Instructors at Bujinkan: Living-Warrior.com

Instructors

"I can't imagine training anywhere else! This is by far the most legitimate and authentic form of martial arts training that I've ever come across. Ninjutsu is truly unlike any other martial art, with its origin dating back many centuries ago. Not only is training at this dojo engaging and very fun, but you really feel a historical connection that not many martial art schools can manifest.
Shane Sensei is exceedingly experienced and knowledgeable, you can tell that he's very passionate of what he does. The other students are just as driven to learn and very friendly. It is a challenging yet rewarding learning environment that makes you feel like you're apart of a family. It's an honor to train here and I plan to continue doing so for as long as I can!" - Michael B., 5 Star Google Review

"It's rare to have a teacher that not only possesses an amazing breadth of knowledge and experience, but can also break that information down into lessons that build upon each other. Shane's teaching style and sheer willingness to work towards increasing each student's skills is unique. I cannot begin to recommend him enough for those wishing to truly learn the art of Bujinkan. Having such a skilled teacher is priceless in an art that demands focus such as this.
If that was not enough, the training group feels far more like family then it does a collection of random people. There's a palpable enjoyment in the group and everyone genuinely works in harmony. Truly a fantastic dojo. - Jesse C. , 5 Star Google Review

Shane Sensei, Shidoshi

Our dojo's head instructor, Shane Sensei, is a Shihan in the Bujinkan and a licensed member of the Shidoshi-Kai. He began his martial arts training in 1990 in Karate, eventually leaving to find a more complete martial art system. He explored several other martial arts without finding what he was looking for. Finally, in 1998, Shane began training in the Bujinkan, an art that offered the complete martial arts system he was searching for.

Shane fully devoted his martial arts training and study to the Bujinkan in the years since. He travels to Japan regularly to train under Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Daishihan, and Noguchi Daishihan to further his own training. He is a member of the Shidoshi-Kai as a licensed Shidoshi in the Bujinkan. To contact him about training and to get more information you may use email [email protected] or telephone (208) 991-2382.

Additionally, Shane is an Eagle Scout, has worked as a middle school ELL teacher and substitute teacher, taught martial arts at the Caldwell YMCA to kids and teens for several years, holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Boise State University in English with an emphasis in writing, currently works as a contract grant writer for several non-profit organizations, and enjoys making custom wood training tools. He is a husband and father and enjoys spending time with family.

Assistant Instructors

Ethan H., Shidoshi

Ethan sensei is an assistant instructor in the dojo and holds a Gondan in the Bujinkan (5th degree black belt).

Braden S., Shidoshi

Braden sensei is an assistant instructor in the dojo and holds a Gondan in the Bujinkan (5th degree black belt).

Josh B., Shidoshi-Ho

Josh sensei is an assistant instructor in the dojo and holds a Nidan in the Bujinkan (2nd degree black belt).

Randy H., Shidoshi-Ho

Randy sensei is an assistant instructor in the dojo and holds a Nidan in the Bujinkan (2nd degree black belt).

Gabriel F., Shidoshi-Ho

Gabriel sensei is an assistant instructor in the dojo and holds a Shodan in the Bujinkan.

Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, Soke
(Patriarch of the Bujinkan)

Documentary on Hatsumi Soke

Before meeting his teacher, Takamatsu Toshitsugu, Masaaki Hatsumi studied various martial arts, earning teaching-level ranks in most of them. These include Judo, Shito Ryu Karate, and Aikido. When Takamatsu Toshitsugu bestowed upon Dr. Hatsumi the title of Soke (head of a martial tradition, or gradmaster) of the nine Kobudo schools, Dr. Hatsumi Founded the Bujinkan organization as a method to teach the nine schools. Dr. Hatsumi is a bone doctor, and has also served as a martial arts advisor to various films and television productions, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice, and in the first film from the highly popular Japanese series Shinobi no Mono. He also appeared in and was the stunt coordinator for the Japanese tokusatsu television series Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya as the hero's mentor and father figure, Tetsuzan Yamaji.

Dr. Hatsumi has a non-standoffish teaching approach, leading Black Belt magazine to call him "wild, funny, unpredictable, and a cross between Charlie Chaplin and Obi-Wan Kenobi."

Dr. Hatsumi's awards and recognitions are quite impressive, a sampling of them is listed below:

Instructor of the Year, Black Belt magazine
International Culture Award, issued by the Japanese Imperial Family
Imperial House Higashikuni culture and artistic award
Lifetime Achievement Award, USMA International Hall of Fame
Inducted into the CBME's Dutch National Hall of Fame
First martial artist in history to receive an Apostolic Blessing by the Vatican
Letters of Appreciation from the Pentagon, the Director of the National Security Agency, and the FBI Academy
Honorary Member of the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Rangers (only person to be an Honorary Member of both)
Named "Todo Hanshi" (Master Teacher of the Way of the Sword) by Nakazawa Toshi, President of the Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (All Japan Sword Federation)
Cross and Sun Medals, from King Juan Carlos I (Spain)
Awards from the Spanish Secretary of State for the Intelligence Agency and from London Metropolitan Police Headquarters
Letters of Appreciation and Birthday greetings from US Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton
Letters of Thanks from Prince Charles' Secretary, Prime Minister John Major, the Secretary of State for National Heritage, the Secretary of State for the Environment, the Japanese Ambassador's Secretary, the Mayor of London and the City of Belfast
Letter of Appreciation from the Premier of South Australia, John Bannon
Letter of Appreciation from President Mitterand, France
Letter of Thanks from the Secretary of State of Catalunya (Spain)
Letters of Thanks from the US State Governors of Texas, Georgia, Maryland, California, New Jersey and Tennessee, and many US Senators and Congressmen
Award from Noda City Educational and Cultural Board in recognition of the Bujinkan's contribution to International Relations between Noda City and many other countries around the world

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What Our Students Are Saying

An incredible dojo. I've taken other styles like American kenpo, boxing, karate, jujutsu, and kendo. This is by far the best style I've taken. The movements are very precise and fluid, extensive weapons, and unarmed combat training. I'd recommend this dojo to anyone interested in traditional Japanese martial arts or effective styles of self defense."
- Raymond C., 5 Star Google Review

"Anyone who has spent time training in more than one dojo knows that they are definitely not all alike. However, comparing them is made more difficult given the vast array of martial arts one could study. On the other hand, it is very easy to tell when you find a great teacher of a complete martial art that happens to be the right fit for you.
Sensei is a very knowledgeable and skilled practitioner as well as being an excellent teacher. He helps us find the contexts and insights beyond merely executing techniques. The other students come from a variety of backgrounds, and their diversity enriches the experience. I am grateful and humbled to have this opportunity train with all of them. The new facility, while awesome, is just an added bonus."
- James P., 5 Star Google Review

"Our family has been a part of this dojo for over 3 years. My children love their Sensei. He is patient with the children and will take the time to show proper technique not only during the class, but also after class if a child asks for help. He is very knowledgeable about the origins of Bujinkan and shares his knowledge with both the adult class and children's class. It also helps knowing that he goes to Japan to train with the Grand Master. I highly recommend this dojo!"
- Cheri T., 5 Star Google Review