"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 Michigan Bujinkan 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 Michigan Bujinkan Dojo has provided intense and dedicated training to the students and residents of the Ann Arbor area for over twenty years. The Michigan Bujinkan is currently headed by Michael Asuncion 15th Dan Shihan. Students of the Michigan 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 Michigan Bujinkan training include: The Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan Bujinkan training.
Michael Asuncion passed the 5th Dan sakki test from Soke in 1995. In May of 2000 he received the 10th Dan and the 15th Dan (Judan Ku-i 十段空位), the highest rank in the Bujinkan, from Hatsumi Sensei in August of 2006. As a 15th Dan, he has often administered the sakki test in Japan with Hatsumi Sensei in attendance. In 2010 he was personally awarded the prestigious Bujinkan Gold Dragon Medal by Hatsumi Sensei in recognition for his personal contributions to the Bujinkan. In November of 2011 he was awarded the Bujinkan Shingitai Bufu Ikkan Menkyo from Hatsumi sensei in recognition for his persistence in martial arts (spirit, technique, and body). Michael Asuncion received his Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering) from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and also holds several other academic degrees, including a B.S. degree in Asian Studies (Japanese). Besides his pursuit of budo, he dedicates himself to the studies of Materials Chemistry and Japanese. 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 Michigan Bujinkan Dojo. He travels annually to Japan to train with Hatsumi Sensei and the Japanese Shihan. In August of 2010 Andrew Dempz received the 10th Dan. 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 December of 2010 received the 10th Dan. 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. Derek Arciniaga (10th Dan Shihan 4/2012), Gary Ciarkowski (9th Dan Shidoshi - 10/2011), Alan Poon (9th Dan Shidoshi - 10/2010).
TRAINING INFORMATION. The Michigan 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 Michigan Bujinkan Dues.
Spring/Summer 2012 Training Times (Effective 04/30/2012 - 8/10/2012):
[ home ] [ bujinkan dojo ] [ michigan bujinkan ] [ articles ] [ picture gallery ] [ links ] |
CHIEF INSTRUCTORS.
