Dojo Studios

Dojo Studios Welcome to the official Dojo Studios page. The costume contest grew year by year into workshops then into dramatizations. Then they did it again.

20 years ago G Fest brought western kaiju fans together with the movies, video games, merchandise and the stars of the kaiju eiga they loved. In 2010 one rag tag group of G fans, some of whom had never met, built a city and monster suits and lived their dream in video. They built their own equipment, harnessed practical and digital effects to bring the suits to life. And again. How lucky is that?

We count among us professional suit actors, newsmen, stunt men. Some are trained sculptors, graphic designers, film school graduates and craftspeople. Our filmography includes
"The Lost Dojo Warriors Commercial" 2011
"G Fantis- Worlds Collide" 2011
"G Fantis vs Thing" 2012
"Mecha G Fantis Backfires" 2013
"GFantis DEATHGAME" 2015
"War of the Colossal Beasts" (in Production) 2016

What is The Dojo Secret? Dojo Studios was established after successful completion of a video project about a nonexistent G Fantis toy. Afterward we realized we just couldn’t stop there. We set out to diverge from much of fan films that center on fan fiction involving licensed properties that are well known, much loved and…owned by someone else. So with the official formation of Dojo as a recurring feature of G Fest, we set out down a road in which our members have created our own kaiju to costar with G Fest’s very own G Fantis. We’ve so far produced 2 projects that blend themes, memes and many of the characters and elements we love in new ways. For example, Shirakuna, a Ghidorah analog, is similar in some ways to a favorite kaiju from the 1970s Marvel Godzilla series. We even recruited Dr Rex Summerall himself. This is after all, a tribute to the genre. Look and see what character combos you see! The trailers Dojo produces are set up as they are because the format allows us to reliably film all needed footage when we are all together at G Fest and then work separately when we are apart. Some of us are building sets, props and suits for the coming fest and some are editing, adding digital effects and polishing the most recently shot footage. We premiere the trailers at G Fest. Over the years G Fans have tried to do larger projects but for various reasons including time, money and geography have been unable to complete them. Our formula and the commitment of the Dojo crew let us sidestep this list of pitfalls for the most part. We are always looking for new talent but the commitment is real and the rewards are too. It’s a unique way of volunteering at G Fest. Dojo Studios is part of G Fest and ultimately falls under Daikaiju Enterprises. Stop by, talk to us. Who knows what can happen?

ICYMI: Costume contest winners have been announced!
04/08/2024

ICYMI: Costume contest winners have been announced!

The costume contest is a true highlight of G-FEST! With many entries ranging all ages and skill levels, it is a true showcase of talent and skill, attendees building wholly original costumes each and every year of the convention. Below are the winners for G-FEST 2024, along with relevant info. Congr...

Coming in clutch, showing off our first ever COSPLAY MEETUPS! Want to see them again? Let us know what themes you'd like...
04/08/2024

Coming in clutch, showing off our first ever COSPLAY MEETUPS!
Want to see them again? Let us know what themes you'd like to see next year in the comments!
Thanks Kaiju United!

Another new feature to G-FEST beginning this year was the inclusion of cosplay meetups. A fixture at most fan conventions, the talented individuals constructing cosplays of all kind -- human characters in the films, creature suits, and more --- had another chance to assemble before the packed parade...

Kaiju United did a piece on the work we do at G-FEST! We're so grateful for our volunteers who make this all happen and ...
04/08/2024

Kaiju United did a piece on the work we do at G-FEST! We're so grateful for our volunteers who make this all happen and to Kaiju United for showing what we all put our hearts into!

Have you ever wanted to be on set of a kaiju film? Dojo Studios at G-FEST provides that opportunity annually, showcasing a brand new miniature set & set filming days every single time the convention rolls around. Being one of the few places the public can witness a tokusatsu production in the United...

You saw the displays and the parade... Now see who won!All of these are very much deserved! Stay in a few months for inf...
21/07/2024

You saw the displays and the parade... Now see who won!

