Adult Training Program

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo martial arts school teaches Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Also called Taijutsu, the art originates from the Bujinkan Hombu in Noda-shi, Japan. Budo Taijutsu was introduced outside Japan during the 1950's, and now has more than 2000 certified instructors worldwide. Previous to this, Budo Taijutsu and its methods of fighting existed in Japan as far back as the 12th century.

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu teaches effective ways of self-protection using timing, distance, and angling. Multiple attacks, weaponry, striking, grappling, choking, leaping, rolling, and throws are all disciplines incorporated into the training of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The non-competitive practices of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu allow the practitioner to focus on developing the mind and body through a whole-body movement martial art, not speed and/or muscle training. This allows practitioners of all ages to excel within the art.

As time goes by, and a deeper understanding of Budo Taijutsu is reached, the student realizes that the physical movements open the door to enlightenment within oneself. This takes time, perhaps years, and has many levels. Ultimately, training in Budo Taijutsu transcends the thought of mere mechanical movement, and moves into the growth of becoming a better human being.

Budo Taijutsu focuses on controlling the timing, distance, and angling of an opponent. The Bujinkan, or "warrior spirit hall", is a collective of nine distinct ryu-ha (lineages), each with their own characteristics. Students who study Budo Taijutsu learn techniques based on these nine ryu-ha as one collective martial art under the Bujinkan organization.

When new students begin to train at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, they are paired up with senior students during class who assist them with basic body alignment and movement. The senior student is responsible for the safety of the new student throughout class. As the new student develops confidence, concepts such as the kihon happo (basic movements ), san shin no kata (alignment forms) and ryu-ha kata (lineage forms) are introduced through a kyu/dan ranking system.

Budo Taijutsu has nine kyu ranks (colored belts) and ten dan levels (blackbelts). Additionally, the tenth dan is broken down into five separate levels. New students start out as mukyu (no kyu) white belts, and progress from ninth kyu through first kyu, then the dan blackbelt levels, as they train. For most students who train twice a week, Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt) is earned in 3-4 years.

Firearms Training

Jeff Fuller (Bujinkan Shodan, NRA & OPOTA Firearms Instructor) teaches a Basic Pistol Craft Class locally in the Miami Valley. Many of the dojo members have attended his classes for firearms safety and training. Jeff's State Certified CHL (Concealed Handgun License) class is designed for new or experienced students interested in learning pistol craft concepts, including:

Target & combat sight concepts
Target interpretation and shot placement
Concealed holster selection and usage (applicable for CHL holders)
Reloading techniques and malfunction drills
Scenario training for one-on-one confrontations

To participate in Jeff's courses, students are encouraged to bring the handgun(s) and holster(s) they may normally carry, as well as spare magazines or reloaders and dummy rounds. (In the event you do not have a firearm, a practice firearm may be available. Please inquire with Jeff about this.) For more information or to register, please contact Jeff via phone (937) 848-8040 or e-mail.

Groundfighting

Groundfighting: Ne Waza & Yakusoku Randori

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo offers two classes per week dedicated to groundfighting (ne waza) and submission sparring (kieko randori & yakusoku randori). Groundfighting classes consist of using the principles of Budo Taijutsu to control, submit, or escape from techniques applied by other students. Submission sparring classes consist of studying traditional Bujinkan kata with resisting opponents and modern-day fighting methods (boxing, shootfighting, MMA, etc.).

Alan Sakoman (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is the instructor of the Groundfighting program at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He is the "resident expert" in groundfighting at the dojo. He has studied Budo Taijutsu since 2001, and has attended multiple classes and seminars with Sean Askew (Bujinkan 15th Dan and Kosen Judo Sandan with competition experience in Japan) and Dan Klug (Bujinkan Judan, BJJ practitioner and former boxer). Sean Askew taught at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo from 2001-2004, and Dan Klug has held regular seminars at the dojo since 1997. Alan constantly works on the training drills and exercises these two teachers have taught him, using Budo Taijutsu principles as the basis for exploring groundfighting and sparring.

Dayton Bujinkan Dojo students who train in the groundfighting and sparring classes usually compete at regional NAGA events.

Students interested in trying or attending the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo's groundfighting program should contact the dojo. This training is typically reserved for students who are 5th Kyu or above, and train regularly in the weekly classes. Students are welcome to watch class and are encouraged to ask Alan about the training. Alan reserves the right to speak with one of the four dojo owners before admitting a student into his class.

Weapons

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu incorporates multiple weapons and tools in its study. Budo Taijutsu classes at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo incorporates the use of weapons in most classes. All students, regardless of rank, train in weapon and tool use. This includes:

katana & tachi (swords)
shoto & kodachi (short swords)
rokushakubo, jo, hanbo (6 ft staff, 4 ft staff, 3 ft staff)
tanto & kunai (short knife and blade tool)
kusari fundo (3 ft rope/chain, also called manriki kusari)
kyoketsu shoge (small sickle and rope/chain)
naginata & yari (long polearm weapons)
sanban & bo shuriken (throwing blades)

Other specialty weapons of each Bujinkan ryu-ha exist and are introduced during advanced training.

All weapons within the Bujinkan are taught during normal class. Although special classes and seminars are occasionally held to focus on the movement of certain weapons, this is not the norm. Most Budo Taijutsu classes incorporate some level of weapons movement during training.