The history of the Blue Ash Budo Dojo....

Mark Gregory, the lead instructor at the dojo, began training in martial arts during the mid-1990's. In 1998, Mark began driving from Chilicothe to Dayton, Ohio in order to train at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. The commute was 75 minutes each way. On average, Mark trained a minimum of two to three times per week.

In 1999, Mark moved from Chilicothe to Cincinnati, Ohio. He continued training at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, and in July 2000, earned his Shodan (1st Degree Blackbelt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. He also began teaching a small group of students once a week at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.

In 2001, Mark earned his Nidan (2nd Degree Blackbelt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. He also was awarded a Bujinkan Shidoshi-ho license, which states that he is officially sanctioned by the Bujinkan Hombu in Japan to teach Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu underneath the guidance of a Shidoshi (Mark's teacher is Jeff Ochester, Shidoshi and dojo-cho of the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo.)

At about the same time, Mark approached the Dayton Bujinkan with the concept of creating a Bujinkan club in Cincinnati, Ohio, and teaching children and adults. The Dayton Bujinkan was happy to sponsor Mark in his teaching path, and firmly believes that he is an excellent instructor for Bujinkan students to learn from.

Mark Gregory continues to train at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo for advanced training, as well as participate in private lessons once a month. He has also participated in training seminars under Sean Askew (Bujinkan Judan), Dan Klug (Shidoshi), Jeff Ochester (Shidoshi), and Shawn Havens (previously of the Bujinkan, now of the Jinenkan).

Note: On December 13, 2003, mark was awarded his Sandan (3rd Degree Blackbelt) in Budo Taijutsu at the Dayton Bujinkan Dai Komyo Sai Seminar, after being tested on muto dori and bokkenjutsu techniques.

Mark holds a B.A. in Theology and a Masters of Divinity. He is currently a minister at the Hartzell United Methodist Church.