What is the Bujinkan?
The Bujinkan or “Divine Warrior House” is an international training organization based in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is headed by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the current generation head of nine ko-ryu or feudal-era traditions passed to him by his teacher, Toshitsugu Takamatsu. Q: What is the basis of the training? A: That requires a complex answer, divided into at least three areas: moral foundation, historical perspective, and physical training. Q: Why is a moral foundation necessary? A: It provides a framework for appropriate application of the skills we develop. Hatsumi sensei often says that “The purpose of martial art is to live”. This can be taken on different levels: staying alive through physical danger, or as a path through which one can have a vital and satisfying existence. The Bujinkan approaches the study of actual feudal battle skills (bujutsu) as a spiritual life path (budo). In the Saskatoon dojo we begin with the premise that the most basic value is life, without which nothi
The Bujinkan is an international martial arts organization created by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi. It is a collection of nine Japanese ryuha (schools or traditions). Six of the nine schools are traditional samurai arts, and three are ninja arts. Hatsumi Sensei inherited these ryuha from his teacher, the late Toshitsugu Takamatsu, in 1972. Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu translates as Warrior Way Body Skills. The art was formerly known as Ninjutsu, but Hatsumi Sensei renamed it, possibly due to inaccurate ideas many people associated with the previous name. Budo Taijutsu emphasizes natural, relaxed movement. In training, one learns to use proper alignment, timing, and distancing to defeat opponents, rather than strength or speed. Taijutsu (unarmed combat) training uses the entire body moving together to provide power. The subtle destruction of the attackers balance and rhythm is a primary focus. These principles allow even smaller practitioners to defeat larger and stronger opponents. Although the Bujin
