Bujinkan
Bujinkan
Bujinkan
The Bujinkan Dojo is a new martial arts organization, having been established by
Hatsumi Soke (Founder) in the last 30 years. The literal translation of Bujinkan is "Hall
of the Divine Warrior." Hatsumi Soke gave his organization this name to honour his
teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu, the first person to receive the title Soke in all of the nine
Ryu of which the Bujinkan is composed and which have histories dating from the eighth
century onwards. The teachings of these schools have been handed down in direct
teacher/disciple relationships throughout a lineage of some two hundred and one Soke
and thousands of warriors under their tutelage.
In brief, bujutsu refers to the classical martial arts/systems (pre-1600's), while ninjutsu is
a section within bujutsu. To think of ninjutsu as being something outside of bujutsu is
incorrect, as is thinking of the Bujinkan Dojo as teaching only ninjutsu.
Hatsumi Masaaki received the teachings of the nine schools of the Bujinkan from
Takamatsu Toshitsugu. Takamatsu Sensei received these teachings from three
sources: Toda Shinryuken, Ishitani Matsutaro, and Mizuta Yoshitaro. A brief description
of each school is essential to an understanding of the Bujinkan as a whole.
This is a striking system that focuses on the striking and tearing of soft fleshy areas of
the body. This style of striking is based upon Chinese Chuan-Fa (Fist Method) and is
said to have been brought to Japan in the 8th century by Yo Gyokko.
How the teachings of Gyokko Ryu were passed from him to Tozawa are unknown, as
written records from this era are not available. Gyokko Ryu was incorporated into the
collective known as Iga Ryu Ninpo, when it was passed into the Momochi family (circa
16th century) and has been incorrectly referred to as a "ninjutsu" school because of this.
This is a striking system that focuses on striking the bones and joints of the body with
the intention of breaking/destroying them. This style is also said to be based on Chinese
Chuan-Fa and is said to have been brought to Japan by Chan Busho. An exact date for
this transfer is not given, but it is known that he travelled to Japan by way of Korea.
The teachings of Chan Busho were passed through several generations to Sakagami
Taro Kunishige, who redeveloped them and is recognized as the first Soke. However, it
was the fourth Soke, Toda Sakyo Ishinsai (circa 1400) who named them "Koto Ryu."
Like the Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu was passed on to the Momochi family and became part
of the Iga Ryu Ninpo collective.
TAKAGI YOSHIN RYU - High Tree Raise Heart School
1st Soke: Takagi Oriuemon Shigetashi - - Taught to Takamatsu by: Ishitani
Sensei/Mizuta Sensei
Current Head: Hatsumi Masaaki (17th Soke)
System: Jutaijutsu (Grappling Technique) grappling system
This school is known as a striking system, but also contains a complete repertoire of
striking and grappling techniques. This style is based heavily in nature - moving in
natural ways, to and from natural positions, flowing/adapting/changing freely like nature.
The first Soke is said to have developed this Ryu from his knowledge of Koshijutsu (see
Gyokko Ryu) methods. It was passed on to a member of the Minamoto family (circa
1100) who named it Shinden Fudo Ryu.
This is a striking system that traces its roots to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu, Sogyokko
Kanritsushi. One of his students taught Usho Bankan Gikanbo who later established
Gikan Ryu and is recognized as the first Soke.
This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots back to the 13th Soke of Gyokko Ryu,
Sogyokko Kanritsushi. Gyokko Ryu was established by Sasaki Goemon Teruyori, an
ancestor of Sasaki Gendayu Sadayasu who was a student of Sogyokko. This school
has never been taught publicly, even to Bujinkan members.
This is a ninjutsu system that traces its roots to Iga Ryu Ninjutsu. It specializes in
taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of the Kamayari and Ippon-sugi Nobori. The
Kamayari is a spear with a sickle-shaped blade, while the Ippon-sugi Nobori is a tool
used for climbing trees. Both were secret tools of this school. Not much else is known
about this school, as it, along with the Gyokushin Ryu, is not taught publicly.
This is a system on ninjutsu that specializes in taijutsu (body dynamics) and the use of
numerous Kakushi Buki (Secret/Hidden Martial Tools/Skills). There were 18 areas in
which ninja of this school became proficient, each specializing in a different aspect of
Japanese martial culture.
