The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo martial arts school teaches Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu martial arts. Budo Taijutsu (武道体術) is a Japanese term used to describe the martial arts of the Bujinkan. In Japanese it has the meaning of “warrior way body movement”.

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (武神館武道体術) is a Japanese martial art based in Nodashi, Chiba-ken, Japan. The head of the Bujinkan, or Soke (宗家, "head of the family"), is Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭; 1931-). Hatsumi Soke created the Bujinkan (武神館, "warrior spirit hall") in honor of his teacher Toshitsugu Takamatsu (高松寿嗣; 1889-1972). Hatsumi Soke studied under Takamatsu Sensei for fifteen years (~1958 to 1972) and inherited nine distinct martial arts ryu-ha (流, "schools" or "lineages") from his teacher. Hatsumi Soke then spent nearly fifty years exploring and sharing Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu with students around the world until publicly retiring in 2019.

Students who study Budo Taijutsu learn techniques based on the nine ryu-ha taught as one collective martial art under the Bujinkan organization.

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. It focuses on controlling the timing, distance, and angling of an opponent. 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.

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)

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo offers two classes per week dedicated to groundfighting (ne waza) and sparring (kieko randori & yakusoku randori). These 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.).

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo's groundfighting and sparring classes are based on the skills and drills previously taught by Alan Sakoman, Sean Askew, and Dan Klug. Dayton Bujinkan Dojo students who train in the groundfighting and sparring classes have competed in the past at regional NAGA events. The current groundfighting and randori classes are coached by Charles Gelm and Mike Ockerman. Students interested in trying or attending these classes should contact Charles or Mike (instructors). This training is typically reserved for students who are 7th Kyu or above, and train regularly in the weekly classes.

Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Requirements:

Enrollment is accepted year round for approved candidates. Accepted students must agree to training guidelines, sign liability forms, pay membership fees, and adhere to the Rules of the Bujinkan. The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo is a private facility and reserves the right to restrict membership or participation at any time.

Rules of the Bujinkan:

1) Only those able to exercise true patience, self-control, and dedication shall be allowed to participate.

2) Because of the nature of martial arts training, a physician's examination report, psychological exam, background check, or screening may be required.

3) Individuals with mental illness, drug addiction, or mental instability shall be barred from joining.

4) Individuals with criminal records shall be turned away.

Each class is approximately one hour long. The class starts with a bow-in procedure, then proceeds with five minutes of warm-ups, stretching, and rolling. Striking, body dynamics, and body alignment are then taught for the rest of the first half of class. The second half of class consists of taihenjutsu, dakentaijutsu and/or jutaijutsu (body work, striking & throwing) training. Each student works with a partner on the instruction given by the teacher. Each student practices the techniques or movements equally on both sides of their body. There is typically one to two breaks per class, to allow everyone a chance to get a drink of water, rest, or ask questions. Each class ends with a bow-out procedure, thanking their classmates for help during the class.

After class, all students are invited to stay for another half hour or so, to train on their own.

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.

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo provides you with your own do-gi training uniform when you join the dojo. The uniform is very similar to a karate training do-gi. For the first four kyu ranks (9th kyu to 6th kyu), a white uniform is worn. From fifth kyu on, an optional black uniform may be worn. The separation in colors allows for junior and senior students to be easily distinguished.

From a student's perspective, while wearing a white uniform they can rest assured that their senior training partner will work slowly and assist them with capturing the essence of the techniques in class.

Once a student wears a black uniform, the student has moved on to middle rank status, and are more responsible for their ukemi (receiving techniques) and comprehending the movements shown in class.

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu as taught at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo has nine Kyu ranks (represented by either green or brown belts) and ten Dan levels (blackbelts). Additionally, the tenth Dan is broken into five separate levels. New students start out as mukyu (no kyu) white belts, and progress from ninth Kyu through first Kyu, then through Dan levels, as they train.

Many times, rank in the Bujinkan is awarded based on sakizuke, or “ranking in advance”, recognizing the student has potential. This is especially true for higher ranks.

Students earn rank at the instructor’s discretion. The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo uses a Kyu Rank and Dan Rank Training Curriculum to guide students in their training. Testing is used to validate a student’s improvement. Testing may involve formalized demonstrations or observed improvements resulting in promotion.

