About Dayman
Dayman’s journey in martial arts began at the age of nine. As a child, Dayman struggled with a fiery temper, prompting his father to enroll him in Tae Kwon Do to instill discipline and self-control. However, the competitive nature of the studio where he trained inadvertently fueled his aggression rather than curbing it.
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In 1989, a pivotal shift occurred when Dayman started studying Kawaishi Ryu jujutsu at his high school. His instructor, George Leighton, was a math teacher who defied the stereotypical image of a martial arts sensei. Leighton sensei, a man of small stature, often seen with a pocket protector full of pens tucked neatly into his checked button-up shirt, possessed a deep understanding of jujutsu, complemented by his high technical proficiency in the art.
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The high school jujutsu club, being a member of the Canadian Jiu-Jitsu Association (CJA), opened numerous doors for Dayman. Through the CJA, he had the chance to train at various jujutsu dojos across the Niagara Region, learning from a diverse array of instructors. Among these, Dave Platakis from the Tetsu-no-Kokoro Dojo stood out as a significant influence in shaping Dayman’s jujutsu journey. Under Platakis Sensei’s mentorship, Dayman also received valuable training in Shorinji Kempo. This exposure broadened Dayman’s perspective and fueled his desire to explore a wider range of Japanese martial arts. In 1994, during his high school graduation year, Dayman earned his first shodan ranking in jujutsu.
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Under the guidance of these sensei, Dayman began to appreciate the true essence of martial arts, which extended far beyond mere physical prowess. He learned that real strength lies in patience, control, and the ability to stay calm. This philosophy not only helped Dayman become proficient in the techniques of jujutsu but also significantly transformed his approach to life
In 1994, Dayman embarked on a profound journey into the world of Japanese swordsmanship, beginning his study of Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu under the tutelage of Douglas Tong Sensei. The fateful moment occurred as Dayman was leaving a video store, where a flyer on the community bulletin board caught his eye, advertising lessons in this traditional martial art.
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Douglas Tong Sensei, who had just returned from an extensive period of living and training in Japan, was a direct student of the esteemed sword master Sugino Yoshio Sensei. Recognizing the rare opportunity, Dayman seized the chance to study under Tong, becoming his second student. This marked the inception of a lifelong dedication to the art of kenjutsu.
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Over the next several years of study under Tong Sensei, Dayman trained in various renowned styles of swordsmanship, each offering unique insights. Katori Shinto Ryu, likened to a chess game, taught tactical options and strategic choices within longer kata. Ono-ha Ittou Ryu, with its direct and bold approach, emphasized powerful strikes and decisiveness. Muso Shinden Eishin Ryu iaido focused on precision and mental concentration for executing swift cuts.
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Yagyu Shinkage Ryu, a sly and tactical style, taught Dayman the art of strategic deception, baiting opponents into attacks to create opportunities for control. Kendo, a modern martial art, reinforced discipline and competitive spirit while allowing Dayman to test and apply tactics from each school in a dynamic environment, enhancing his adaptability and strategic thinking.
This diverse training under Tong Sensei broadened Dayman's technical skills and deepened his understanding of the rich tactical and philosophical elements inherent in each style.
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In 2001 Dayman, along with Denis Wiens Sensei, another senior student of Tong Sensei, opened a dojo in St. Catharines where Dayman taught kenjutsu and jujutsu unit 2009.
In 2004, while attending the School of Japanese Sword Arts in Guelph, Ontario, Dayman was introduced to Phil Ortiz Sensei of the Heki Ryu Bisshu Chikurin-ha school of kyudo. This began his deep engagement with kyudo, the traditional Japanese martial art of archery, and its strong connection to Zen. Under Ortiz Sensei’s guidance, Dayman studied both the technical and meditative aspects of the art, focusing on mindfulness, discipline, and harmony of body and mind.
Over the following years, Dayman hosted several kyudo intensives with Ortiz Sensei and also received instruction on several occasions from Shibata Kanjuro XX Sensei, a master of kyudo and the official bowmaker for the Emperor of Japan. Shibata Sensei’s teachings had a lasting impact on Dayman, deepening his understanding of the spiritual dimensions of kyudo.
In 2007, after attending an intensive seminar with Shibata Sensei in New York, Dayman was granted permission to open a kyudo study group in the Niagara Region of Ontario. He established the Ryuko (Waterfall Tiger) kyudojo, where he taught and practiced from 2007 to 2009, fostering a community dedicated to traditional kyudo practice and personal growth.
From 2009 to 2012, Dayman took a sabbatical from all training due to health issues. After regaining his health, he resumed practicing Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu kenjutsu and kyudo in 2012, reconnecting with his passion for the arts. In 2018, he returned to Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kenjutsu under Tong Sensei, who had been appointed the North American study group leader of Ohtsubo-ha Yagyu Shinkage Ryu by Kajitsuka Yasushi Sensei. As part of Tokumeikan, Tong Sensei appointed Dayman as the study group leader in the Niagara Region.
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From 2018 to 2022, Dayman operated the Getsumei no Michi dojo, initially in Niagara Falls and later in St. Catharines, Ontario. His focus was on introducing new students to the practice of Yagyu Shinkage Ryu kenjutsu, providing a welcoming environment for those eager to learn the art. Although there was a brief pause in training during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dayman remained committed to sharing his knowledge and experience. In August 2024, he reopened the dojo in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, continuing his mission to promote and teach Yagyu Shinkage Ryu to new students.
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Dayman is dedicated to continuing his own training and learning while building partnerships within the budo community. He believes that collaboration and shared experiences enhance the practice of martial arts and foster a supportive environment for all practitioners. By engaging with fellow martial artists and participating in various events, Dayman aims to cultivate connections that enrich both his own journey and that of his students
