Budo

The powerful Martial Art styles that we teach here at The Dojo are a variant on nine historical martial art lineages from ancient Japan. The oldest fighting system is nearly 1,000 years old.

What we study is called "Budo", meaning "Martial or Warrior Ways" also known as "Arts of the Peacemaker".

The highest levels of Budo are to avoid conflict and violence, whenever possible.

The timeless principles of discipline, personal strength and success are what we teach every day in our unique Martial Arts school.

Budo is not a sport martial art. It is unlike anything else in Cincinnati. It is based off of tested samurai battlefield combat. There are no rules, rings or cages. Budo is the art of survival.

Listed are the nine lineages (ryu-ha) that we pull techniques and strategies from. The dates of origin are approximate, according to historical records.

1. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu | Hidden Door School 1161

2. Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu | Jewel Tiger School 1156

3. Kukishinden Ryu | Nine Spirits School 1336

4. Koto Ryu Koppojutsu | Tiger Knocking Down School 1532

5. Shinden Fudo Ryu | Immovable Heart School 1113

6. Takagi Yoshin Ryu | High Tree, Raised Heart School 1625

7. Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu | Truth, Loyalty, and Justice School 1558

8. Gyokushin Ninpo Taijutsu | Jeweled Heart School 1532

9. Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu | Hiding in the Clouds School 1532

How is The Dojo connected to the lineages?

Currently, the Soke (Grandmaster) of the the
Nine Ryu-Ha Samurai/Ninja lineages (listed above)
is Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi.

Soke Hatsumi lives in Noda City, Japan.
He is now 91 years young (Born - 12/2/1931).

Although Soke Hatsumi has retired from active teaching at his dojo, he remains an inspiration to his students all over the world through his books and students.

Shihan Todd Ryotoshi Norcross first met and trained with Soke Hatsumi in 1984 and has trained with him dozens of times over the years in Japan and at various Tai Kai events around the world.

He was in Japan for training with Hatsumi Tetsuji Ishizuka, Yukio Noguchi, Toshiro Nagato, Arnaud Cousergue and Hideo Seno Sensei.

The Dojo's Chief Instructor is also well-respected in his sphere of expertise. The Dojo has a large online following through The Dojo's You Tube Channel, which has over 3.8 million video views and 31,000 subscribers.

Dojo Mentor
Dai Shihan Arnaud Cousergue.
is a 30-plus year direct student of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. He has been awarded the highest levels of diplomas in the Bujinkan system including:

Shingitai Diploma (Tokyō April 2011)
Shi Tennō Diploma (Tokyō August 2012)
Dai Shihan Diploma (Tokyō December 2015)

He holds Black Belt ranks in Jūdō 1st Dan, Karate 3rd Dan, Bujinkan Taijutsu 15th Dan.

He is the technical mentor to many Dōjō groups around the world.

Arnaud has traveled to The Dojo in Mason for seminars several times. His warrior name 'Shiro Kuma' means "Polar Bear". It was appointed to him by Masaaki Hatsumi.

He resides in Paris, France.

Dojo mentor (Black Belt Hall of Fame member Stephen K. Hayes) adapted the old style of martial arts (Koryu) into a modern version of Ninjutsu called
To-Shin Do in 1997.

Mr. Hayes evolved eastern ancient self-defense principles into teachable and practical self-protection strategies for modern America.

Sensei Norcross began training with An-Shu Hayes in 1984. He moved to Ohio to become a personal student of Hayes from 1999-2009.

Since 2007, Mr. Hayes has taught several seminars and workshops here at The Dojo.

Stephen K and Rumiko Urata Hayes
with Sensei Norcross
in 2024 celebrating
over 40 years of friendship.

Weapons Classes
Every Tuesday at 7:00 PM

Open to All Levels of students

Mr. Norcross training with
Gyokko Ryu Soke Ishizuka

Mr. Norcross training with
Koto Ryu Soke Noguchi

Using the strikes of the samurai to defend and protect

Where does this martial art style called Budo originate?

Instead of watching from home or work,

Come and try a free class!