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 ninjutsu tradition of Togakure Ryū.
The dōjō is led by Duncan Mitchell, who has trained continuously in the Bujinkan since 1988. Between 1990 and 1995, Duncan lived in Japan, training extensively under Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei and many of the senior Japanese Shihan of the Bujinkan.
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 in the Bujinkan is centred on Budō Taijutsu (“Martial Arts Body Technique”), the movement system through which the essence of the nine classical Japanese martial schools of the Bujinkan are transmitted.
Rather than relying on strength, speed, or athletic ability, Budō Taijutsu develops natural movement, efficient body mechanics, balance, timing, distance, awareness, and adaptability. Students learn to respond appropriately to changing situations while gaining a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin traditional Japanese martial arts.
Training is progressive and suitable for both beginners and experienced martial artists. As students develop, techniques become a vehicle for understanding movement, structure, timing, and strategy, rather than simply something to memorise. The emphasis is on developing skill through regular practice, patience, and continual refinement.
The curriculum includes:
- Striking and kicking
- Throws and takedowns
- Joint locks and controls
- Grappling and restraint techniques
- Escapes and self-defence
- Ukemi (rolling and falling)
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
Bujinkan Brisbane is a small private dōjō rather than a large commercial martial arts school. This allows students to receive individual attention and develop their understanding of traditional budō in a friendly, supportive and respectful training environment.
We welcome complete beginners, experienced martial artists, and visitors from other Bujinkan dōjō. Our classes are for adults, generally aged 18 years and over, and we encourage enquiries from people of all backgrounds and levels of physical ability.
Training Times
Location: Private dōjō, Moggill, Brisbane
Classes: Saturdays, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Whether your interest lies in traditional Japanese martial arts, the historical traditions of ninjutsu, or simply learning self-defence in a small and supportive dōjō, we welcome your enquiry.
If you would like to experience authentic Bujinkan training under an instructor with nearly four decades of continuous study and five years of immersive training in Japan, please contact Duncan to arrange a visit.
Bujinkan Brisbane 