A student who trains twice a week typically advances through the Kyu ranks every three to six months, and Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt) is earned in 3-4 years. Committed students earn Dan rank promotions every one to two years after receiving their blackbelt.

When a student passes the Godan “sakkijutsu” test and begins teaching, they may be considered a Shidoshi, or “teacher of the warrior ways”. It is unique to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Technically, only a Shidoshi of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu can grade and promote students. The highest level a Shidoshi may grade students to is 4th Degree Blackbelt (yondan). For rank above yondan, recommendations are submitted to the Bujinkan Hombu for consideration.

In years past, a Shidoshi-ho was awarded to a student who was not yet a godan, or full-fledged shidoshi, but who was able to grade & promote students up to one level under themselves. This was done for teaching purposes not commonly practiced today.

A Bujinkan Judan is a practitioner who has earned their tenth degree blackbelt in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. In order to earn this rank, the practitioner must be a 9th Dan and have three letters of recommendations from other Judan+ seniors.

Happo Biken Menkyo are certificates earned once a student becomes a Judan. There are five levels within Judan called:

Chi-i Happo Biken Menkyo (commonly called ju-ichidan)

Sui-i Happo Biken Menkyo (commonly called ju-nidan)

Ka-i Happo Biken Menkyo (commonly called ju-sandan)

Fu-i Happo Biken Menkyo (commonly called ju-yondan)

Ku-i Happo Biken Menkyo (commonly called ju-godan) ​

Hatsumi Soke is quoted in his Sanmyaku newsletter saying this about students who are Judan or above: "[...] Those who have achieved the Tenth Dan are expected to master the traditional techniques of the Shinden Happo Biken and seek enlightenment within divinely transmitted martial areas. [....] The Ten Dan rank is classified into the five world levels of Chi-Sui-Ka-Fu-Ku. These five world levels also represent the natural world, and show life within the theme of nature and humankind. [...] Put simply, one can see this as meaning Chi equals Shoden, Sui equals Chuden, Ka equals Okuden, Fu equals Menkyo, and Ku equals Kaiden."

The ten blackbelts and five levels of Judan in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu represent the fifteen years that Masaaki Hatsumi, Bujinkan Soke, trained with his teacher Takamatsu Sensei.

The rank represents the potential a student has in developing the spirit and heart that Hatsumi Soke sees as important in understanding Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.

The Bujinkan Hombu also awards YuushuuShihan and DaiShihan status to senior practitioners.

Separate from Bujinkan rank, some practitioners and instructors have been given Menkyo Kaiden (免許皆伝; license of total transmission) in a specific Bujinkan ryu-ha.

In addition to rank, the Bujinkan has historically awarded two additional recognitions to students who have helped the Bujinkan community:

• Golden Dragon Award medal

• Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award certificate

These awards are provided by the Bujinkan Hombu on a case-by-case basis.

Rank can be an important motivator for training, but should not be the core reason to study martial arts. The true value of studying Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu lies in the journey of self-improvement, the acquisition of skills, the development of character, and the intrinsic rewards that come from dedicated practice. When these are prioritized, rank will naturally follow as a genuine reflection of one's growth and mastery.

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Martial Arts School had its first class on November 3, 1997. Many factors contributed to the opening of the dojo. The following explains how it came about....

The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo senior instructors began training under Shidoshi Kurt Rittenhouse in 1992. Kurt began his Bujinkan training under Stephen K. Hayes and Shawn Havens at "the Barn" in 1983. At the time, Kurt was the youngest student to receive a blackbelt in the old Kasumi-an system. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, Kurt began visiting Japan to train with Hatsumi Soke, Muramatsu Sensei, Manaka Sensei, Oguri Sensei and Noguchi Sensei. In addition, within the United States it was Jack Hoban, Don Smith, Bud Malstrom and Will Meijer who were an influence on Kurt's training.

From 1990 to 1997, Kurt ran "Kurt Rittenhouse Martial Arts" (KRMA) and at its peak had 250 students between two schools (Kettering and Columbus, Ohio). Kurt's Taijutsu was based on strong striking skills and knowing the kihon happo (basic techniques); every class encompassed this methodology regardless of the techniques taught.

