Jon’s Godan Test

Here is my 5th degree black belt test, taken on February 16, 2003 in Noda City, Japan. That’s Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 34th Grandmaster of Togakure-ryu Ninjutsu standing behind me. That day dawned cold and rainy as we traveled by train the Hombu Dojo (main training hall) for the Bujinkan. As I walked down the small path from the station, through the labyrinth of bicycles parked nearby and past the swamp reeds growing close to the dojo’s main entrance, I knew the test would be an incredible moment in my life. And ever since that time, things have never been the same. I wouldn’t have it any other way!