All of these are very much deserved! Stay in a few months for info on how to enter (and other cosplay opportunities) for GFEST 2025!

G-FEST. As always, we were completely blown away by the incredible craftsmanship and quality of each entry. We have an incredibly talented and skilled community, and it's an honor to celebrate your achievements.

Peek behind the scenes with a live build of a traditional tokusatsu kaiju suit. Utilizing traditional materials and tech...
09/07/2024

Peek behind the scenes with a live build of a traditional tokusatsu kaiju suit. Utilizing traditional materials and techniques, Matt Tichota will be on hand to demonstrate techniques and answer questions on Kaiju suit creation! Friday and Saturday only!

🎬Last in our panel lineup: The Dojo Story🎬You see us every year, but do you know how it all started? How each film ties ...
05/07/2024

🎬Last in our panel lineup: The Dojo Story

🎬You see us every year, but do you know how it all started? How each film ties together? Join Paul Gavins as he reflects on Dojo Studios, what we do, and how we do it!

🎬Check your G-FEST program for times!

❗COSTUME PARADE REMINDER❗❗This year, entries are DIGITAL ONLY. Registration closes Friday EVENING! Unfortunately, we wil...
02/07/2024

❗COSTUME PARADE REMINDER❗

❗This year, entries are DIGITAL ONLY. Registration closes Friday EVENING! Unfortunately, we will not be taking day-of sign-ups as in previous years.
Please read the new rules before signing up and don't forget to attend Saturday afternoon's orientation!

❗And of course, don't forget to check out the other opportunities to costume and cosplay at G-FEST by visiting https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-costuming

❗Got questions? Email us at [email protected]

🎬FROM THE ARCHIVE! Godzilla Battle Royale! 10 Years After!🎬10 years ago Billy Dubose took on the feat of creating a godz...
01/07/2024

🎬FROM THE ARCHIVE! Godzilla Battle Royale! 10 Years After!

🎬10 years ago Billy Dubose took on the feat of creating a godzilla fan film... Hear from the writer, director, and actor himself as he reflects on the decade that has passed since creating a widely enjoyed film.

🎬 Check your G-FEST program for time and location!

📣Next up in our panel announcements: HOW I BUILT THIS📣Hear from a handful of costumers and cosplayers on how they built ...
25/06/2024

📣Next up in our panel announcements: HOW I BUILT THIS

📣Hear from a handful of costumers and cosplayers on how they built their costumes! With pictures and presentations, you'll get an up-close look at kaiju suits, and pick up a trick or two for your own creation!

📣This year's panelists are contest winners from last year: RJ and River, who won the Novice division for their Kamen Riders, the Ultra Group who won Judges Choice, and John who won Best-in-Show Foamie with Gabara!

📣Check your G-FEST program for the time!📣

📣Next in our panel announcement lineup: Tokusatsu Tips and Tricks📣Ever wondered what it takes to make your own tokusatsu...
21/06/2024

📣Next in our panel announcement lineup: Tokusatsu Tips and Tricks

📣Ever wondered what it takes to make your own tokusatsu film? This panel will explore what it takes to pull off shots that would have made Eiji Tsuburaya proud!

📣Check your G-FEST program for the time!

☢️First in our panel announcement lineup: Break Glass In Case of Kaiju!☢️Cosplay Safety - Many of us are creatives at he...
14/06/2024

☢️First in our panel announcement lineup: Break Glass In Case of Kaiju!

☢️Cosplay Safety - Many of us are creatives at heart - and this panel aims to ensure we can keep crafting for as long as possible! If you're new or old to cosplay or costume-building this panel will be a must-see.

Check out this panel and other cosplay related events at G-FEST by visiting https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-costuming

Will you be there?
10/06/2024

Will you be there?

