Bujinkan


The Bujinkan 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 as he says the ryūha are descended from 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 that Masaaki Hatsumi learned from Takamatsu Toshitsugu under the banner of Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.
These are:
  • Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu
  • Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō
  • Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō
  • Kotō Ryū Koppō jutsu
  • Gyokko Ryū Kosshi jutsu
  • Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu
  • Shinden Fudo Ryū Dakentai jutsu
  • Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu
  • Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu
At around the time of Hatsumi's 88th birthday 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 as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This training is conducted in a manner in which there are predefined "attackers" and "receivers" similar to drills in judo 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 and physical conditioning
  • Variations to the fixed drills, responding to changes in the attacker's movements or situation
  • Free form training 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 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” as well as other skills of ninjutsu and happo biken jutsu - this is The Bujinkan's branch of Kukishin-ryū

Taijutsu

Taijutsu 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 and then advancing to unlimited variations of those forms. The basic pattern is for the Tori to initiate a technique against the person who receives the technique.

''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, while the defender uses position and timing to keep the attacker off balance and vulnerable. In more advanced training, the attacker will sometimes apply reversal techniques to regain balance and disable the defender.
Ukemi 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, a student must demonstrate the ability to roll smoothly in a variety of directions without exposing the neck to injury.

Physical conditioning

Junan taiso 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, 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.

Origins

Almost all of the martial arts/ryuha in the Bujinkan are listed with their historical lineages in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten. From 1968 on, the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten has had entries for Hatsumi below Takamatsu.
Several Bujinkan ryūha were mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi. Although details are omitted, it states, "there are several schools that are well-known for being 'effective arts' ". 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.
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. 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, 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 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. It is said that Toda Shinryuken died in the 14th year of the Meiji Emperor at the age of 90 years."
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."

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, 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 / Tachi Hôken — 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
  • 2004 – Daishou Juutai jutsu
  • 2003 – Juppo Sessho
  • 2002 – Jutai jutsu
  • 2001 – Kosshi jutsu
  • 2000 – Koppo jutsu
  • 1999 – Kukishinden Ryu
  • 1998 – Shinden Fudo Ryu
  • 1997 – Jojutsu
  • 1996 – Bokken
  • 1995 – Naginata
  • 1994 – Yari
  • 1993 – Rokushakubojutsu
  • 1992 – Taijutsu Power
  • 1991 – Sword and Jutte
  • 1990 – Hanbo
  • 1989 – Taijutsu and Weapons
  • 1988 – Taijutsu
No focus was announced for 2009, though Hatsumi talked about three things that are important for a martial artist, which may be loosely considered to be the yearly theme. He said that these things would become a bit of a theme for next year.
  • Sainou
  • Kokoro
  • Utsuwa
Soon after this theme as was announced, Hatsumi proposed that the second aspect, Kokoro, be replaced by Tamashii, reasoning that the heart is constantly changing, whereas the soul is permanent and unchanging and therefore "essential to the person".