Frequently Asked Questions

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The Bujinkan is an international martial arts organization founded by Soke (Grandmaster) Masaaki Hatsumi. It is based out of Noda-shi, Chiba, Japan and teaches methods from nine distinct martial art systems (ryuha) that incorporate both armed and unarmed fighting methods. The nine ryuha taught in the Bujinkan are:

• Gyokko Ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術)
• Kotō Ryū Koppōjutsu (虎倒流骨法術)
• Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術)
• Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術)
• Gikan Ryū Koppōjutsu (義鑑流骨法術) 
• Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術)
• Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法)
• Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法)
• Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術)

Budo Taijutsu is a term used to refer to the collective fighting systems of the Bujinkan. Budo Taijutsu incorporates punches, kicks, joint manipulation, throws, and weapons-related techniques.

Although there is always a risk of injury or harm when training in a martial arts system, care is taken in the Bujinkan to minimize the risk of injury during training. At the introductory levels, techniques are practiced slowly and with minimal resistance to develop proper form and application. As a student's skill set grows, more speed and resistance can be added as appropriate.

Students are permitted to join or train at the discretion of the Tombo Bujinkan Dojo and its instructors, officers, and agents. Training is limited to persons FIFTEEN YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER without criminal records and is subject to the Bujinkan Guidelines as issued by the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Japan.

We recognize and honor rank issued from the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Japan. Upon proof of such rank from Japan, you can begin at that rank. If you have school rank from a Bujinkan or Bujinkan-adjacent school that is not from Japan, and upon satisfactory proof of such school rank, you may wear that belt but will still be expected to progress through the Tombo Dojo rank proficiencies for each grade before you will be considered for additional rank through the Tombo Dojo. During that progression, you will be considered a guest student rather than a full student of the Tombo Dojo. If you have rank from another system, you must begin at the introductory rank of Shoshinsha.

Absolutely. Please contact us to make arrangements to visit and train.

Beginners are always welcome. New practitioners will be walked through the techniques slowly and guided through the trainings.

Zazen literally means “seated meditation.” It is the heart of Zen practice. Zazen is about sitting still, maintaining a correct posture, and observing the present moment by focusing on breathing or just being aware without clinging to thoughts. The aim is not to achieve something but to experience reality directly, beyond concepts and distractions. Our Zen practice is informal and inspired by the Soto tradition. Zazen practice is available and encouraged but is by no means required.

Classes are held at 2246 W. Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH (Studio Glow Fitness).

Prospective students should email the dojo at inquiries@tombodojo.com or call us at 614-505-7724 to make an appointment to observe a class and obtain application paperwork. Assuming no issues are found that would preclude the applicant's involvement, the applicant may participate in the following class.

Training fees are $20 per class or $75 per month. We allow two free trial classes (after one observation class). The dojo will hold at least six classes each month. Family discounts are available for two or more students. Contact us for more information.