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 is a co-owner and instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 1992 in Dayton, Ohio. Jeff primarily studied under Kurt Rittenhouse, Dan Klug, and Sean Askew in the United States. Since 1997, Jeff has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, Someya Daishihan, and previously received training under Muramatsu Sensei. Jeff's Bujinkan background includes:

    • 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)

    Jeff volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Wednesdays and Saturdays. His professional career is in the energy sector as an Information Security Strategic Advisor.

  • Marty is a co-owner and 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. Since 1999, Marty has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, Someya Daishihan, and previously received training under Muramatsu Sensei. Marty’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • 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)

    Marty volunteers his time teaching kids and adult classes on Wednesdays. Marty is a retired Emergency Room physician.

  • Pam is a co-owner and 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 (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Pam’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2006

    • Recipient of Judan menkyo

    • Recipient of Jugodan menkyo

    • Recipient of the Daishihan menkyo (2022)

    Pam contributes her time as a volunteer fill-in instructor and also manages the Tai Chi and Yoga programs.​ When not at the dojo, Pam is a COO for a business organization.

  • David is a co-owner 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 (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. David’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2010

    David volunteers his time managing the dojo and its large events, and helps out in class when needed. David's full-time career is as a Fire Chief of a local Fire Department.

  • Charles is a senior 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 (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Charles’ Bujinkan background includes:

    • 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)

    Charles volunteers his time teaching Tuesday & Friday adult classes. He is also the owner of Gelm Solutions, specializing in electronic interconnect products and accessories.

  • Mike is a senior instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 2001 in Dayton, Ohio. Mike primarily studied under 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 (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. Mike’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2014

    • Recipient of Judan menkyo (2022)

    • Recipient of Juichidan menkyo (2024)

    Mike volunteers his time teaching the Monday & Friday night adult class and the Saturday morning kid's class. He also teaches striking classes on Saturday afternoons (Mike’s Gym). Mike's full-time career is in the commercial truck sales industry. He is also an accomplished musician.

  • Jess is a senior instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. He started his Bujinkan training in 1995. Since 2003, Jess has visited Japan to train with senior Japanese Bujinkan instructors, including classes taught by Hatsumi Soke (retired), Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, Someya Daishihan, and others. Jess’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • 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

    Jess volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Thursday nights. Jess's full-time career is as a Labor Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association.

  • Bob is a senior 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. Bob’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • 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).

    Bob volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Thursday nights. He is a retired Physician Assistant at a local hospital network.

  • Jacob is an 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. He began training at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo in 2014 and moved to Dayton in 2018. Jacob’s Bujinkan background includes:

    • Passed the Godan test at the Bujinkan Hombu in 2019

    • Recommended for Nanadan menkyo

    Additional experience includes Isshin-ryu karate, MMA, and several self defense systems. 

    Jacob’s personal training focuses on transitioning martial arts to practical self defense and applying an engineering mindset to testing and optimization of techniques.

    Jacob volunteers his time teaching adult classes on Tuesday nights.

Dojo Assistants

  • Chris Mooney is a dedicated senior assistant instructor at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo, where he began his journey in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu in 2008. His commitment to the art led him to Japan in 2015 for intensive training with Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, Noguchi Daishihan, and Someya Daishihan. In 2024, Chris achieved a significant milestone by passing the Godan test under Noguchi Daishihan at the Chicago Tai Kai, and has subsequently been recommended for the rank of rokudan. Chris also has a 1st Kyu in Shotokan Karate. He now plays a crucial role in the dojo, contributing significantly to teaching young adult classes, assisting in adult training sessions, and actively participating in dojo facility management.

  • Liya Mooney is a valued assistant instructor within the kids program at the Dayton Bujinkan Dojo. Having started her own training journey within the dojo's kids program in 2011, Liya's dedication to Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu martial arts has flourished. 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 achieved a significant milestone by earning her Shodan (1st-degree black belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Her dedication and accomplishments make her an exemplary role model for other young adults within the dojo community.

Dayton Bujinkan Dojo Affiliate Instructors

  • 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 (retired), 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 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. 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 (retired), 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 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 (retired), 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.

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