Togakure Daisuke is recognized as the founder of what we now know as Togakure Ryu
Ninjutsu (circa 1100). He developed this school from training he had received at
Togakushi mountain during his youth, his battlefield experiences and the additional
training that he later recieved from Kumogakure Doshi in the Iga province. The Soke
lineage of this school includes people from both the Iga and Koga provinces.
Bujinkan training today
What sets the Bujinkan apart from other modern cognate forms of martial training
(Karate, Kendo, Judo, Aikido, etc.) is that the techniques which are still studied today
were formed on the battlefields of Japan before nationwide peace was achieved by the
Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. During the 250 years of peace that followed, the warrior
class, their skills no longer needed on the battlefield, began to turn to more
humanitarian endeavors. The martial arts that were founded during this time of peace
hold perfection of character as more important than combat effectiveness. The Bujinkan
is unique in that combat effectiveness is still held at the highest level, techniques not
being diluted to accommodate safety. This means that there is no tournament
competition, as techniques are studied for real-life situations only.
Particpants generally practice with a partner, taking turns performing the role of uke
(receiver of a technique). The instructor will typically demonstrate a basic technique
(kihon) with an uke at the beginning of class, and the students will pair up and attempt
the technique just shown. As the class progresses, numerous henka (variations) of the
kihon will be shown. It is this limitless world of variations that the student is expected to
enter so that he can spontaneously create a technique from nothing should the need
arise, as real-life situations rarely play themselves out as a kata shown in class.
Most Bujinkan Dojo groups do not hold formal gradings. The instructor watches the
students during every training session and issues grades when a student has shown
that they are ready for it. New grades are issued on the basis of each member's ability
to naturally express Budo Taijutsu rather than on their ability to remember, rehearse,
and perform set movements on a particular day. The student is being graded every day.
Each member is expected to be able to demonstrate a number of spontaneous
combative applications (henka) of the techniques appropriate to his/her level, and is
required to study and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of armed skills,
strategy, philosophy, history, and other complementary skills and techniques.
The Bujinkan ranking structure consists of three belts - white, green/red, and black. The
white belt is worn by new members of the dojo, and is referred to as "Mukyu" (No Rank).
Junior dojo members (Kukyu - Ikkyu, 9th Rank-1st Rank) wear a green belt. Female
practioners are recognized as having different physical and mental abilities than their
male partners, and may opt to substitute a red belt for a green one (and a purple
uniform for a black one) if they choose to do so as a reflection of this difference.
The black belt is worn by senior members and teachers of the Dojo. There are ten black
belt levels, Shodan to Judan (1st step to 10th step). The 10th level is further divided in
to 5 sub-levels: Chi, Sui, Ka, Fu, and Ku (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void). This
corresponds to the 5 levels of Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, Menkyo, and Menkyo Kaiden
found in many classical martial ryu. A person with rank from Nidan to Yondan (2nd to
4th degree black belt) may obtain a Shidoshi-ho (Assistant Instructor) license from
Hatsumi Soke, allowing them to instruct under the supervision of a fully licensed
instructor. When a student is ready for Godan (5th degree black belt), he is tested
personally by Hatsumi Soke. Upon passing, he becomes a fully licensed senior
instructor (Shidoshi) and can open his own school, being personally responsible only to
Hatsumi Soke himself.
The best resource on Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu training today is the Sanmyaku (Mountain
Flow) newsletter issued by Hatsumi Soke himself. This is information straight from the
source, and is a must for all Bujinkan members. There are local publishers of Sanmyaku
in various countries around the world. In Canada, write: Edward Brown, Sanmyaku-
Canada, Box 27589, Yorkdale PO, Toronto, ON, Canada M6A 3B8. Contact Kasumi on
#martial to get the address of a publisher in your country.
The next best resource on the Bujinkan would be any books authored by Hatsumi Soke
himself. There is no acceptable substitute author on this subject. Two good books are:
Essence of Ninjutsu: The Nine Traditions, and The Grandmaster's Book of Ninja
Training.
