Doron Navon - The First Non-Japanese Bujinkan Shihan

Doron Navon is the first foreigner to earn the title of Bujinkan Shihan, achieving this milestone under the guidance of Hatsumi Masaaki.

Navon's martial arts journey began in Israel, training in Judo under Gadi Skornik. He was in the Israeli Olympic Judo team until an injury sidelined him and saved him from the Munich olympics murders. He also studied Krav Maga with its founder, Imi Lichtenfeld, and later with Eli Avigzar, who helped popularize Krav Maga in the United States.

In the 1970's Navon moved to Japan to further his Judo studies at the Kodokan, eventually earning a 4th-degree Judo black belt. During his time there, in parallel with Kodokan training, he began training in Bujinkan Ninjutsu under Hatsumi Masaaki. After years of dedication, he received the Shihan grade and authorization to open a dojo in Israel. With him was Danny Waxman Shihan.

In 1976, Navon established the first Ninjutsu dojo outside Japan, located near Tel Aviv. He was also the first martial arts instructor to complete the Feldenkrais teachers' course, incorporating key insights from Yoga and Judo into his teachings. Doron developed a personal friendship with Moshe Feldenkrais.

Seven AKBAN black belts, including AKBAN's founder Yossi Sheriff, were personally mentored and tested by Doron Navon. They received their black belts under his direct supervision at the AKBAN Jerusalem dojo and Kiryat Shaul dojo.

Navon has since retired from active martial arts instruction but continues his research and practice in meditation and movement, based in Japan.