Groundfighting & Sparring Classes

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo offers two classes per week dedicated to groundfighting (ne waza) and 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. Sparring classes consist of studying traditional Bujinkan kata with resisting opponents and modern-day fighting methods (boxing, shootfighting, MMA, etc.).

Alan Sakoman is the instructor of the Groundfighting and Sparring class 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.

Alan's current record is 12-5 (wins-losses). He has competed in the 2004, 05, 06, & 07 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic and 2006 & 07 NAGA (North American Grappling Association), winning multiple silver and bronze awards for his weight class in submission groundfighting. Alan continues to coach a group of Dayton Bujinkan Students who enjoy competing at regional tournament events. Alan has his bachelor's degree in MIS and Masters in Artificial Intelligence. Originally from Croatia, Alan speaks English, Croatian and Russian. Currently Alan is employed in the Dayton area maintaining computer networks and application administration.

Students interested in trying or attending the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo's groundfighting (ne waza) and sparring (kieko randori & yakusoku randori) 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.

The Bujinkan's Takagi Yoshin Ryu & Shinden Fudo Ryu, along with other aspects of the Bujinkan Ryuha, have multiple kata that start or take place at the ground level. Many of the kata in the Bujinkan focus on balance-control (kuzushi), with emphasis on taking balance and controlling opponents who offer different levels of force, skill, and resistance. The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo's groundfighting and sparring program uses the principles of the Bujinkan to understand proper methods of timing, distance, and angling on the ground and standing. Students who chose to participate in these classes should expect heavy aerobic workouts during class. Please speak with Alan about training in this program or contact the dojo with any questions. Click here to view the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo's Adult Class Schedule with times for the groundfighting and sparring class.

Acme Dojo - Definitely Above Average!

Dayton Bujinkan Dojo students who train in the groundfighting and sparring classes usually compete at regional NAGA events. Currently there are nine Dayton Bujinkan students who compete regularly (2-5 times a year). They usually compete wearing sweatshirts that say "ACME DOJO - definitely above average!".

ACME DOJO has competed at the following past events:

• March 2008 NAGA event in Columbus Ohio (Arnold Grappling Event): Full Gi & No Gi Competition
• December 2007 NAGA event in Columbus Ohio :Full Gi & No Gi Competition
• March NAGA event in Columbus, Ohio (Arnold Grappling Event): Full & No Gi Competition
• July 2006 NAGA Grappling Championships in Columbus, Ohio: Full Gi & No Gi Competition
• 2006 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in Columbus, Ohio (Gracie Competition): Full Gi Competition
• 2005 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic in Columbus, Ohio (Gracie Competition): Full Gi Competition
• 2004 Arnold Schwarzenegger Class in Columbus, Ohio (Gracie Competition): Full Gi Competition

View video of Charles performing an armbar through a forward roll (ude juji ori through a zenpo kaiten).
(avi file, 9.8 MB). Below are photos of the ACME DOJO members at recent competitions.