In the summer of 1997, Kurt Rittenhouse closed his dojos and stop teaching publicly in Dayton, Ohio. Many of his students wanted to continue training in Budo Taijutsu after the dojos were closed. Tony Maddin & Jeff Ochester, both students of the now-closed Kurt Rittenhouse Martial Arts, were able to establish training classes twice a week at a local recreational center. As time went by, the need to open a small training studio became obvious. Greg Sherwood, whose son trained at the Kurt Rittenhouse Martial Arts School, knew Jeff from training. Greg was a Lieutenant at a local fire department, & Jeff had joined the same fire department to work volunteer & part-time. Greg's son wanted to keep training in Budo Taijutsu, so the opportunity to co-partner in a dojo was offered. As a few months passed, Greg Sherwood & Jeff Ochester had figured out a way to open a school using their own money and the money donated by many of the students. They approached Kurt Rittenhouse with the idea to open a small dojo, and he gave them permission to do so (as neither Jeff nor Greg were Shidoshi and licensed to teach; they needed a sponsor). Shidoshi Dan Klug was also contacted and strongly supported opening a new dojo. By October 1997, a small 460 square foot studio was found and a rent agreement was signed.

On November 3, 1997, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Martial Arts School was opened with an incredible amount of help from Tony Maddin and the recreational center students. From 1997 to 2000, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo moved twice to larger facilities (600 & 800 sq ft) in order to provide larger training space for its students. It also regularly brought in senior Bujinkan instructor Dan Klug for special seminars in order to help senior students continue to grow in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. ​

From 2000 to 2005, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo moved to a 1500 square foot facility south of Downtown Dayton and expanded its training mats from 18 to 27 tatami. Training expanded to seven days a week, and guest instructors Dan Klug and Sean Askew taught regular seminars at the dojo. A children's program also began twice a week.

In 2005, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo moved to a larger 5600 sq ft facility in Kettering, Ohio. With 100 mats and plenty of training space, the Dojo held 40+ seminars and 1000's of hours of training at this facility including the 2008 Midwest Bujinkan Tai Kai Event (120+ attendees). Additional adult training classes were offered in Budo Taijutsu, groundfighting & sparring classes, and firearms classes. The Children's program expanded to twice a week. The Dojo stayed at this location until 2016 when the building owner changed management.

In February 2016, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo purchased a building and relocated to Moraine, Ohio. Renovations took four months. On May 21, 2016, the Dojo held a grand opening seminar to celebrate its move and reopening of the Dojo. The current location is 9200 sq ft and has 107 tatami training mats, a yoga room, two large changing rooms, four offices, and a kitchenette. Air conditioning too!

Since 1997, the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo has moved five times, each to to larger facilities as it has continued to grow. In 2004, Greg Sherwood retired from "running the books" at the dojo, and three new co-owners merged with Jeff Ochester: David VandenBos, Marty Dunsky, and Pam Dunsky. The four new owners are making positive changes to insure the success of both the dojo and the students who train within it. We look forward to see what lies ahead!

We recommend training at a martial arts school in which you feel comfortable at. Below are a few details about how the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo is run.

First, the dojo is owned and run by staff who have full-time careers. Making an income is not a driving factor. The dojo owners and instructors opened the dojo to continue training their family, friends and each other in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. (It's a great excuse to go to Japan, too!)

Second, the instructors of the dojo are dedicated to a family atmosphere. There is no tolerance for sports-like aggression, competition or performance in the dojo. All of the instructors have known each other for many years, making for a tight-knit staff interested in the well-being of dojo members.

Finally, the dojo staff enjoys training. The "bug" you get once you have been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu for awhile is addictive. It makes you want to train harder, help others, and keep stretching yourself to be better than you are now.

Budo Taijutsu was introduced outside Japan during the 1970's, and now has more than 150,000 practitioners and 3000+ certified instructors worldwide. The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo can assist in finding another Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu Dojo if requested.

Rank in the Bujinkan is different than rank in other arts. Just as a blackbelt student in Judo would not be seen as a blackbelt student in Tae Kwon Do, new Bujinkan students with previous experiences in other martial arts are seen in the same light. Normally, students with training experiences outside Budo Taijutsu are asked to focus solely on Budo Taijutsu in class, in order to understand the principles that make up the Bujinkan (this is commonly called the "Tupperware Effect" - place what you know in a Tupperware container, and store it for future use). At some time in the student's training, they will be asked to revisit what they already know and determine how it can be harmonized with the methods of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.

For more information about instructors, please visit the Instructors section.