The is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi. The combat system taught by this organization comprises nine separate ryūha, or schools, which are collectively referred to as Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu.; The Bujinkan is most commonly associated with ninjutsu. However, Masaaki Hatsumi uses the term Budo (meaning martial way) as he says the ryūha are descended from both historical samurai schools that teach samurai martial tactics and ninjutsu schools that teach ninja tactics.
Training
The Bujinkan organization incorporates the teachings of the martial arts lineages (ryūha) that Masaaki Hatsumi learned from Takamatsu Toshitsugu under the banner of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu. These are:Stephen Hayes(1983) "Warrior Path of Togakure" page 7; primary source – Former Bujinkan instructorhttp://bujinkanbudotaijutsu.co.uk; primary source – Bujinkan organization
Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu (戸隠流忍法体術) Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō (玉心流忍法) Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō (雲隠流忍法) Kotō Ryū Koppō jutsu (虎倒流骨法術) Gyokko Ryū Kosshi jutsu (玉虎流骨指術) Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu (九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術) Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentai jutsu (神伝不動流打拳体術) Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu (高木揚心流柔体術) Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu (義鑑流骨法術)
At around the time of Hatsumi's 88th birthday (Beiju: :ja:米寿) on 2 December 2019, he announced his successors for most of the above schools:
Togakure-ryū: Tsutsui Takumi Gyokushin-ryū: Kan Jun'ichi Kumogakure-ryū: Furuta Kōji Kotō-ryū: Noguchi Yukio Gyokko-ryū: Ishizuka Tetsuji† Kukishin-ryū: Iwata Yoshio Shinden Fudō-ryū: Nagato Toshirō Takagi Yōshin-ryū: Sakasai Norio Gikan-ryū: Sakasai Norio
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu training does not include participation in competitions or contests, as the school's training aims to develop the ability to protect oneself and others using techniques that focus on disabling an attacker (and/or removing their desire/ability to continue) as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This training is conducted in a manner in which there are predefined "attackers" (tori) and "receivers" (uke) similar to drills in judo (gokyo) or traditional Japanese martial arts. However, the Bujinkan differs from many traditional martial arts in that the training progresses through the following stages: Predefined sets of movements (kata) and physical conditioning Variations to the fixed drills (henka), responding to changes in the attacker's movements or situation Free form training (randori) consisting mostly of spur-of-the-moment, dynamic techniques during which the defender hits, locks, chokes or throws the attacker in a controlled and safe manner More advanced training consists of controlling the attacker's mind using various techniques such as pain compliance and deception Training is done in a manner that entails little risk of permanent injury.
The Bujinkan does not adhere to any official guideline or set of rules to limit actions or techniques used during training. The approach used in the Bujinkan includes gaining compliance through pain and utilising potentially damaging techniques in order to survive dangerous situations rather than focusing on winning a competition or evenly matched duel. As a result, many of the staple responses of a Bujinkan student would be inappropriate in most competitions, but in ring environment the principles of the training can be employed. One mainstay criticism of Bujinkan training, which is a misconception is that it does not necessarily involve testing techniques (locks, throws, chokes, strikes, etc.) against a fully resisting opponent. This is purely subjective to the instructor and individual practitioner. Bujinkan is widely practiced and utilized by law enforcement, government agencies, military and military contractors, and those in private security.
The Bujinkan largely focuses on "taijutsu" (body movement / skills) as well as other skills of ninjutsu (ninpo tactics and strategies) and happo biken jutsu (various modern and traditional weapons) – this is the Bujinkan's branch of Kukishin-ryū
Taijutsu Taijutsu (body combat art) is the Bujinkan system of unarmed defence using strikes, throws, holds, chokes and joint locks. It encompasses skill such as: koppo jutsu is the "way of attacking and/or using the skeletal structure"; koshi jutsu is the way of attacking muscles and weak points on the body; jutai jutsu is the "relaxed body method" teaching throwing, grappling and choking techniques and dakentai jutsu which emphasises strikes, kicks and blocks
The first levels of training, such as leaping, tumbling, break fall techniques and body conditioning, form the basis for taijutsu. They are needed to progress into other techniques such as unarmed combat and the use of tools and weapons. Once learned, Taijutsu techniques can be applied to any situation, armed or unarmed.
Tori and Uke Training begins with two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (waza or kata) and then advancing to unlimited variations of those forms (henka). The basic pattern is for the Tori (Tori, or the person applying the technique) to initiate a technique against the person who receives the technique (Uke).
Ukemi and balance Bujinkan taijutsu seeks to use body movement and positioning rather than strength to defeat the opponent. All techniques in Bujinkan taijutsu involve unbalancing the opponent while maintaining one's own balance. This is achieved by moving the opponent into inferior positions and manipulating their body along weak lines where it is difficult for the opponent to resist. The attacker continuously seeks to regain balance and cover vulnerabilities (such as an exposed side), while the defender uses position and timing to keep the attacker off balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, the attacker will sometimes apply to regain balance and disable the defender.
refers to the act of receiving a technique. Good ukemi involves a roll or breakfall to avoid pain or injury such as dislocation of a joint. Thus, learning to roll and breakfall effectively is key to safe training in taijutsu. Before receiving the 9th kyu (the lowest rank), a student must demonstrate the ability to roll smoothly in a variety of directions without exposing the neck to injury.
