Instructors

Duff Culp - Sanami Defense Academy, TX | Owner Since 2009

Duff Culp – Sanami Defense Academy | Austin, TX

A lifelong martial artist and defensive tactics instructor, I’ve dedicated my life to developing and delivering training that works in the real world. My journey began in Aikido and shifted in 1997 to the Bujinkan, where I trained under some of the art’s most respected instructors, including Soke Masaaki Hatsumi Sensei. Over time, I expanded my focus to include modern combatives, firearms proficiency, medical preparedness, and instructional leadership.

I’ve worked in bar and venue security from age 15 to 24, gaining firsthand experience managing high-pressure environments. My diverse background includes lighting and drum tech work for touring bands, fine home construction management, executive protection, and private investigation.

As the founder of Sanami Defense Academy, I lead programs rooted in our Four Pillars: combatives, firearms, weapons training, and real-world scenario application. I continue to train with some of the most respected names in the industry—always a student first—while offering instruction to individuals and groups seeking functional, accountable training.

 

Certifications & Instructor Roles

  • Texas License to Carry (LTC) Instructor

  • NRA-Certified Pistol & CCW Instructor

  • Chief Range Safety Officer (RSO)

  • Rifle Instructor

  • U.S. LawShield Pistol Instructor & Affiliate

  • CPR Instructor

  • Stop the Bleed Instructor

Key Training & Influences

  • Bujinkan Training since 1997
    Trained under:

    • Soke Masaaki Hatsumi

    • Nagato, Noguchi, Seno, Oguri, Someya, Shiraishi

    • Shawn Gray, Paul Masse, Cesar Pelegrin, Elias Krzywacki, Greg Kowalski

  • Firearms & Combatives

    • Shivworks M.U.C. & ECQC with Craig Douglas & Brian Frias

    • Modern Samurai Project with Scott Jedlinski

    • Warrior Poet Society: Pistol 1–2, Rifle 1–3 with Josh Kent & Sam Houston

    • Training with Hunter Freeland and Joey Sauerland (ongoing influence)

Core Competencies

  • Combatives (striking, grappling, weapon integration)

  • Firearms Instruction (live fire, red dot, retention, vehicle defense)

  • Medical Response (Stop the Bleed, CPR, trauma care integration)

  • Scenario-Based Training (force-on-force, real-world drills)

  • Youth & Adult Instruction (including homeschool and family programs)

  • Curriculum Development (Sanami’s Four Pillars Program)

  • Private Range Access & Custom Training Solutions

Personal Interests

  • Martial Arts History & Application

  • Bonsai, Leatherworking, Carving, Pyrography

  • Music & Live Event Production

  • Military History & Tactical Innovation

  • Lifelong learning, mentoring, and personal refinement


Training with Craig Douglas of Shivworks.

(Shivworks M.U.C. and ECQC with Craig Douglas and Brian Frias. Lucky enough to have Jason from Sanami attend!)


(Pistol 1 and 2. Rifle 1,2, and 3 with Josh Kent and Sam Houston from Warrior Poet Society.  40 hrs well spent!)


(Private lesson with Hunter Freeland was awesome in 2024!)

 

 

(Training with Scott from Modern Samurai Project in Conroe, Dec. 2024)

I eagerly anticipate welcoming you onto the mats!

Duff Culp

 

 

 

 


Jason Hester – Sanami Defense Academy - Round Rock, TX

While growing up in Houston, TX I was fortunate to meet some serious martial artists at a young age whose inspiration would follow me for life. Taking Karate at the age of 7, I was bitten by the Budo bug.

Although I was not be able to truly train until much later in my life, I am blessed to now live and work in the Austin area and have met so many great people here with similar interests in the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of martial arts.

During my 20’s I joined the Navy and worked as an Electronics Warfare Technician while forward deployed in the Western Pacific. As I traveled the world, this experience was fundamental in developing the kind of mental and physical strength, determination, and most importantly perseverance through failure that would benefit me on my martial path.

For the better part of the last 15 years I have been training in Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, boxing, firearms, and field trauma with my friend and mentor Duff Culp. Over those years, my understanding of Budo has evolved and cultivated many great benefits to my personal and professional life outside the dojo in addition to the obvious self-defense benefits.

I am currently expanding my application of the teachings culminated over those years with a new study group in Round Rock, TX on Tuesday evenings. I hope as a junior instructor to give back at least a small portion of the gifts that have been shared with me.

See you at the park!

Jason Hester

Firearm Classes