UM_bujinkan_content

UM Bujinkan Dojo

"Originally, ninpo is a skill rousing the hidden power held by humans. Moreover, it is a way that recognizes the laws of nature. It begins from the time when a person becomes conscious that it is a skill that allows him to survive." - Nagase Hiroshi Sensei

OVERVIEW. The University of Michigan Bujnkan Dojo was founded in 1989 by Michigan alumnus David Dow (presently a 10th Dan shidoshi residing in Los Angeles, California). Its continuing mission allows the opportunity for Michigan students to study the authentic martial arts of Hatsumi Sensei's Bujinkan Dojo. The UM Bujinkan Dojo has provided intense and dedicated training to the students and residents of the Ann Arbor area for almost fifteen years. The UM Bujinkan is currently headed by Michael Asuncion 15th Dan Shihan.

Students of the UM Bujinkan Dojo study goshinjutsu, a mindful joining of both traditional techniques and modern applications for self-protection. Training consists of such practices as ground breakfalls and rolling skills (ukemi), unarmed combat (taijutsu), and traditional weapons (buki). These skills include striking and kicking, grappling and throwing, and effective use of traditional and modern weapons. Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu integrates these methods and allows for the natural and effortless adaptation to each self-protection situation. Some facets of UM Bujinkan training include:

Taijutsu: Unarmed Combat Including Dakentaijutsu (Striking), Jutaijutsu (Throwing and Grappling), and Taihenjutsu (Body Movement Skills)
Bojutsu: Stick and Long Staff skills with the Rokushakubo, Jo, Hanbo, Jutte, Tessen, and Eda Koppo
Kenjutsu: Sword Skills with the Tachi, Katana, Ninja To, and Tanto
Sojutsu, Naginata, and Bisento: Spear, Halberd, and Giant Battlefield Halberd Fighting
Shurikenjutsu: Throwing Blade Skills with the Senban Shuriken and Bo Shuriken
Kyoketsu Shoge and Kusarifundo: Hook, Rope, and Ring and Weighted Chain Techniques
Jissen Goshinjutsu/Shinken Gata: Real Fighting and Modern Self-Protection

The UM Bujinkan closely follows the most recent teachings of the Bujinkan Honbu Dojo in Japan. Dojo that are not directly associated with Hatsumi Sensei are not reliable sources of training.

Training at the UM Bujinkan Dojo is supportive and non-competitive, emphasizing relaxed but spirited and disciplined practice. Students of varying skill levels learn and train together; much encouragement is placed on the senpai/kohai (senior/junior) relationship. Most importantly, the dangerous nature of Bujinkan training necessitates the proper cultivation of the warrior spirit. The development of a righteous and courageous heart joined with combative skill is the primary focus of University of Michigan Bujinkan training.

CHIEF INSTRUCTORS. Michael Asuncion マイケル・アサンシオン started training in the Bujinkan martial arts in 1985, having first studied the martial arts of the Philippines at the age of ten. He also studied both western boxing and wrestling while at USNA. As the head instructor of the UM Bujinkan since 1994, he very frequently travels to Japan to continue his personal training with Hatsumi Sensei. Michael Asuncion is also a trusted and dedicated student of Nagase Hiroshi Sensei (15th Dan) of Nagareyama, Chiba-Ken Japan. He is grateful to Nagase Sensei for his kindness in the sharing of his feeling, experience, and teachings. The spirit of the Nagase Dojo touches the UM Bujinkan from Japan.

Michael Asuncion passed the 5th Dan sakki test from soke in 1995. In May of 2000 he received the 10th Dan from Hatsumi Sensei and the 15th Dan (Judan Ku-i 十段空位), the highest rank in the Bujinkan, in August of 2006. As a 15th Dan, he has also administered the godan test in Japan with Hatsumi Sensei in attendance. Besides his pursuit of budo, he dedicates himself to the studies of both Macromolecular Science and Engineering and Japanese (Language, Literature, and Culture). He also enjoys exercising, researching Japanese texts, and listening to music.

Andrew Dempz アンドリュー・デンプス began his martial arts training in 1996 at the U of M Bujinkan Dojo. He travels annually to Japan to train with Hatsumi Sensei and the Japanese Shihan. In January of 2009 Andrew Dempz received the 9th Dan from Hatsumi Sensei. Outside of training, he works as an ASE Master Certified automotive technician, enjoys playing music, riding motorcycles, and rock climbing, and has a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan.

Marc Renouf マーク・レノーフ began training in the Bujinkan in 1994. To date he has made 5 trips to Japan for training, and in January of 2009 received the 9th Dan from Hatsumi Sensei. He has a BSE in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and an MSE in Coastal Engineering, both from the University of Michigan. Outside the dojo, he is a research engineer for General Dynamics, where he does algorithm development and computational modeling. His pastimes include swimming, rowing, games, and travel.

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS. Gary Ciarkowski (7th Dan Shidoshi - 1/2009), Derek Arciniaga (7th Dan Shidoshi - 1/2009) Alan Poon (7th Dan Shidoshi - 1/2009).

TRAINING INFORMATION. The UM Bujinkan Dojo is located on the central campus of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. During the fall and winter semesters, training is located in Room G-21 of the Intramural Sports Building. Spring and summer term training is located in Martial Arts Room 2275 of the Central Campus Recreation Building. The dojo is open to UM students and non-students alike (18 and over), but non-university affiliated members must purchase a "UM Facilities Users Pass" to enter the buildings. To view this university policy, please click here. All students are expected to receive rank in the Bujinkan and therefore must have current Bujinkan Membership, payable at the beginning of each year. Please e-mail mzasuncion@hotmail.com for current UM Bujinkan Dues.

Winter 2009 Training Times (Effective 01/07/2009 - 04/17/2009): Monday/Wednesday 1900-2030, Friday 1830-2000 in IMSB Room G-21. Address: 606 East Hoover Ann Arbor, MI 48109.

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