Physical conditioning Junan taiso (junan meaning flexible) is a yogic method of stretching and breathing by means of which the Bujinkan practitioner may develop and maintain good physical condition and wellbeing. The exercises promote relaxation, blood circulation, muscle toning and flexibility,[Davey, H.E. (2006). Japanese Yoga: The Way of Dynamic Meditation Berkeley, USA. . pp. 216.] and form a core part of all training sessions. Junan taiso is a form of conditioning and preparation for the body. All major joints are rotated and stretched in a proper manner while healthy breathing and concentration are practiced.Black Belt Magazine, October 1985, pg 29, Darryl Caldwell, 'Diary of a Ninja Trainee';primary source – Written by Darryl Caldwell, Bujinkan instructor
Origins Almost all of the martial arts/ryuha in the Bujinkan are listed with their historical lineages in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten (Encyclopedia of Martial Art Schools, researched by Watatani Kiyoshi and Yamada Tadashi and first published in 1963). From 1968 on (4 years before Takamatsu's death), the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten has had entries for Hatsumi below Takamatsu.
Several Bujinkan ryūha were mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (History of Fighting Arts). Although details are omitted, it states, "there are several schools that are well-known for being 'effective arts' (jitsuryoku ha)". Among the schools listed in this section are Gyokko Ryū, Gikan-ryū Koppō jutsu, Gyokushin-ryū Ninpō, Kukishin-ryū, Takagi Yōshin-ryū Jūtai jutsu and Asayama Ichiden-ryū (which is not part of the Bujinkan's nine schools but was studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno).
Several of the samurai systems taught by Hatsumi such as Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu and Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu have well documented lineages with different branches of these arts surviving under their own Sōke. However, whilst the ninja's activities are well documented, the nature of ninjutsu & the historical context means that there are no surviving written records of ninjutsu teachings prior to 1676.Ninja: 1,000 Years of the Shadow Warriors by John Man As a result, some researchers assert that there is no way to independently verify the oral lineage included in the Togakure Ryu tradition.
In the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten the researchers list the full lineage for Togakure-ryū stating the following: "The succession is an oral tradition from Toda Shinryūken. Toda Shinryūken Masamitsu died in 1908 at the age of 90 years. According to the lineage, Ikai originated the school, and in the Yōwa period (1181–1182), it separated from Hakuun Dōshi of Hakuun-ryū and became the Kōga and Iga schools of ninjutsu. The lineage passed through Momochi Sandayū and entered into the Natori-ryū of Kishū domain. From the time of Toda Nobutsuna, the tradition was passed on to the Toda family. This genealogy refers to dates and kuden (orally transmitted stories/lessons) about people implying that these people were older than written records would suggest"
The entry regarding Gyokko Ryu is as follows: "Receiving the tradition of Gyokko ryu Shitojutsu from Sakagami Taro Kunishige of the Tenbun era, Toda Sakyo Ishinsai established Gyokko ryu Koshijutsu as well as Koto ryu Koppojutsu, passing them on to Momochi Sandayu, bringing them within the traditions of Iga ryu Ninjutsu of Toda Shinryuken who lived during the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate (ended 1868). It is said that Toda Shinryuken died in the 14th year of the Meiji Emperor (1881) at the age of 90 years.""Bugei Ryuha Daijiten" page 229
The entry regarding Koto Ryu is as follows: "The genesis of koppoujutsu is said to have been in ancient China. Koto ryu was brought to our country by a Chan Bushou* of Korea, after this it was brought within the traditions of Iga ryu Ninjutsu, and it's revitalization in the Tenbun era is said to have been from Momochi Sandayu inheriting the tradition from Toda Sakyo Ishinsai (oral tradition from Toda Shinryuken).""Bugei Ryuha Daijiten" page 296
Recent history Since 1988, Hatsumi's teaching has focused on a particular theme, or focus, each year. This typically means that a specific ryū, or a certain set of techniques from specific ryū, will be taught. Hatsumi announces the year's theme each year at the Daikomyosai.
Depending on what years a student has studied in Japan, they may find that their focus reflects the themes or schools taught during their time. This is one reason why there are often noticeable differences in the techniques of different teachers in the Bujinkan. Although Ninpo Taijutsu is an overall theme of the Bujinkan, 2008 marked the first time that a Ninpo Taijutsu Ryū was the focus of the year. Prior to founding the Bujinkan organization and teaching the nine Ryū collectively (with particular yearly focus), Hatsumi awarded his students rank certificates in individual Ryū. The themes so far have been:
2019 – Muto Dori Continued 2018 – Muto Dori Continued 2017 – Muto Dori 2015 – Nagamaki 2014 – 神韻武導 Shin In Bu Dou / 神 SHIN, JIN god, deity; mind, soul / 韻 IN rhyme; elegance; tone / 武 BU, MU martial, military arts, chivalry. Bu or Mu refers to the warrior, Bushi or Musha / 導 DŌ leading, guiding. 2013 – Ken Engetsu no Kagami ("mirror of the fullmoon sword")/ Tachi Hôken ("divine treasure sword")— Ken, Tachi, and Katana/ Naginata and Yari 2012 – Jin Ryo Yo Go – Kaname, Sword and Rokushakubo, separately and with one in each hand 2011 – Kihon Happo 2010 – Rokkon Shoujou 2009 – 才能 魂 器 "saino konki"/ Talent, Heart, Capacity / Talent, Soul, Capacity 2008 – Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu 2007 – Kukishin Ryu 2006 – Shinden Fudo Ryu 2005 – Gyokko-ryū Kosshi jutsu (Bo and Tachi) 2004 – Daishou Juutai jutsu (Roppo-Kuji-no Biken) 2003 – Juppo Sessho