Bujinkan Budo Tai Jutsu (武神館武道体術)
The Bujinkan Dojo is a school created by the Grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi, dedicated to the teaching and training of nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools. Masaaki Hatsumi is the “Soke” or heir of the 9 schools or families of martial arts that form the Bujinkan. The knowledge and techniques that form the Bujinkan system have been developed for hundreds of years. The martial arts schools that form the Bujinkan have hundreds of years of history, some are more than 900 years old, and are deeply embedded in the history of Japan and its culture.
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi – Bujinkan Soke
For many years, Hatsumi Sensei has dedicated his life to the teaching of Ninjutsu throughout the world. The nine schools or families of martial arts that form the Bujinkan are the following:
1. Togakure Ryu Ninpo - 戸隠流忍法
2. Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo - 雲隠流忍法
3. Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo - 玉心流忍法
4. Gyokko Ryu Koshi Jutsu - 玉虎流骨指術
5. Koto Ryu Koppo Jutsu - 虎倒流骨法術
6. Gikan Ryu Koppo Jutsu - 義鑑流骨法術
7. Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakentai Jutsu - 神伝不動流打拳体術
8. Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutai Jutsu - 高木揚心流柔体術
9. Kuki Shinden Ryu Happo Hiken Jutsu- 九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術
These nine schools of martial arts are taught together under a system named Bujinkan Budo Tai Jutsu. “Tai Jutsu” is the basis of the art, which emphasizes the natural movement of the body.
Masaaki Hatsumi – Bujinkan Soke
Masaaki Hatsumi was born on December 2nd 1931 in Noda, Japan. Since a young age he started training martial arts such as Kendo, Judo and Karate. He studied medicine at the Meiji University in Tokyo. He also has a degree in Theatrical Arts.
From a young age, Hatsumi Sensei started to search for a truly effective martial art that was effective regardless of body size and strength. When he was 26 years old, he met Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu. For more than 15 years Masaaki Hatsumi traveled across Japan to train with Takamatsu Sensei. From him he learned the art of Ninpo.
In 1972, at 83 years old, Takamatsu sensei passed away. Before his death, Takamatsu sensei passed the 9 schools of martial arts mentioned above to Masaaki Hatsumi.
To preserve the teachings that he inherited and to honor his teacher, Hatsumi Sensei created the Bujinkan Dojo.
Dr. Hatsumi’s resume is truly extensive and impressive. He is the author of many martial arts books. He is also a recognized actor and painter. He has received numerous recognitions throughout the years. The preceding words are just a brief introduction to Hatsumi Sensei’s life. He still teaches in the Bujinkan Honbu Dojo in Noda, Japan.
Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu