My name is Glenn Manry and I am the instructor at the Sheridan Bujinkan Dojo. I have been studying the Bujinkan school since 1999, receiving my teaching license in 2015 when I was given the rank of godan (5th dan black belt).  I formally established the dojo later in that year, but ran a small training group off and on by permission of my teachers, since 2003.

In the last few years, I was introduced to a different way to do this art. This method, while seeming similar on the surface, has a depth to it that I was unaware of previously. I have spent the last five years (of direct experience) working on this new direction. It is not a new direction for the art, just for me. This has required a complete re-working of my fundamentals and the techiques that come out of that foundation. It has been quite the journey so far, and I am fortunate to have been allowed to follow this path.

My teaching philosophy is based on the classical Shu Ha Ri, which maps out three levels of learning. Shu is the first and most crucial level. It involves the learning of the fundamentals, known as kihon (基本), and the inner components of the fundamentals, known as Kisso (基礎). Ha is the middle ground of learning, the gross movements are understood, and the student does the work of integrating the kihon into various other techniques. Ri is the stage of a more complete understanding of a subject. It is sometimes described as mastery, but the truth is that there is no end to the practice of learning and understanding.
 

Often, you will find yourself moving through these stages in layers. You learn the basic gross movement and eventually can remember that sequence. Then you learn that within that movement there are other components that support it and make it efficient. You have to tackle each one with shu ha ri in mind. You continue to build your understanding of the fundamentals in this manner.
 

This is how classes at the Sheridan Bujinkan Dojo are conducted. The depth of the classical martial arts, kobudo, is immense. One has to dig deep into the fundamentals to understand the way this art works. It is a rewarding but also a very challenging path. However, each layer of understanding comes with the knowledge that you have persevered in something very few people have actually undertaken. My job is to try to live up to the giri (obligation) handed to me by those who have taken the time to teach me about these arts.
 

If you are interested in doing something truly unique and challenging, please read more on this website and use the contact page to find out more aobut our practice.