FOUNDER / HEAD INSTRUCTOR

My name is Dean Hensley and I am the founder and chief instructor of Shinken Dojo. I have training in martial arts for 10 years in Freestyle Martial Arts, Jujitsu and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. The reason I like Budo Taijutsu is that is combines the traditional style of the Japanese Ninja with techniques such as rolling, throwing, strikes and unarmed self defensive skills. These are taught to reflect realistic situations which can be encountered in todays society.

In a 2014 trip to Japan I passed my Godan test (5th Dan). In 2017 while on a training trip to Japan I was surprised and honoured to be granted my 10th Dan by Dai Shihan Nagato. In 2019 I was graded to 12th Dan By Dai Shihan Darren Horvath This is testament to my commitment and hard work to the Bujinkan.

KIDS INSTRUCTOR

One of the things I like best about Bujinkan is the flexibility and adaptability of the art. Big or small, young or old, anyone can develop the knowledge and skill to defend themselves against a variety of opponents. Within the nine schools that make up Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a wealth of options which offer a practitioner multiple ways to deal with a confrontation.

And along the way, I’ve learned self confidence and discipline, improved my fitness, and made some great friends. Somone once said that a black belt is just a white belt who never gave up, and when you enjoy training as much as I do, the journey is its own reward.

KIDS INSTRUCTOR

My name is Brent Clifford, a student and assistant instructor at Shinken Dojo. I have been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) for over six years and I’m currently a shodan (1st dan black belt). I’m also Team Leader in a building supply company.

I first became interested in Bujinkan when I was searching for a martial art that was less specific in its range and included more variety in its teachings, rather than being focused on specific movement patterns and allowing the practitioners to take the pieces of the art that work for them and utilise them in a range of different ways. I specifically enjoy using weapons and the schools that involve going through the opponent as opposed to around the opponent.

Bujinkan has helped me improve my physical health, turning curiosity into application and understanding, and self-defence skills. It has also taught me valuable lessons about body mechanics, history, instinctive application, and general fitness. I enjoy sharing my passion and knowledge with others, especially children and other practitioners of Bujinkan.

ADULTS INSTRUCTOR

Inspired by the 80’s ninja movies of his youth, Adam first forayed into the world of Ninjutsu in his teen years, commencing training with Sensei Wayne Roy in 1989. Training with Sensei Roy lasted for around 3 and a half years, attaining the level of 2nd kyu, before life became too busy with University and the like.

It was during a semi-regular training trip to Japan in 2015, when Adam was awarded Shodan, or black belt. Adam is currently ranked 4th Dan under Sensei Hensley.