Instructors

Our Team

Below are the core instructors, assistants, and affiliate instructors of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. Many of the instructors have been training since the early 1990’s. All of the staff members have professional careers outside of the dojo (or are retired!) and volunteer their time to teach. This helps build a strong Bujinkan community without the burden of making an income from teaching. Each instructor teaches with their own personal experiences intertwined, allowing students to see natural adaptation and unique approaches to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Below provides a brief introduction of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo instructors.

Core Instructors

Jeff Ochester (Bujinkan Daishihan) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He began his Bujinkan training in Dayton, Ohio, in 1992, primarily studying with Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States. Jeff has consistently visited Japan since 1997 to attend classes with senior Bujinkan instructors, including Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. His Bujinkan history include earning his Shodan in 1994, passing the Godan test under Hatsumi Soke at the Bujinkan Hombu in 1999, and receiving the following: Judan menkyo in 2004, the Jugodan menkyo in 2010, the Golden Dragon Award in 2011, the Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award in 2013, the Yushuu Shihan menkyo in 2015, and the Daishihan menkyo in 2018. Jeff volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Wednesday nights and Saturdays, overseeing the Zenplanner student management portal and training curriculum, and is a co-owner of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.

Marty Dunsky (Bujinkan Daishihan) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, where he teaches both children and adults on Wednesdays. Marty began his Bujinkan training in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio, studying under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States. His commitment to the art led him to begin visiting Japan in 1999 to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. His Bujinkan background includes passing the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2003, and receiving the Golden Dragon Award (2011), the Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award, the Yushuu Shihan menkyo, Judan menkyo, Jugodan menkyo, and Daishihan menkyo (2018). Marty is a co-owner and also oversees the dojo's facility management.

Pam Dunsky (Bujinkan Daishihan) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. She began her Bujinkan training in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio, primarily studying under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States. Since 2001, Pam has traveled to Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Her Bujinkan background includes passing the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2006, and is a recipient of the Judan menkyo, Jugodan menkyo, and the Daishihan menkyo (2022).
In addition to being a co-owner serving as a volunteer fill-in instructor, Pam also manages the Tai Chi and Yoga programs, and oversees the financial administration of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.

David VandenBos (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. His Bujinkan training began in Dayton, Ohio, in 2001, where he primarily studied under Jeff Ochester, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew.
In 2010, David passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu. Since 2003, he has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, attending classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
David is a co-owner and volunteers his time by managing the dojo and its large events, and he assists in class when needed.

Charles Gelm (Bujinkan Daishihan) began his Bujinkan training in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio, and is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He primarily studied under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States before beginning regular trips to Japan in 2001 to train with senior Japanese instructors, including Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Charles achieved the rank of Godan at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2007 and is the recipient of the Judan menkyo, the Jugodan menkyo (2021), and the Daishihan menkyo (2024).
Charles volunteers his time teaching the Tuesday and Friday adult classes and lends his expertise to teach and assist at large events and workshops, both at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo and other dojos.

Mike Ockerman (Bujinkan Shihan) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, where he began his Bujinkan training in 2001. In the United States, Mike primarily studied under Marty Dunsky, Jeff Ochester, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew. Since 2007, he has regularly visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Mike passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2014 and is a recipient of the Judan menkyo (2022) and the Juichidan menkyo (2024). He volunteers his time teaching the Monday and Friday night adult class and the Saturday morning kid's class.
Mike is the founder of Mike’s Gym, which is taught at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo and focuses on striking exercises each Saturday afternoon.

Jess Attilli (Bujinkan Daishihan) began his Bujinkan training in 1995 and is now a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. For many years, he managed a private dojo from his residence, offering instruction to the local community. Since 2003, Jess has made regular visits to Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, Someya Daishihan, and others. He passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2005 and has since been the recipient of the Judan menkyo, Jugodan menkyo, Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award, Golden Dragon Award, Yushuu Shihan menkyo, and the rank of Daishihan menkyo.
Jess volunteers his time teaching adult classes every Thursday night and also lends his extensive experience to assist with large events and workshops held at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo and other dojo in the community.

Bob Ensign (Bujinkan Daishihan) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, where he teaches adult classes on Thursday evenings. He began his Bujinkan training in Dayton, Ohio, in 1994. For more than twenty years, Bob made frequent visits to Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including Masaaki Hatsumi Soke. He passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2005 and has since been awarded the ranks of Judan menkyo, Jugodan menkyo, Yushuu Shihan menkyo, and Daishihan menkyo.
Outside of Bujinkan, Bob has earned a Kyosei rank in Tenshin Ryu Kenjutsu.
Beyond the physical techniques, he offers his extensive historical expertise, sharing information about Japanese historical practices and weapons (buki), and routinely coaches students in Japanese etiquette and dojo expectations.

Jacob Monzel (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He began his Bujinkan training in 2007 at the Kakure Yama Shibu at Virginia Tech under Tim Streett and Shihan Karl Koch. Jacob moved to Dayton in 2018 and has been training at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo since 2014.
In 2019, he successfully passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu, and he received his hachidan menkyo in 2025.
Jacob volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Tuesday nights and assists during Dojo events and workshops.
His personal training focuses on transitioning martial arts to practical self defense and applying an engineering mindset to testing and optimization of techniques. Jacob also has additional experience, including Isshin-ryu karate, mixed martial arts (MMA), and several self defense systems that are not part of the Bujinkan curriculum.

Chris Mooney (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, where he began his Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu training in 2008. Chris visited Japan for training in 2015 with Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
In 2024, Chris passed the Godan test under Noguchi Daishihan at the Chicago Tai Kai. In 2025, Chris received his rokudan menkyo. He is also has a 1st Kyu in Shotokan Karate.
Chris supports the dojo as a volunteer instructor, contributing to teaching young adult classes, assisting in adult training sessions, and actively participating in dojo facility management.

Tom Landis (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He began his training in 1993, starting in the youth class at the old ‘Dayton Bujinkan Martial Arts’ school (later becoming a Jinenkan dojo under Shawn Havens). In 2007, Tom transitioned to training at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. Tom achieved his Shodan rank in 2013. He has visited Japan for training with Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Tom passed the Godan test under Noguchi Daishihan at the Chicago Tai Kai in 2024. Tom teaches Tuesday night classes.

Dojo Assistants

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).
Her dedication and accomplishments make her an exemplary role model for other young adults within the dojo community.

John Comesky has been a member of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo since he began training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu in 2017. Consistently attending multiple classes per week, John has demonstrated a strong commitment to his martial arts journey. This dedication led to him earning his Shodan in 2022 and his Nidan in 2024.
John volunteers his time to maintain the dojo, regularly assisting with cleaning, locking up, and other tasks. Furthermore, John plays a crucial role in welcoming and guiding new students as they begin their training. His consistent presence, willingness to help, and dedication to both his practice and the dojo community make him a valued Dojo Assistant, embodying the qualities of a Budo Taijutsu practitioner and community member.

Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Affiliate Instructors

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.

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.

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.