📣Now announcing the first official G-FEST cosplay meetup!
Come meet up with others in the DFW room, hosted by Studios ! Two meetups will be held on Friday and Saturday. Sign-ups are not required but costumes are!

🦸‍♂️ Friday's theme is Heroes and Sentai!
🦖 Saturday's theme is all things Godzilla!

📣We will have special photos planned, the chance to win tickets to next year's G-FEST, and maybe a dance-off? Check out times in the program, coming soon!

For more information and to see what else there is to do for Costume and Cosplay at G-FEST, go to https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-costuming

🦖We've got some big news - the costuming and cosplay scene is about to get bigger...🦖Stay tuned to G-FEST for their anno...
07/06/2024

🦖We've got some big news - the costuming and cosplay scene is about to get bigger...

🦖Stay tuned to G-FEST for their announcement on Monday. And stay tuned with Dojo! We'll be announcing some of our panels for this year, featuring some of our own knowledgeable volunteers as well as panels from YOU the convention goers!

KingUsagi was slain in 2018's GoGo Riser Sh**un by Rayman Seijin. At the Temple pf KingUsagi,  Dr Rex Summerall visited ...
04/06/2024

KingUsagi was slain in 2018's GoGo Riser Sh**un by Rayman Seijin. At the Temple pf KingUsagi, Dr Rex Summerall visited with his new wife on his honeymoon in the late 1970s. Here, decades later...KingUsagi was revived by his priestesses. He left his isolated island and has been resurrected as is the eternal way....but he has changed. This KingUsagi is not a young guardian like his predecessor. He is an older predator, an aggressive protector with a bow instead of a hammer......on a mission...to bring back GFantis......

One of 5 custom YMSF Hedorahs can be won in the Costume Parade major categories. If you haven't  started your costume .....
02/06/2024

One of 5 custom YMSF Hedorahs can be won in the Costume Parade major categories. If you haven't started your costume ...well....time's a wastin!

Check it out! We have some new developments in the mix this year for other Cosplay-related events but we'll never miss a...
17/04/2024

Check it out! We have some new developments in the mix this year for other Cosplay-related events but we'll never miss an opportunity to gush about the costume contest!

Check the link below for the updated rules that were released earlier this year, and also note that only self-made costumes are eligible for the contest.

Questions? Email us at [email protected] !

Wondering what's at G-FEST? We will be showcasing some of our different events this month!

📢Participate in the biggest gathering of kaiju cosplays in the country!

📢Competition entries are limited to self-made costumes. Check out the new rules at:
https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-contests

Costumes are just giant models right? Right?!  Check out out our pocket sized counterparts at the modeling thread!
20/03/2024

Costumes are just giant models right? Right?! Check out out our pocket sized counterparts at the modeling thread!

Wondering what's at G-FEST? We will be showcasing some of our different events this month!

🦖Join in on mini-monster fun and enter your model into the Model Contest! Fondly known as the Biggest Little Giant Reptile Show on Earth!

🦖Both Junior and Adult divisions are available, including Best Model Figure, Best Diorama, Best Scratch-built! Will your model be a contender for Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice prizes?

🦖To view the rules and enter, visit: https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-contests

Check out this interview Kaiju United did with a G-FEST foamie-winning and division winning costumer! KU has been doing ...
19/03/2024

Check out this interview Kaiju United did with a G-FEST foamie-winning and division winning costumer!

KU has been doing interviews with other costumers and cosplayers in the community - check them out!

Check out out the beautiful work of Mechagodzilla cosplayer, Kai-Zilla!

13/03/2024

The film GFantis VS Rayman X is tragically lost to history. In that film, despite the efforts of Rayman X, GFantis was banished from the Dojoverse by Empress Zagi.... In 2018, King Usagi was defeated in battle and noble Hyenia fell alongside his comrades. Riser Sh**un was ultimately defeated by Rayman Seijin in 2022. The Raymen battled Rayman Seijin in 2023.... In 2025 expect the return of GFantis via.....intervention... and an important ally will return, also...by intervention. What will they look like? See them fight new enemies in 2024, only at GFest, only in DojoStudios. Yes, that's a lot to process......stand by Dojo fans.....

