Bujinkan

Bujinkan (武神館道場, "Divine Warrior Training Hall"), also known as בוג'ין קאן in Hebrew or "House of the Divine Warrior" in English, is a martial arts organization founded and headed by sōke (grandmaster) Masaaki Hatsumi (初見良昭). Hatsumi received direct transmission of these arts from his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu (高松寿嗣), who was the 33rd grandmaster of Togakure-ryū ninjutsu.

The Bujinkan headquarters (hombu dōjō) is located in Noda city, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, just outside Tokyo. Today, Bujinkan dōjōs can be found worldwide, with thousands of practitioners across six continents.

History & Origins

The Bujinkan organization was formally established in 1970 by Masaaki Hatsumi after the death of his teacher Toshitsugu Takamatsu. Hatsumi inherited the leadership of nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools (ryūha), which form the core curriculum of Bujinkan training.

The art taught within the Bujinkan has been known by several names over the years:

• Originally known simply as Ninjutsu (忍術)
• Later renamed as Bujinkan Ninpō Taijutsu (武神館忍法体術)
• Currently called Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu (武神館武道体術)

While the name has evolved, the core ninjutsu techniques and principles have remained consistent, preserving ancient Japanese martial traditions that date back many centuries.

Training Methods

Bujinkan training is collectively referred to as taijutsu (体術, "body techniques") and encompasses both armed and unarmed combat methods. The unarmed training is structured into three fundamental categories:

• Dakentaijutsu (打拳体術) - Striking methods using various parts of the body
• Jūtaijutsu (柔体術) - Grappling techniques including throws, joint locks, and immobilizations
• Taihenjutsu (体変術) - Body movement skills including rolls, flips, leaps, and ukemi (receiving techniques)

For beginners, much of the basic taijutsu instruction draws from six primary lineages in the Bujinkan curriculum:

• Gyokko-ryū - Known for its striking techniques and finger methods
• Kotō-ryū - Famous for its bone-breaking techniques
• Shinden Fudō-ryū - Known for its natural body movements
• Takagi Yōshin-ryū - Specializing in grappling techniques
• Kukishin-ryū - Famous for its versatile weapons techniques
• Togakure-ryū - The oldest school, focusing on ninjutsu principles

An important philosophical aspect of Bujinkan training is that practitioners typically do not engage in competitions or tournaments. The focus is on mastering the art for personal development and practical self-defense rather than sporting achievement.

Weapon Systems

The Bujinkan curriculum includes training with a diverse array of traditional Japanese weapons, categorized into four primary classes:

The Nine Schools (Ryūha) of Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu

The foundation of Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu consists of nine traditional Japanese martial arts schools (ryūha), each with its own unique history, techniques, and specialties:

1. Gyokko-ryū Kosshijutsu (玉虎流骨指術) - "School of the Jeweled Tiger" - One of the oldest schools, focusing on striking vital points and joint manipulation
2. Kotō-ryū Koppojutsu (虎倒流骨法術) - "School of the Tiger Knock Down" - Emphasizes direct strikes to bones and joints
3. Shinden Fudō-ryū Dakentaijutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) - "Divine Immovable School" - Focuses on natural body movements and strikes
4. Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jutaijutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) - "School of the Willow Heart" - Specializes in grappling techniques and flexible body movements
5. Kuki Shinden-ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) - "School of the Nine Demon Gods" - Known for its diverse weapons techniques
6. Gikan-ryū Koppojutsu (義鑑流骨法術) - "School of Justice" - Focuses on bone-breaking methods and direct combat
7. Togakure-ryū Ninpō (戸隠流忍法) - "School of the Hidden Door" - The oldest ninja tradition in the Bujinkan
8. Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) - "School of the Jeweled Heart" - Emphasizes strategy, tactics, and intelligence gathering
9. Kumogakure-ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) - "School of the Hidden Cloud" - Known for its unique weapons and surprise tactics

Each school contributes its unique techniques, principles, and philosophy to the comprehensive system of Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu, providing practitioners with a well-rounded martial education that addresses various combat scenarios and environments.

Ranking System

The Bujinkan uses a traditional Japanese ranking system that includes both kyū (student) and dan (master) grades:

Modern Practice

Today, Bujinkan is practiced worldwide with an estimated membership of over 300,000 practitioners across more than 50 countries. The international growth of the organization accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s as Western interest in ninjutsu increased.

Key aspects of modern Bujinkan practice include:

• Annual Themes - Each year, Hatsumi Sōke focuses training on a specific aspect or school within the Bujinkan system
• Japan Training - Many dedicated practitioners travel to Japan for direct instruction from Hatsumi and his senior Japanese instructors
• Cultural Preservation - The Bujinkan serves as a repository for ancient Japanese martial traditions that might otherwise be lost
• Authentic Training - Focus on preserving traditional techniques while adapting to modern self-defense contexts
• No Competition - Unlike many modern martial arts, Bujinkan maintains the traditional approach of not participating in competitions or tournaments
• Practical Application - Training emphasizes real-world effectiveness rather than sport-specific rules

The Bujinkan philosophy emphasizes natural movement, adaptability, and the concept of banpen fūgyo (万変不行) - "10,000 changes, no surprises" - teaching practitioners to be prepared for any situation.

Videos & Demonstrations