Instructors & Staff
The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo is run by a team of volunteer instructors, assistants, and affiliate teachers, many of whom have trained together since the 1990s. Each holds a career outside the dojo or is enjoying retirement, and all give their time to build a strong Bujinkan community. Their varied backgrounds show students natural, individual approaches to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
Dojo Assistants
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Liya Mooney is an assistant instructor within the kids program at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.
Liya started her own training within the dojo's kids program in 2011. She now balances her full-time college studies with assisting in the young adult classes, demonstrating a strong commitment to both her personal growth and the development of others.
In 2023, Liya earned her Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. In 2025, she received her Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt).
Liya also served as an assistant team member supporting Nagato Daishihan during his U.S. visit from Japan in 2025.
Her dedication and accomplishments make her an exemplary role model for other young adults within the dojo community.
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John Comeskey is an assistant instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.
John Comesky has been a member of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo since he began training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu in 2017.
In 2022, John earned his Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. In 2024, he received his Nidan (2nd degree blackbelt).
In addition to his own training, John volunteers his time to help keep the dojo running smoothly, supporting ongoing tasks and assisting during class, workshops, and seminars. tasks. He commonly helps welcome and support new students as they start training. John also served as an assistant team member supporting Nagato Daishihan during his U.S. visits from Japan in 2021 and 2025.
Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Affiliate Instructors
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Jenny Slayton (Bujinkan Shidoshi-ho) and Greg Slayton (Bujinkan Shidoshi) are long-time Budo Taijutsu practitioners and instructors who began their training in the late 1990s. Their training history includes study with the Shadow and Light Academy, Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, and numerous trips to Japan to learn from Hatsumi Soke and senior Daishihans such as Nagato Sensei, Noguchi Sensei, and Someya Sensei. Notably, the Slaytons served as core volunteers for Nagato Daishihan during his 2021 and 2025 U.S. Tai Kai tours in Dayton, Ohio.
After running the Middle Tennessee Bujinkan Dojo throughout the 2000s, they now operate a private family dojo. Jenny and Greg maintain their practice through a combination of solo training and regular attendance at Bujinkan events.
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Alan Sakoman (Bujinkan Daishihan) is an instructor at the Bujinkan Charlotte Dojo in North Carolina. He trained at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo from 2001-2011. Alan’s primarily studied under Jeff Ochester, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States. Since 2003, Alan has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Alan’s Bujinkan background includes:
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2008
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo
Recipient of Daishihan menkyo (2021)
Alan is also active in BJJ and grappling, having competed in multiple Ohio-based NAGA events from 2005-2007, and studied BJJ under Pedro Sauer’s jiu-jitsu association. Alan is originally from Croatia and is fluent in English, Croatian and Russian.
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Kevin Dunsky (Bujinkan Shihan) is based in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. Kevin started his Bujinkan training in 1995 (at KRMA), and has trained at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo since 1998. In 2005, Kevin earned his shodan at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He returns often for seminars and events. Kevin primarily studied under Jeff Ochester, Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the Unites States. Since the early 2010’s, Kevin has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Kevin’s Bujinkan background includes:
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo (2021)
Kevin also trains BJJ under Pedro Sauer’s jiu-jitsu association and is an accomplished photographer.
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Mark Gregory (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is an instructor in the Toledo, Ohio area. He has trained at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo since 1998. Mark’s primarily studied under Jeff Ochester, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States. In 2011, Mark visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Mark’s Bujinkan background includes:
Passed the Godan test at Ayase Budokan under Noguchi Daishihan in 2011
Mark's full-time career is as a Christian Minister in the Toledo area, where he volunteers as an instructor for a small private group.
Instructor Background Check & Screening: All Dayton Bujinkan Dojo instructors undergo federal and state criminal background checks, sex‑offender registry screening, and full identity verification processes before becoming active volunteer teachers. This ensures training is led by individuals of strong character who align with the expectations of the Bujinkan Hombu in Japan and its guidelines.
CPR, AED, and First Aid Prepared: All active Dayton Bujinkan Dojo instructors and assistants participate in CPR, AED, and First Aid training or possess a medical background. This means they are prepared to handle medical situations and can spot potential hazards or incorrect technique early, reducing the chance of injury before it happens. In the event of an emergency, instructors have the confidence to begin appropriate care, ensure students’ well‑being, and contact first responders quickly when needed.