ICYMI: Did you know many Dojo members started out making stuff for the art competition before they joined our crew? Chec...
13/03/2024

ICYMI: Did you know many Dojo members started out making stuff for the art competition before they joined our crew?
Check it out! They have something for everybody!

Wondering what's at G-FEST? We will be showcasing some of our different events this month!

🎨Got a great hand at drawing Godzilla? Show off your 3D and 2D art skills at our Art Contest!

🎨Sign-up is onsite and prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, are awarded for Adult, Youth, and Children’s categories!

🎨To view the rules and enter, visit: https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-contests

📸 Photo Credit: Billy Dubose

ICYMI: There's a ton of ways to get involved with G-FEST which includes many opportunities to showcase your flavor of Ka...
13/03/2024

ICYMI: There's a ton of ways to get involved with G-FEST which includes many opportunities to showcase your flavor of Kaiju

*UPDATED*
STEM Sunday Gameplay will be replaced - Stay tuned!

Wondering what's at G-FEST? We will be showcasing some of our different events this month!

Show off your op kaiju power-ups at the video game tournament!

🎮 For Kids, we’re running a GigaBash and Godzilla Save the Earth (STE) tournament on Friday only!
🎮The Adult’s GigaBash and Godzilla STE tournaments will be held Saturday
🎮 New gameplay on Sunday to be announced!

Stay tuned - see the G-Fest program for time and location.
To view the rules and enter, visit: https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-contests

For questions, reach out to: [email protected]

24/02/2024

Dojo Studios is prepping for GFest. Are you? Stop by this July and see what we are up to....

With the continual and growing success of the Costume Parade, our team is going digital!The biggest thing you need to kn...
05/01/2024

With the continual and growing success of the Costume Parade, our team is going digital!

The biggest thing you need to know is that all entries are PRE-REGISTERED, ONLINE, ONLY!

This is one several new changes to the rules this year. Look through our handy guide at the link below and click on Costume Contest! Got questions? E-mail us at [email protected]

https://www.g-festcon.com/gfest-contests

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?
23/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

Whether you eat Turkey, Cities, or veggies for Thanksgiving, we are grateful every day for a community that loves cosplay and costuming as much as we do. Happy Thanksgiving!

Now that Breaking News 2 is out, let's take a look at the previous Dojo films that build into it's story, either directl...
10/08/2023

Now that Breaking News 2 is out, let's take a look at the previous Dojo films that build into it's story, either directly or through casual reference. Click through the photos for more information.

Haven't seen Breaking News 2: Continuing Coverage yet? Watch it here: https://youtu.be/3fB3eQ4nuLc

04/08/2023

Dojo Studios proudly presents our first filmed production in 5(!) years, a direct sequel to 2018's Breaking News.

Picking up several years after the events of the previous film, Stephanie Burr now works in PR for the Be***al Countermeasures Committee as the RISER SH**UN project is successfully unveiled and tested against DESUKANGA. However, something sinister is happening within the BCC that even she is not prepared for.

Filmed at GFEST 2022, this film is a story with some shocking twists that will forever alter the course of the continuing Dojoverse.

Do YOU want to be a part of Dojo Studios? Come see us at GFEST and volunteer!

