Cody McCormack, 15th Dan, DaiShihan

Cody McCormack has dedicated 23 years to martial arts, spending more than 16 of those immersed in the study of Bujinkan tradition. He currently holds the rank of Jugodan (15th-degree black belt) in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and, in 2024, was awarded the title of DaiShihan by Toshiro Nagato-Sensei (DaiShihan, Soke, Shinden Fudo Ryu).

Cody began his Bujinkan journey in 2009 under Shihan Dr. Leland Cseke, a student of DaiShihan Dr. Michael Asuncion, at the UAHuntsville Bujinkan Dojo. In 2015 he traveled to Japan, where he successfully passed the Godan (5th-degree black belt) test under DaiShihan Yukio Noguchi, Soke, Koto Ryu. After Dr. Cseke relocated in 2017, Cody became a direct student of DaiShihan Dr. Jeff Walker, with whom he continues to train regularly. He also journeys to Japan twice each year to study with Nagato-Sensei and the senior Japanese DaiShihan.

Committed to deepening his understanding of the nine ryu-ha that comprise the Bujinkan, Cody focuses on translating their timeless principles into practical modern applications. His lifelong martial path began at 18 with studies in Kung Fu and Tai Chi Chuan, followed by a period of training in Tang Soo Do.

In 2018 Cody founded Bujinkan Rocket City Dojo in Huntsville, Alabama. The dojo moved to its current location in 2023, merging with the UAHuntsville Bujinkan Dojo under Shihan Joshua Geckles.