ABOUT BUSHINDO UNIVERSITY
Bushindo University is a global center for martial arts training, personal empowerment, and inner development, dedicated to the integration of ancient warrior traditions with modern methods of self-mastery. For decades, Bushindo University has provided students around the world with authentic instruction in martial arts, weapons systems, and mind-body-spirit development through in-person training, international seminars, and comprehensive online programs. At its core, Bushindo University exists to help individuals live empowered lives through discipline, awareness, and purposeful action.
Founded by Grandmaster Doshi Richard J. Van Donk, Bushindo University represents the culmination of a lifelong journey into martial arts and inner transformation. Richard Van Donk is a senior Bujinkan instructor and the founder of the International Bujinkan Dojo Association (IBDA), a worldwide organization committed to preserving the integrity of Bujinkan Ninjutsu and Budo Taijutsu while fostering a strong, supportive global community. Through IBDA, thousands of practitioners have been guided in both technical excellence and personal growth.
Bushindo University serves as the educational and philosophical umbrella that unites Richard Van Donk’s diverse martial and personal development teachings. This includes traditional Bujinkan arts, Bushindo sword and weapons training, and the Filipino martial art of DeCuerdas Eskrima. As a Grandmaster and lineage holder in DeCuerdas Eskrima, Richard Van Donk preserves and teaches this rare and highly effective weapons system, ensuring that its principles and traditions continue to thrive within a modern training framework.
Beyond physical technique, Bushindo University places strong emphasis on inner training and consciousness development. Richard Van Donk’s Inner Arts programs draw from ancient spiritual practices, meditation, energy cultivation, and modern mind-science to help students develop clarity, resilience, and deeper self-awareness. These teachings are not separate from martial training, but essential to it, forming a complete system that strengthens the body while awakening the mind and spirit.
Bushindo University welcomes students of all backgrounds and experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned martial artists. Training is designed to meet individuals where they are while offering a clear path forward—one that encourages continuous growth, discipline, and self-discovery. Whether studying online, attending seminars, or training within affiliated dojos, students become part of a global community united by shared values and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Ultimately, Bushindo University is more than a martial arts institution. It is a way of life rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and purpose. Through its teachings, students are challenged not only to defend themselves, but to cultivate awareness, strength, and integrity in all areas of life. This is the Bushindo path—where the warrior’s journey extends beyond the dojo and into how one lives, leads, and serves in the world.
ABOUT DOSHI
RICHARD VAN DONK
Doshi Richard Van Donk started formal martial arts training at the age of 17, informal at age 11. GrandMaster Richard Van Donk is the Founder and Director of the IBDA/American Bujinkan Dojos (Ninjutsu) and Bushindo Martial Arts University operating world wide in over 120 countries with its International Dojo Headquarters in Middletown, (Northern) California, U.S.A. His wife, Linda, also a Bujinkan DaiShihan (15th dan) is the Assistant Director of Training for the American Bujinkan Dojos.
Richard is one of the highest ranking Bujinkan Ninjutsu Shidoshi (Instructors) outside of Japan (9th Dan in Ninpo Taijutsu / 15th dan in Budo Taijutsu from Grandmaster/ Soke Masaaki Hatsumi) and an internationally acclaimed Eskrima Grandmaster (personal student and inheriting Grandmaster of the late DeCuerdas Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio). Also has been awarded blackbelt levels or above in Karate, Jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do, Muso Tenshin Ryu Iaijutsu (yondan), Aikido, and Enshin Ryu Iaido and BattoJutsu (from Grandmaster Kenshinsai Machida). In 1996 and in 1997 the World Head of Family Sokeship Council awarded Master Van Donk with its most prestigious award of Grandmaster of the Year for his contributions to martial arts. He has been inducted into many Master and Grandmaster councils.
ABOUT SENSEI RAY JACKSON
Sensei Ray Jackson is a 4th Dan (Yondan) under the IBDA, and also holds black belt ranking & instructorship in American Kenpo (Kenju-Do school) and Hsing-I Chuan Kung Fu (Little Nine Heaven school), and a variety of Combative and Self-Defense programs through the US Military and civilian law enforcement.
Outside of the dojo spaces, Sensei Ray is a veteran Navy Officer, (with ongoing service as a defense contractor) an Energy Healer (Chi Kung & Nei Kung, Pranic Healing, and the Eden Method), and a Life Coach. Having recently launched the Praxis Institute of Hawaii, a coaching/consulting center fusing martial art principles with healing methods and leadership development to empower students with practical ways of living.
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