Attribution:

This video uses these sounds from freesound:
“Bedroom tone.aif by bennychico11” ( https://freesound.org/s/83065/ ) licensed under CCBY 4.0

“Footsteps Boots_Linoleum” ( https://freesound.org/s/475080/ ) licensed under CCBY 4.0

“Paintbrush being cleaned in a jar - slower version” ( https://freesound.org/s/521724/ ) licensed under CCBY 4.0

“Perfume Spray” ( https://freesound.org/s/380337/ ) licensed under CCBY 4.0

“cityParkingLotCopenhagenMidnightAmbience” ( https://freesound.org/s/32869/ ) licensed under CCBYNC 4.0

“keyboard-typing-long-looping_Gkz4uBVu” ( https://freesound.org/s/456906/ ) licensed under CCBY 4.0

“LowerGunCock” ( https://freesound.org/s/177054/ ) licensed under CCBY 4.0

“Running on stairs (Corriendo en escaleras)” ( https://freesound.org/s/232663/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0

“Sitting on chair 2.wav” ( https://freesound.org/s/232667/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0

“deerchaser.mp3” ( https://freesound.org/s/58569/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0

“Permission to panic?” ( https://freesound.org/s/263621/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0

“Putting On Face Cream” ( https://freesound.org/s/444803/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0

“PASOS_DENTRO” ( https://freesound.org/s/396854/ ) licensed under CCBY 3.0

“fire wood bonfire low eq” ( https://freesound.org/s/17375/ ) licensed under CCBY-NC 3.0

“Lip Balm being used, open and close” ( https://freesound.org/s/327283/ ) licensed under CCBY-NC 3.0

“Lotion” ( https://freesound.org/s/366646/ ) licensed under CCBY-NC 3.0

“Misc gun sounds” ( https://freesound.org/s/367345/ ) licensed under CCBY-NC 3.0

Music: Inspiring by Wavecont
https://protunes.net

Here's your wrap-up of the Costume Parade and Competition as well as some fun facts! Catch this lineup in G-Fan and be s...
30/07/2023

Here's your wrap-up of the Costume Parade and Competition as well as some fun facts! Catch this lineup in G-Fan and be sure to let us know your thoughts in our upcoming survey for contestants!

Young fan youth built - Colton Klingenmeyer (Showa Godzilla)
Youn fan adult fan - Cooper Merrill (King Ghidora)

Novice -RJ Axen and River Travis (Kamen Rider)
Journeyman -Seth Ortega (Anime Mechagodzilla)
Master - Sam Messerly (Zone Fighter)

Foamie Jr - Collin Bently (Burning Godzilla)
Foamie Sr - John Gruchich (Gabara)

Spirit Jr - Anya Eaton (Minya)
Spirit Sr - Elie Toney and Amelie Beam (Godzilla and Baragon)
Judges Choice - Adam Kile and Ellis Hernandez (Pestar)

Photos courtesy by Tristan Domay

Or in anything....... Girls, ladies, you are all welcome in Dojo Studios.
18/07/2023

Or in anything....... Girls, ladies, you are all welcome in Dojo Studios.

https://seejane.org/wp-content/uploads/x-files-scully-effect-report-geena-davis-institute.pdf

Did you catch the premiere of Breaking News 2: Continuing Coverage Friday at G-FEST? If not (or you just wanna see it ag...
18/07/2023

Did you catch the premiere of Breaking News 2: Continuing Coverage Friday at G-FEST? If not (or you just wanna see it again), stay tuned! Online premiere is coming shortly.

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Our Story

26 years ago G Fest brought western kaiju fans together with the movies, video games, merchandise and the stars of the kaiju eiga they loved. The costume contest grew year by year into workshops then into dramatizations. In 2010 one rag tag group of G fans, some of whom had never met, built a city and monster suits and lived their dream in video. They built their own equipment, harnessed practical and digital effects to bring the suits to life. Then they did it again. And again. How lucky is that? We count among us professional suit actors, newsmen, stunt men. Some are trained sculptors, graphic designers, film school graduates and craftspeople.

Our filmography includes "The Lost Dojo Warriors Commercial" 2011 "G Fantis- Worlds Collide" 2011 "G Fantis vs Thing" 2012 "Mecha G Fantis Backfires" 2013 "GFantis DEATHGAME" 2015 "War of the Colossal Beasts" 2016

“Breaking News” 2017

“Go Go Riser Sh**un!” Live Stage Show 2018