Stormsurge Dojo

In the heart of Academy City's Dock Ward, amongst soulless warehouses and factories, behind a tall wooden fence, lies an island of beauty and tranquility: a classic Japanese dojo with a pagoda roof and sliding paper doors and an adjacent garden with a teahouse.

The compound is the passion project of the hero Storm Mercurius, who funded it out of his own pocket as a means of giving back to the community in other ways than beating up street thugs and superpowered villains.

The dojo offers swordfighing lessons for people of all ages and skill levels. Besides martial skills, the instructors teach discipline, patience and focus to their students, with those who show exceptional aptitude and character being offered more advanced courses, which culminate in learning how to harness the powers of the mind.

The garden is accessible by the public for a nominal fee and one can usually find at least a dozen guests strolling down its paths, feeding the ducks or koi fish, or having a refreshing drink at the teahouse in the corner.