Meet Brandt Sensei

Daniel Brandt Sensei [Teacher] began his martial arts training in 1995 with Michael Coleman Shihan [Master], in the Genbukan Ninpo and Kokusai Jujutsu Remnei traditions. Quickly proving himself to be a fast learner, talented martial artist and effective instructor, in 1997 Brandt Sensei earned the privilege of teaching classes at Futen Dojo, Coleman Shihan’s Milwaukee-area school.  In 2008, Brandt Sensei received permission from his teacher to travel to Japan for personal training with the Grandmaster of the Genbukan Ninpo Bugei and Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei organizations.  It was at that time that the Grandmaster, Shoto Tanemura Soke [President], granted Brandt Sensei permission to open his own dojo here in Madison, Wisconsin.  Shoto Tanemura Soke also gave the dojo its official name, ‘Soyokaze’, which translates as 'Benevolent Wind'.  In 2024, Brandt Sensei traveled to Japan and earned the title of Kyoshi [Master of Teachings], a difficult rank that only a few, after many years of training, can earn. He feels privileged to continue his own training in Milwaukee every week under the direction of Coleman Shihan, who is a direct student of Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura

Brandt Sensei graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, earning a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Linguistics with an emphasis in Japanese language, as well as earning a certificate in Asian Studies.  He moved to Madison in June of 2008 to establish Soyokaze Dojo.  In addition to operating his school of martial arts, Brandt Sensei practices as a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in injury rehabilitaion.

Teaching Philosophy

"The Genbukan arts taught at Soyokaze Dojo were traditionally taught within the family, from father to son or daughter, uncle to nephew or niece etc. and only recently has opened up to the rest of the world.  It's with this in mind that I, as a teacher, want to guide and nurture my students with a strict but tender heart.  It is my responsibility to guide my students to martial maturity and understanding so these students can discover for themselves what meaning their lives can hold.  Training in Ninpo is not just about self defense, it is equally, if not more important, to develop one's spirit.  How one conducts his or herself in life and within the world and all it contains, that is paramount."

"My goal for Soyokaze Dojo is to create a place that cultivates self improvement and where students feel a sense of belonging, a place of community."

 

Credentials

  • Kyoshi (“Master of Teachings”)

  • Special Instructor Level 3

  • Taijutsu 5th Dan*

  • Jujutsu 6th Dan

  • Asayama Ichiden Ryu Okuden Menkyo*

  • Yagyu Shingan Ryu Shoden Menkyo

  • Gyokko Ryu Kosshi-jutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Koto Ryu Koppo-jutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Shinden Fudo Ryu Ju-Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu Jujutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Shinden Tatara Ryu Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Togakure Ryu Ninpo Tanemura-ha Shoden Menkyo

  • Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Tanemura-ha Shoden Menkyo

  • Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Kijin Chosui Ryu Daken Taijutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Hontai Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Amatsu Tatara Bumon Shumon Shoden Menkyo

  • Kukishinden Happo Bikenjutsu – Taijutsu, Bikenjutsu & Bojutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Mugen Shinto Ryu Iaijutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Nihonden Tenshin Koryu Kenpo Shoden Menkyo

  • Tenshin Hyoho Sensu Dori Shoden Menkyo

  • Bojutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Bikenjutsu Shoden Menkyo

  • Hakkesho 3rd kyu

** “Dan” means ‘black belt’

** “Menkyo” means ‘mastership’, but also contains levels/degrees within (IE, Shoden, Chuden, etc., means ‘first level’, ‘second level’, etc.)