Instructors & Staff
The Dayton Bujinkan Dojo is supported by a dedicated team of volunteer instructors, assistants, and affiliate teachers. Many have trained together since the early 1990s and bring decades of experience to their classes. All staff members maintain professional careers outside the dojo or are enjoying retirement, and they volunteer their time to help build a strong Bujinkan community. Each instructor offers a unique background and perspective, giving students the chance to see natural adaptation and individual approaches to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
Instructor Background Check & Screening Requirements: All active Dayton Bujinkan Dojo instructors undergo federal and state criminal background checks, sex‑offender registry screening, and full identity verification before they are permitted to teach. The dojo upholds a strict zero‑findings standard to ensure training is led by individuals of strong character who align with the expectations of the Bujinkan Hombu in Japan and its guidelines.
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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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.