Bujinkan Brisbane has been providing traditional Japanese martial arts instruction in Brisbane since 1997. Training is conducted in a small, private dōjō in Moggill, where students study the principles and techniques of the nine traditional Japanese martial schools (ryū-ha) preserved within the Bujinkan in a friendly, supportive, and dedicated training environment.
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 he trained extensively under Grandmaster Dr Masaaki Hatsumi and the senior Japanese Shihan of the Bujinkan. In 1995, he was awarded his Godan (5th Dan) in Japan and became a licensed instructor within the Bujinkan.
After returning to Australia, Duncan continued travelling to Japan once or twice each year until 2020. Over nearly four decades of dedicated practice, he has organised national and international seminars, taught hundreds of students, and established Bujinkan Brisbane as one of Australia’s longest-running Bujinkan dōjō.
Today, Duncan holds the rank of Daishihan and is the author of two respected 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 