The Illinois Bujinkan Hiken Dojo was established in 1989. We are part of the International Bujinkan Dojo with 900 years of tradition. The Bujinkan Dojo in Japan is run by the 34th generation Leader (Soke) Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi of Noda City, Japan. Our purpose is to provide authentic, traditional ninja training to good-hearted people.
The Illinois Bujinkan Hiken Dojo is run by Dai-Shihan (senior master instructor) Rick Spangler. After passing his 5th-degree black belt test in 1993, 21 years later (2014) he became a 15th-degree master black belt instructor. He was awarded a warrior nickname in 1994, personally from Masaaki Hatsumi of Japan. That name is “Hiken”, pronounced “Hee ken”, which translates to “Secret Sword”. Here is a little more on the meaning of the name from Dai-Shihan himself:
My personal nickname (Hiken) means a lot to me. It has two meanings. The first meaning is the literal meaning of a “Secret Sword”. The second meaning derives from the fact that I am in the ministry and have another title, the title of “Pastor”, ordained on November 4th, 2001. Hebrews 4:12 states that the Word of God (the Bible) is alive, quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…. therefore, to me, this “secret sword” also refers to the Bible and its power and relevancy in my life.
– Dai-Shihan Rick Spangler
We look forward to meeting you and may you succeed in your martial arts quest.