Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and Ninjutsu in Brisbane
Bujinkan Brisbane has been teaching traditional Japanese martial arts in Brisbane since 1997. Training is conducted in a small private dōjō in Moggill, where students study Budō Taijutsu, the martial art of the Bujinkan, which preserves the teachings of nine classical Japanese martial schools (ryū-ha), including the historic tradition of Togakure Ryū Ninjutsu.
The dōjō is led by Duncan Mitchell, who has trained continuously in the Bujinkan since 1988. Between 1990 and 1995, Duncan lived in Japan, where extensive training was undertaken under Dr Masaaki Hatsumi and many of the senior Japanese Shihan of the Bujinkan. Following the return to Australia, regular visits to Japan continued for further training until 2020.
Today, Duncan holds the rank of Dai-Shihan and has dedicated nearly four decades to the study, practice, and teaching of the Bujinkan. Throughout this time, Duncan has organised seminars throughout Australia, taught hundreds of students, and authored the books Budo Taijutsu and Bojutsu, both of which continue to be studied by Bujinkan practitioners around the world.
Our Training
Training focuses on Budō Taijutsu (“Martial Arts Body Technique”), the movement system of the Bujinkan, which draws upon the principles and techniques of its nine traditional Japanese martial schools (ryū-ha).
Rather than relying on strength, speed, or athleticism, Budō Taijutsu develops efficient body mechanics, natural movement, balance, timing, distance, awareness, and adaptability. Students learn to move with precision while gaining a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin traditional Japanese martial arts.
Training is progressive and balances practical application with the study of the principles that unite the nine traditional schools. As students develop, techniques become a vehicle for understanding movement, timing, distance, structure, and adaptability.
Training is not centred on collecting techniques, but on developing natural movement, adaptability, and an understanding of the principles that underpin traditional Japanese martial arts.
The curriculum includes:
- Striking and kicking techniques
- Throws and takedowns
- Joint locks and controls
- Grappling and restraint techniques
- Escapes and self defence.
- Ukemi (falling and rolling)
We also offer a broad curriculum of weapon techniques, including:
- Kenjutsu (Sword)
- Hanbōjutsu (Three Foot Stick)
- Bōjutsu (Six Foot Staff)
- Jōjutsu (Four Foot Staff)
- Sōjutsu (Yari – Spear)
- Naginata-jutsu (Halberd)
- Bisentō-jutsu (Large Halberd)
- Jutte-jutsu (Truncheon)
- Shuriken-jutsu (Throwing Blades)
A Small Traditional Dōjō
Unlike large commercial martial arts schools, Bujinkan Brisbane offers training in a small private dōjō where students receive personal instruction and have the opportunity to study budō over the long term.
We welcome complete beginners, experienced martial artists, and visitors from other dōjō. There is no upper age limit, and we encourage people from all cultural backgrounds and levels of physical ability to enquire. Classes are currently for adults, and applicants should generally be at least 18 years of age.
Training Times
Location: Private dōjō, Moggill, Brisbane
Classes: Saturdays, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
If you are interested in studying traditional Japanese martial arts under an instructor with nearly four decades of continuous training and direct experience in Japan, we invite you to contact Duncan to arrange a visit.
Bujinkan Brisbane 