Hatsumi Masaaki (Yoshiaki) was born on December 2, 1931 in Noda-shi.

Until he was 26 years old he practised Kendo, Judo, Boxing and Karate.

As he was never satisfied with these martial arts he began a quest for the 'true martial art' 

and studied under several grandmasters until he came into contact with Takamatsu Toshitsugu.

During the next fifteen years he went to Kashiwabara every weekend to study under Takamatsu-sensei. 

Takamatsu-sensei died on April 2 1972. A few years prior to this, Hatsumi was granted 

the title of Soke (Family Head) of these ryu (schools):



Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, 34th Soke 

Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu, 28th Soke 

Kukishinden Ryu Daken Taijutsu, 28th Soke 

Shindenfudo Ryu Dakentaijutsu, 26th Soke 

Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, 21th Soke 

Koto Ryu Koppojutsu, 18th Soke 

Takagiyoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu, 17th Soke 

Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu, 15th Soke 

Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu, 14th Soke 







He named his organisation the Bujinkan Dojo in honour of his teacher Takamatsu Toshitsugu. 

(Read more about the Bujinkan Dojo here)

Each year he visits several countries to teach at a Taikai. 

(Read about the one that he did in 1996 in Holland here). 

He has released several videos and books. 

He also supported many film, TV and theatre acts with martial arts guidance. 






Some of Hatsumi-sensei's accomplishments:



In 1982 he first travels to the U.S.A. In 1987 he first travels to Europe (UK). 

In 1988 he acted in Jiraya, a 50 episodes television children's adventure series. 

He played the part of "Yamaji Tetsuzan" (Jiraya's father and teacher). 

In 1992 he received an honorary degree of Ph.D. in Natural Science from a US University. 

In this year he also accepted an award from the Noda City Educational and Cultural Board in

recognition of the Bujinkan's contribution to International Relations betweeen Noda City and 

many countries around the world. 

1993 He received a Ph.D. from the Electronical Research University in Washington. 

1994 He received an honorary Doctorate from Manchester School of Osteopathy. 

1995 He was awarded the title Todo Hanshi (Master teacher of the way of the sword) 

by the Zen Nippon Todo Renmei (Japan Sword Federation). 

He has received many Letters of Friendship from various president of various countries. 

He was Black Belt Magazine's 1986 Instructor of the Year.







Some Quotes by Hatsumi sensei:



"only teach 50% of what you know" 

"always be able to kill your students"

"there are three kinds of Budoka:

ones that try to look strong, 

ones that try to perfect their technique 

and ones that try to gain a good heart"

"when weak or injured always continue training 

as you should always be able to adapt in any condition"

"teachers have bad habits, those bad habits can mean the difference 

between life and death for his students"

"focus on the future for 50%, on the present for 40%, and on the past for 10%"














for comments or questions, mail;
Marco Verheij