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
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Jeff is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He began his Bujinkan training in Dayton, Ohio, in 1992, studying primarily with Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States.
Jeff has consistently visited Japan to attend classes with senior Bujinkan instructors, including Hatsumi Soke (1997-2019), Nagato Daishihan (1997+), Noguchi Daishihan (1997+), Someya Daishihan (2010+), and previously with Muramatsu Sensei (1997-2001).
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Began training in 1992
Earned his Shodan in 1994
Passed the Godan test under Hatsumi Soke at the Bujinkan Hombu in 1999
Recipient of Judan menkyo (2004)
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo (2010)
Recipient of the Golden Dragon Award (2011)
Recipient of the Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award (2013)
Recipient of the Yushuu Shihan menkyo (2015)
Recipient of the Daishihan menkyo (2018)
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Jeff volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Wednesday nights and Saturdays. He also oversees the Zenplanner student management portal and training curriculum. Jeff is a co-owner of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.
Marty Dunsky
Bujinkan Daishihan
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Marty is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio. Marty primarily studied under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States.
Starting in 1999, Marty visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
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Began training in 1995
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2003
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo
Recipient of the Golden Dragon Award (2011)
Recipient of the Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award
Recipient of the Yushuu Shihan menkyo
Recipient of the Daishihan menkyo (2018)
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Marty volunteers his time teaching kids and adult classes on Wednesdays. In addition, Marty oversees the dojo and its facility management. Marty is a co-owner of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.
Pam Dunsky
Bujinkan Daishihan
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Pam is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. She started her Bujinkan training in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio. Pam primarily studied under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the Unites States.
Since 2001, Pam has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
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Began training in 1995
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2006
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo
Recipient of the Daishihan menkyo (2022)
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Pam contributes her time as a volunteer fill-in instructor and also manages the Tai Chi and Yoga programs.
In addition, Pam oversees the financial administration of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. Pam is a co-owner of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.
David VandenBos
Bujinkan Shidoshi
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David is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 2001 in Dayton, Ohio. David primarily studied under Jeff Ochester, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States.
Since 2003, David has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
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Began training in 2001
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2010
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David volunteers his time managing the dojo and its large events, and helps out in class when needed. David is a co-owner of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.
Charles Gelm
Bujinkan Daishihan
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Charles is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 1995 in Dayton, Ohio. Charles primarily studied under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States.
Since 2001, Charles has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
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Began training in 1995
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2007
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo (2021)
Recipient of the Daishihan menkyo (2024)
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Charles volunteers his time teaching Tuesday & Friday adult classes. Charles also 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
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Mike is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 2001 in Dayton, Ohio. Mike primarily studied under Marty Dunsky, Jeff Ochester, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States.
Since 2007, Mike has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan.
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Began training in 2001
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2014
Recipient of Judan menkyo (2022)
Recipient of Juichidan menkyo (2024)
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Mike volunteers his time teaching the Monday & Friday night adult class and the Saturday morning kid's class.
Mike is also the founder of Mike’s Gym, taught at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, focused on striking exercises each Saturday afternoon (Mike’s Gym).
Jess Attilli
Bujinkan Daishihan
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Jess is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 1995. For many years, he managed a private dojo out of his residence providing instruction to the local community.
Since 2003, Jess has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, Someya Daishihan, and others.
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Began training in 1995
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2005
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo
Recipient of Shin Gi Tai Bufu Ikkan Award
Recipient of the Golden Dragon Award
Recipient of Yushuu Shihan menkyo
Recipient of Daishihan menkyo
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Jess volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Thursday nights.
Jess also lends his experience to assist at large events and workshops held at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo and other dojo in the community.
Bob Ensign
Bujinkan Daishihan
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Bob is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 1994 in Dayton, Ohio.
For 20+ years, Bob visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including Masaaki Hatsumi Soke.
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Began training in 1994
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2005
Recipient of Judan menkyo
Recipient of Jugodan menkyo
Recipient of Yushuu Shihan menkyo
Recipient of Daishihan menkyo
Bob has earned a Kyosei rank in Tenshin Ryu Kenjutsu (non-Bujinkan).
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Bob volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Thursday nights.
In addition to teaching, Bob offers his historical expertise and knowledge sharing information about Japanese historical practices and weapons (buki). He commonly coaches students in Japanese etiquette and dojo expectations.
Jacob Monzel
Bujinkan Shidoshi
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Jacob is a volunteer instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 2007 at the Kakure Yama Shibu at Virginia Tech under Tim Streett and Shihan Karl Koch.
Jacob began training at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo in 2014 and moved to Dayton in 2018.
Jacob’s personal training focuses on transitioning martial arts to practical self defense and applying an engineering mindset to testing and optimization of techniques.
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Began training in 2007
Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2019
Received hachidan menkyo is 2025.
Jacob has additional experience includes Isshin-ryu karate, MMA, and several self defense systems (non Bujinkan).
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Jacob volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Tuesday nights.
Jacob also assists during Dayton Bujinkan Dojo events and workshops.
Dojo Assistants
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Chris Mooney (Bujinkan Shidoshi) is a senior assistant 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 senior assistant instructor, contributing to teaching young adult classes, assisting in adult training sessions, and actively participating in dojo facility management.
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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).
Her dedication and accomplishments make her an exemplary role model for other young adults within the dojo community.
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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
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Alan Sakoman 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 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 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.
