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The Asheville Bujinkan Dojo is unique in the fact that it is owned and operated by its students. All of the staff members of the dojo have professional careers; the dojo is not run as a full-time job for any of its instructors. Because of this, the training programs are more grounded, as each instructor is teaching Budo Taijutsu with their own personal experiences intertwined.
Instructors
Shidoshi Jon Rooneo
Nana-Dan, 7th Degree Black Belt
Instructor
Jon trained in karate, wrestling, and kickboxing on and off until finding the Bujinkan in 2004.
In 2014 He accepted an opportunity to stay in Japan for several months and train with senior members of the Bujinkan at the Honbu Dojo where he reached Go-Dan. Jon continued his training after returning to the United States, reaching the rank of Nana-Dan before moving to Asheville, North Carolina in 2018.
In 2012 Jon began training in Kodokan Judo, reaching an Instructor level for Judo and the rank of San-Dan.
Shidoshi Owen Hempton
Go-Dan, 5th Degree Black Belt
Instructor
Owen began his martial arts career when is was in middle school with a karate program at school. Since then his martial arts training was off and on with different styles, such as Judo and Kendo. In 2006 he came across the Bujinkan while living in Orlando, Florida.
Owen trained in Orlando for several years until he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After receiving an Honorable Discharge he began training again in Titusville, Florida. During 2012, he eventually earned a Ni-Dan before moving to Asheville, North Carolina. Owen has continued his training and eventually earned his Go-Dan in 2021.
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