanship.

Classes are held at DanceSway Ballroom, 7140 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155. Get directions. Please contact us before coming to your first class.

Do beginners need experience to join?

No prior experience is required. Beginners are welcome at Toku Bu Kan. New students are introduced to the fundamentals of Kendo step by step, including posture, footwork, etiquette, striking techniques, and proper handling of training equipment. Training is structured to support students at all skill levels.

What equipment is needed for Kendo training?

New students can usually begin training with comfortable workout clothing while learning the basics. As training progresses, students typically acquire:

  • Shinai (bamboo sword)
  • Bokuto or bokken (wooden sword)
  • Keikogi (training jacket)
  • Hakama (traditional pleated pants)
  • Bogu (protective armor set)

Instructors can help guide students on when and where to purchase proper equipment.

Does Toku Bu Kan offer classes for adults and children?

Yes. Toku Bu Kan offers training opportunities for both adults and younger students. Classes focus on discipline, focus, physical fitness, confidence, and traditional martial arts values while adapting instruction appropriately for different age groups and experience levels.

Who teaches at Toku Bu Kan?

Training at Toku Bu Kan is led by experienced martial artists dedicated to preserving traditional Japanese sword arts and Kendo instruction.

The dojo is led by Sensei Moses Becerra, who oversees instruction and the dojo’s training philosophy rooted in discipline, respect, and authentic Japanese martial arts traditions. Supporting instruction is provided by Assistant Instructors Guillermo Auvert and Patricia Villanueva, who help guide students through foundational and advanced training in Kendo and swordsmanship.

Students receive structured instruction in:

  • Kendo fundamentals
  • Japanese swordsmanship
  • Footwork and striking techniques
  • Sparring and etiquette
  • Discipline and character development

The instructional team focuses on creating a welcoming and respectful environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

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