Dave Giddings
Shihan
Dave has been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu since 1989. Starting in Germany while serving with the British Army, and continuing on return to the UK . He opened Bujinkan Newbury Dojo in 2004.
In 2009 he went with Marc Moor sensei of Budo Warrior Schools to Japan where he was put forward for the saaki test, on the 8th September 2009; which was conducted by Noguchi sensei in the presence of Soke Hatsumi in the Tokyo Budokan. On passing he was awarded his 5th Dan (Godan) and teachers licence (Shidoshi). In November 2014 Dave was awarded Martial Arts Illustrated Hall of Fame 'Top Exponent' award.
In April 2016 he was recommended for Judan (10th dan) by senior instuctors in Japan - Shiriashi sensei, Noguchi sensei, Paul Masse sensei and this was supported by Dai Shihan Peter King and Marc Moor sensei in the UK. Soke Hatsumi awarded him Judan on these recommendations.
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In May 2018 he was awarded Kugyo Happo Biken (commonly known as Juudan Kugyou or 15th dan) by Soke Hatsumi. This is one of the highest grades in the Bujinkan and is considered both an honour, and a responsibility to carry the spirit of the Bujinkan forward.
Tony Tildesley
Shidoshi-ho
Tony has been training at Bujinkan Newbury dojo since 2006, he was one of the first to be graded to Shodan on 3rd December 2011, setting a standard for those training at the dojo. He is currently a Yondan (4th Dan) since March 2022.
Black Belts at the dojo
Stephen Fox
Stephen is a 4th Dan who has trained with the dojo for many years, and has trained abroad in Singapore and with different instructors in the Bujinkan. He also has trained in other martial arts styles.
Tony Tildesley
Tony has been training at Bujinkan Newbury dojo since 2006, he was one of the first to be graded to Shodan on 3rd December 2011, setting a standard for those training at the dojo. He is currently a Yondan (4th Dan) since March 2022.
Ian Hageman
Ian trained at the dojo from 2005. He was also one of the first to be graded to Shodan on 3rd December 2011, setting a standard for those training at the dojo. He is currently 2nd Dan in the Bujinkan. After a break he has made a welcome return to the dojo.
Paul Stacey
Paul has trained at the dojo since 2012 and is currently a 2nd Dan in the Bujinkan.
Benn Heatley
Benn has trained at the dojo since 2010 and is currently a 2nd Dan in the Bujinkan.
Jed Griffiths
Jed started training at the dojo in 2022 after some time off for a shoulder injury. He was awarded his shodan in 2014 by Nagato sensei.
Krzysztof Michalak
Krys began train at the dojo in 2014 and achieved Shodan in 2023.