ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL BUJINKAN DOJO ASSOCIATION

International Bujinkan Dojo Association Ninjutsu

The International Bujinkan Dojo Association (IBDA) is a global martial arts organization founded in 1986 by Doshi Richard Van Donk, a senior student of Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, the head of the Bujinkan in Japan.

Originally established as the American Bujinkan Dojo, the IBDA expanded internationally at the request and blessing of Soke Hatsumi to accommodate a growing global student base.

Its mission is to provide authentic Bujinkan Ninjutsu and Budo Taijutsu training through a structured curriculum that emphasizes personal growth, technical proficiency, and character development.

The IBDA operates under the guidance of a Master Council selected by Doshi Van Donk, ensuring the preservation of the art in alignment with Soke Hatsumi's wishes.

The IBDA offers a comprehensive training program that integrates both traditional and modern approaches. Students can progress from beginner to master levels through in-person dojo training, seminars, and a pioneering first of its kind distance learning system introduced in 1991.

The curriculum encompasses the nine classical Bujinkan ryūha (schools), including Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu and Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu, among others, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals in mind, body, and spirit,

ABOUT DOSHI

RICHARD VAN DONK

Doshi Richard Van Donk started formal martial arts training at the age of 17, informal at age 11. GrandMaster Richard Van Donk is the Founder and Director of the IBDA/American Bujinkan Dojos (Ninjutsu) and Bushindo Martial Arts University operating world wide in over 120 countries with its International Dojo Headquarters in Middletown, (Northern) California, U.S.A. His wife, Linda, also a Bujinkan DaiShihan (15th dan) is the Assistant Director of Training for the American Bujinkan Dojos.

Richard is one of the highest ranking Bujinkan Ninjutsu Shidoshi (Instructors) outside of Japan (9th Dan in Ninpo Taijutsu / 15th dan in Budo Taijutsu from Grandmaster/ Soke Masaaki Hatsumi) and an internationally acclaimed Eskrima Grandmaster (personal student and inheriting Grandmaster of the late DeCuerdas Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio). Also has been awarded blackbelt levels or above in Karate, Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Muso Tenshin Ryu Iaijutsu (yondan), Aikido, and Enshin Ryu Iaido and BattoJutsu (from Grandmaster Kenshinsai Machida). In 1996 and in 1997 the World Head of Family Sokeship Council awarded Master Van Donk with its most prestigious award of Grandmaster of the Year for his contributions to martial arts. He has been inducted into many Master and Grandmaster councils.

ABOUT SENSEI DENA JOHNSON

Sensei Dena's passion for the intricacies of the martial arts started young and has grown into over 20 years dedicated to Bujinkan Ninpo Taijutsu. Taijutsu is central to her understanding and practice of this art.

She recently received the rank of Nanadan (7th dan) and serves as a member of the IBDA Master Council, focused on preserving the authentic teachings of Soke Hatsumi. Whether studying or teaching, her priority is understanding the source of the techniques and principles. Sensei Dena believes this deeper comprehension is essential for truly grasping the lessons and ensuring the integrity of the Bujinkan.

ABOUT SENSEI

EPHRAIM CHEEVER

A lifelong martial artist with nearly 30 years of training, Sensei Ephraim Cheever is a 4th Dan (Yondan) in Bujinkan Ninjutsu and holds black belts in Kajukenbo, Kosho Ryu Kenpo, and Decuerdas Eskrima. He is a lead instructor at Bay Area Ninjutsu in the San Francisco Bay Area of California and is a founder of

VirtualNinjaTraining.com, a pioneering platform bringing authentic Bujinkan training to students worldwide through distance learning.

Beyond the dojo, Sensei Cheever is a seasoned law enforcement trainer, specializing in firearms, defensive tactics, and use of force instruction for nearly a decade. His passion lies in bridging the gap between traditional martial arts and their practical, modern-day applications—empowering students to move with purpose, skill, and adaptability in today's world.