The Bujinkan Hoko Dojo was established in 1995 in Orange, California as the Bujinkan Ohoko Dojo by Ron Blackwood Daishihan. The many images of bears that adorned the dojo reflected who Ron was to those around him — a father figure, a “Papa Bear.”

In 2016, upon Ron’s move to Atascadero, California, leadership of the dojo was passed to his protégé, Karry Dayton Daishihan, who continued the legacy of Ohoko until his relocation to Prescott, Arizona in 2020. Karry now leads the Bujinkan Ohoko Prescott Dojo.

The Ohoko Dojo was then entrusted to Alex Andalon Shihan, who serves as the current head of the dojo.

During the turbulence of the pandemic, the Ohoko Dojo was forced underground in order to endure. Its remaining members held fast, preserving the dojo while many others were lost. During this period, the dojo underwent a transformation, turning inward. Training deepened, and a renewed determination to pursue a more profound understanding of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi’s martial arts was forged.

From this period emerged the Hoko Dojo.

Hoko (宝光) may be understood as “sacred radiance” or “precious light” — a name that reflects both continuity and renewal. It marks a brilliant re-emergence that honors the legacy of its founder.