ABOUT THE DŌJŌ

The Bujinkan Longmont Dōjō is dedicated to the preservation and study of the Traditional Japanese Martial Arts of Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu. Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu is a complete martial art incorporating striking and grappling methods as well as a variety of classical Japanese weapons.

The dōjō leader, Daishihan Charles Benham, has been teaching in Colorado since 2004. Our mission is to preserve and pass on the centuries old traditions taught by Sōke Masaaki Hatsumi in Noda, Japan.

Hatsumi Sensei created the Bujinkan Dōjō combining the nine historical traditions inherited from his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, into a cohesive whole, Budō Taijutsu.

Budō Taijutsu incorporates the striking and grappling methods of traditional Jūtaijutsu, Dakentaijutsu, Kosshijutsu, and Koppōjutsu as well as a variety of classical Japanese weapons including staffs, swords, chains, and Shuriken throwing blades.

By leveraging proper distance and timing with relaxed, natural body mechanics we train to develop power without the need to rely on physical strength so that size truly does not matter.

We maintain a connection to these ancient traditions to more fully understand our place in the modern world leading to a more rewarding and fulfilling life.

STUDY TRADITIONAL JAPANESE MARTIAL ARTS!

Explore the Japanese Warrior Traditions alongside other dedicated students, supported by experienced instructors who are committed to providing a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Studying centuries old armed and unarmed combat skills, students learn effective self-defense, develop increased awareness, and build their self-confidence within a safe, non-competitive environment.

Daibutsu (Great Buddha) - Kamakura, Japan

We are committed to providing solid fundamentals and fun, intense training as an avenue for personal growth with an emphasis on proper body alignment, simple, practical techniques and self-improvement, not flashy demonstrations or trophies. Our goal in training is Shin Gi Tai Ichi (Mind, Technique, and Body as One) focusing on personal safety and self-development, not competition.

At our Dōjō, you will find a community of martial artists devoted to polishing their hearts and minds through the diligent study of Budō – Traditional Japanese Martial Arts.

We train to live, not fight.

OUR INSTRUCTORS

Click on Profile Pictures to Learn More About Our Instructors

CHARLES BENHAM
Daishihan
Jūgodan (15th Dan)
SHANNON MCDOWELL
Shihan
Jūichidan (11th Dan)

Our Classes

All classes are currently 18 and up, we plan to add classes for kids and teens in the future. Please check back.

Our Current Classes

Shihan Shannon McDowell

Jūichidan (11th Dan)

Shannon began training with Daishihan Benham in 2008 in Denver, Colorado. He received his Shodan (1st Dan) in 2010 while attending the IBDA Tai Kai in San Francisco, California. Shannon passed his Godan (5th Dan) test in Denver, Colorado in November, 2019.

Shannon was promoted to Jūdan (10th Dan) in March, 2022.

Shihan Robert Currie

Jūichidan (11th Dan)

Rob began training with Daishihan Benham in 2008 in Denver, Colorado. He received his Shodan (1st Dan) in 2010 while attending the IBDA Tai Kai in San Francisco, California. Rob passed his Godan (5th Dan) test at the Bujinkan Hombu Dōjō in Noda, Japan in September, 2019.

In recognition of his many years of training Rob was promoted to Jūdan (10th Dan) in February, 2020.

Daishihan Charles Benham

Dōjōchō (Dōjō Leader)

Charles began training in the Bujinkan in 1992 in Denver, Colorado. He has traveled as often as he can to Japan to train with Sōke Hatsumi and the Japanese Shihan; passing the Godan (5th Dan) test at the Hombu Dōjō in 2009 and receiving the rank of Jūgodan (15th Dan) in May of 2017.

Charles received the title of Daishihan in September, 2019.