Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

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Bujinkan in General:
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a Japanese martial art. The organisation known as the Bujinkan was the initiative of one man. This man is our Soke (grandmaster) Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi who lives in Noda-shi, Japan. He was taught by the former Soke the late Toshitsugu Takamatsu and named the Bujinkan after his teacher. In Bujinkan we train both, our body and spirit. It is mostly done through kata (forms) usually practised in pairs. The kata and techniques we train are the vehicles we use to gain a better understanding of the basic principles. They are not seen as a goal in itself. We try to improve on principles such as timing, balance, flow, footwork and intention. Although about eighty percent of training consists of taijutsu (unarmed, literally 'body' techniques) we also practise weapon kata. The weapons we usually train with are hanbo (3 foot staff), bo (6 foot staff) and katana (Japanese sword), however, many other weapons are also dealt with.

Characteristics of Bujinkan:
Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu has a few characteristics that are not particularly found in many other arts. The Bujinkan has a very rich tradition but is not caught in it. Whereas many arts tend be rigid in their movements as well as in thought, Bujinkan is not. This characteristic is often mistaken for the idea of 'whatever you do is good no matter what', to a certain extend this is true. Through the correct performance of the basics a way of moving is learnt through which one can move and think freely. The only way to do this is to train with someone who regularly visits Taikai or goes to Japan to train with Hatsumi-sensei (and other Japanese teachers) and get rid of those 'bad habits'. Competition or sport-elements are not found in Bujinkan. Training is soft but can be hard eventhough training should always be serious but with a happy and relaxed feeling. Discovering the enormous potential and broadness of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu is a continuous drive to keep training and progressing and makes this martial art ever interesting.

The nine ryu:
The Bujinkan incorporates nine ryu (schools). All of these schools have different characteristics although some of them are linked in their history, ways of movement and thought. Most of them have over 15 generations of direct lineage to their founders centuries ago. Here are the names of the nine ryu in Bujinkan:

Togakure Ryu	Gyokko Ryu
Koto Ryu	Kukishinden Ryu
Shinden Fudo Ryu	Gyokushin Ryu
Takagi Yoshin Ryu	Kumogakure Ryu
Gikan Ryu

Recommended Links:
When you have a look at our Links Page you can see over 60 links world-wide. Most of these links are based on providing local dojo information. We think the following ones are definetely worth a visit because they offer more information on various subjects.

Mats Hjelm's Bujinkan site For more background information on the nine ryu, FAQ-file and more.

"Graham Ramsden's Bujinkan Butoku Dojo England" One of the best instructors and one of the most knowledgeable persons I have seen in Europe.

"Bujinkan Training and Life in Japan" Maintained from Japan by 'Kasumi'.

Ben Jones' Homepage Ben Jones often translates for Soke and can definetely be called an insider.

Bujinkan France - Arnaud Cousergue Arnaud has a 1st class page and is one of the high ranking persons in Europe.

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for comments or questions, mail; Marco Verheij