There are many Bujinkan websites out there with lots of information. Please take these
with a grain of salt, as much of this information comes from unofficial sources and much
of it is heavily influenced by the American Ninja Boom. Generally speaking, take
anything with salt that mentions ninja ninja ninja without referring to the other six
schools of the Bujinkan or that refers to the Bujinkan as teaching exclusively ninjutsu. In
actual fact, the vast majority of material covered in training in Japan comes from the
other six schools. One half-decent page that I have seen is the Bujinkan Australia Dojo
homepage.
Finally, training with a happy heart is stressed as important in the Bujinkan. Before his
death, Takamatsu told Hatsumi Sensei just how important it is:
"The way to experience happiness is to let go of all worries and regrets and know that
being happy is the most satisfying of life's feelings. Reflect back on all the progress in
your life and allow the positive, creative, and joyous thoughts to outshine and
overwhelm any sorrow or grief. Happiness is waiting there in front of you. Only you can
decide whether or not you choose to experience it.
Tenchijin Ryaku No Maki
Heaven, Earth and Man Strategy Book
These techniques comprise the Kihon Kata of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. Kata are taken
from all the nine schools to compile this book, and this forms the basis of instruction for
all students. The Tenchijin Ryaku No Maki was formulated by Masaaki Hatsumi, 34th
Soke of Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu and founder of the Bujinkan.
Presented by:
www.ninjutsu.ws
A number of basic techniques from all nine Bujinkan Ryuha. They are recommended to
be studied thoroughly. Most dojo use these techniques for Kyu grades.
UDEKANSETSU
HIZAKANSETSU
USHIRO HIZAKANSETSU
KOKOTSU
SOBI
AKIRENSUKEN
UCHIKOROBOSHI
KUSAGAKURE
KORI
ASHINOYUBI
THE RULES OF BUJINKAN HOMBU DOJO
1. Our intention is to live a healthy life, in a harmonious society, cultural
connections and in harmony with the nature and in the way of the warriors.
2. All members must have a membership card for the following year, issued by
Hombu Dojo . There are two kinds of membership cards: the general membership
card and a Shidoshi – Kai membership card.
4. Shidoshi-Kai membership card is issued to those who have 5. Dan and higher
(Shidoshi), and to those graded from 1.Dan to 4. Dan (Shidoshi Ho ). Members
who teach must have a membership card. Those who are not Shidoshi-Kai
members are not licensed as teachers and cannot give grades and ranks to
students.
5. Members pay the annual fee of 2.000 Yen to Hombu Dojo , and in return they get
the annual general membership card.
6. Annual Shidoshi-Kai membership card costs 15.000 Yen and has to be paid till
the end of January every year.
8. Shidoshi-Kai news papers are printed in Japanese language and are open for
different interpretations. In that case one must understand the essence "Bufu", and
translate and study given texts.
10. Shidoshi – Kai members graded 5. Dan and higher can ask Hombu Dojo for
licences and diplomas up to 4. Dan grade and give them to their students. The
diplomas cost as follows:
Kyu ranks ( from 9. Kyu grade to 1. Kyu grade ) - 1.500 Yen
Sho Dan - 5.000 Yen
Ni Dan - 10.000 Yen
San Dan - 15.000 Yen
Yon Dan - 20.000 Yen
Go Dan and higher - 30.000 Yen
11 Shidoshi Ho (from 1. Dan - 4. Dan grade) can give grades to students up to one
grade lower than their grade. For example: Shidoshi Ho 1. Dan can give from 9.
Kyu - 1. Kyu grade. Shidoshi Ho 2. Dan can give 1. Dan, etc. .
12 When diplomas for ranks are given, it should be charged double the price that is
sent to Hombu Dojo for the licence. The result of that is the profit which is then
used for the teachers own improvement in Budo.
18 Only Bujinkan Dojo Hombu membership cards and licences are valid.
19 BUJIN symbol is Copyright. If someone wants to use it, has to contact Hombu
for permission.
20 Those who have broken the law (criminals) and mentally abnormal person cannot
become members of the Bujinkan organization.
21 The members must follow the "Bufu Ikkan" (the principles and the way of the
warrior every day in life) for selfpreservation, natural justice and happiness
through martial arts and martial way.
22 Bujinkan members are responsible for their Dojo / community and need to
contact Hombu in that purpose.