Although ninjutsu is not a sport, it allows the practitioner to attain great physical fitness and to develop effective self-defense skills. but above all else, it contributes the deeper development of a practitioner’s self-awareness. in today’s wasteful exploration of nature, in times of warfare and social inequality, i can clearly see bright new tasks for the students of ninjutsu and other martial arts as well. these tasks are as clear as crystal: through the understanding of nature and self-awareness, one might discover latent power in humans, the source of good and justice, achieving the essence of the Heart, kokoro no katachi.
Remigiusz Borda
You should know that perseverance alone is barely a streak of airy smoke.
You should know that the human path is justice.
Forget the heart full of hatred, greed, feelings of pride,
and the desire to always be the best (with respect to yourself).
You should understand grief and anger as laws of nature,
and try to achieve enlightenment through your indestructible heart.
Never leave the path of loyalty and respect;
follow the path of reason and the sword (Bunbu).
These five dojo rules were written in the new year of Meiji 23 (1890) by Toda Shinyaken Masumitsu.
They were passed from Takamatsu Toshitsugu to Hatsumi Masaaki Byakuryu
on Many Promising Day of March, Showa 23 (1958).
The essence of Shinshin Shigan can be understood through the Kyu and Dan ranks
and through the natural elements Chi-Sui-Ka-Fu-Ku.
Soke Hatsumi and Bujinkan
Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi was a student of Toshitsugu Takamatsu. He not only continues on the path of his great predecessors but, respecting tradition and history, he fits perfectly within the reality of modern times. People are awed by Masaaki Hatsumi’s rich personality. He is a highly regarded expert in the field of ancient Japanese medicine, a philosopher, a writer, and an artist practicing traditional ink painting. His knowledge and collective experience are unique and incomparable. Thanks to Soke Hatsumi, Ninjutsu is perceived not as a collection of archaic ways of fighting, but as a real and very effective martial art, used successfully by the special forces of the world’s largest armies and by people who want to practice classic Budo.
Soke Hatsumi created within Bujinkan (the name of the school, which can be translated as “Temple of the martial arts God”) an excellent training system. The system is based on years of combat experience, tradition, and transfer of knowledge.
Soke Hatsumi introduced new ways of training to the school, enabling students of Ninjutsu to continuously and systematically enhance their skills. Technical and mental development should always be associated with an appropriate teacher. Only a proper relationship between a master and a student is a guarantee that the system, method, and spirit of Budo won’t be distorted or lost.
At this point I would like to thank my direct teacher, Heinz H. Meyer, 10 dan Judan Kugyo, for solid training and the heart of a warrior, which he, with great competence and enthusiasm, transferred to me. I direct my sincere gratitude to Jesko Welke, 5th Dan (Godan), for the long-term cooperation in which we both continuously grow.
1. Toshitsugu Takamatsu Soke (1887-1972)
2. Masaaki Hatsumi Soke and Takamatsu Toshitsugu during the Shrikenjutsu training.
3. Masaaki Hatsumi Soke with the author (first visit to Japan, 2000).
4. Somei Sensei with the author (Japan, 2006).
5. Jesko Welke with the author (Kęszyca, Poland, 2012).
6. Shihan H. H. Meyer with the author (Kęszyca, Poland, 2012).
Toshitsugu Takamatsu
Shortly before his death in 1974, Toshitsugu Takamatsu, master of nine traditional Japanese Ryu-ha, identified his favorite student, Masaaki Hatsumi, as his heir. Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi named the new school in honor of his teacher, who, after his death, was called bujin (“the divine warrior”). the world bujinkan can be interpreted as “house of the divine warrior.” bu means “warrior,” jin means “god,” and the word kan means “house.” Due to the extensive amount of knowledge passed by takamatsu to Hatsumi — it contained nine martial traditions (ryu-ha) — Hatsumi Sensei decided not to teach them separately, but to convey the entire body of knowledge as a unity. of the nine bujinkan schools, six are the samurai schools and three are the ninja schools. However, bujinkan budo is called ninjutsu.
Togakure Ryu Ninpo 戸隠流
first Soke: around the year 1161
Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo 玉心流忍法
first Soke: around the year 1300
Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo 雲隠流忍法
first Soke: around the year 1550
Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu 玉虎流骨指術
first Soke: around the year 1156
Shinden Fudo Ryu Dankentaijutsu 神伝不動流打拳体術
first Soke: around the year 1130
Koto Ryu Koppojutsu 虎倒流骨法術
first Soke: around the year 1532.
Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu 義鑑流骨法術
first Soke: around the year 1558
Kukishinden Ryu Happo Bikenjutsu 九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術
first Soke: around the year 1336
Takagi Yoshin Ryu 高木揚心流柔体術
first Soke: around the year 1625.
1. Togakure Ryu Ninpo School of the Hidden Door
First