Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu · 武神館
The Nine Schools of the Bujinkan
Nine ryūha. Samurai and ninja traditions passed from Takamatsu Toshitsugu to Masaaki Hatsumi, and studied together as Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu. Here is each school’s history, teachings and Soke lineage, all on one page.
The Bujinkan (武神館) is an international martial arts organization founded by Masaaki Hatsumi. Its combat system comprises nine separate ryūha, collectively called Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu. The Bujinkan is most commonly associated with ninjutsu. But Hatsumi uses the term Budō (martial way), as the ryūha descend both from samurai schools that teach samurai tactics and from ninjutsu schools that teach ninja tactics.
The Bujinkan focuses on taijutsu (body movement and skills), the other skills of ninjutsu (ninpo tactics and strategy), and happo biken jutsu (modern and traditional weapons), the Bujinkan’s branch of Kukishin Ryū.
Ninpō · School of the Hidden Door
Togakure Ryu
戸隠流忍法体術 Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu
Soke Hatsumi sums up the Togakure Ryu Ninpo in his book Hiden Ninja Submission:
It was founded by Togakure Daisuke who was a vassal of Kiso Yoshinaka at the time he lost a war, and, after learning various military arts such as Kosshijutsu and Kenjutsu from his uncle Kagakure Doshi, was in hiding in Iga in the early 12th century. It was initially called Togakure Ryu Happo Hiken but has been called by various names since that time. Iga ninja such as Momochi Sandayu and others studied the ryu and passed it to the Natori family of Kishu and later in the 17th century to the Toda family. Togakure Ryu is known for its use of the Shuko, Senban Nage, Shuriken, and the 4-foot Shinodake used in Suiren. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a branch of Kosshijutsu.Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
The Main Teachings
- “Violence is to be avoided, and Ninpo is Bujutsu.”
- “Use the sword to be peaceful, and protect country, family, and nature.”
- Kajo waraku: “The enjoyment of peaceful harmony with the same effortless compassion as that of the wildflowers.”
Sanpo Hiden: The Three Secrets
- Senban Shuriken. A four-pointed throwing star, the design of which is exclusively unique to the Togakure ninja.
- Shuko (hand needles). Also known as Tekagi. Metal bands around the palm with four spikes projecting from it, joined by leather to a second band at the wrist. A climbing tool, also used in defense against sword attacks.
- Shindake (bamboo grass). A bamboo tube 4 feet long (1.2 m) used to breathe while hiding under water. It was also used as a blowpipe. Sometimes a broken scabbard served the same purpose.
Another Togakure Ryu weapon is the Tetsubishi, with 9 spiked ends, sometimes thrown like shuriken.
The 18 Forms of Bujutsu
The Togakure Ryu ninja were required to master the 18 forms of Bujutsu (martial arts). According to Bujinkan members, these Ninja Jūhakkei were first identified in the scrolls of Togakure Ryu.
- Seishin teki kyoyo: Spiritual refinement
- Taijutsu: Unarmed combat
- Kenpo / Ninja ken: Swordsmanship
- Bojutsu: Staff fighting
- Shurikenjutsu: Blade throwing
- Kusarigama: Scythe and chain
- Yari: Spear
- Naginata: Halberd
- Bajutsu: Horsemanship
- Suiren: Swimming
- Kayaku-jutsu: Gunpowder
- Bo Ryaku: Strategy
- Cho ho: Espionage
- Shinobi Iri: Infiltration
- Inton jutsu: Escape and concealment
- Henso jutsu: Disguise
- Tenmon: Meteorology
- Chimon: Geography
Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho (philosophy) is not one of the 18 forms, but it was an important part of Ninpo training.
Gotonpo: The Five Ways of Escaping
Gotonpo was the most secret of all the ninja arts. In the Togakure Ryu there are 12 forms, called the Tonko no Jutsu, handed down since the time of the 4th Soke. The philosophy behind Gotonpo is based in Gogyo, and in the densho these secrets are only mentioned, not explained in detail.
Tonko no Jutsu is divided into the ura (inside) and the omote (outside). After this comes the Tenton Juppo no Jutsu, the 10 ways of heavenly escape: Sun, Moon, Stars, Clouds, Fog, Thunder, Lightning, Wind, Rain and Snow.
Mukuton no jutsu, Katon no jutsu, Doton no jutsu, Kinton no jutsu, Suiton no jutsu, Jinton no jutsu, Kinton no jutsu, Nitton no jutsu, Getton no jutsu, Seiton no jutsu, Unton no jutsu, Muton no jutsu.
Kosshijutsu · The Jeweled Tiger School
Gyokko Ryu
玉虎流骨指術 Gyokko Ryū Kosshijutsu
During the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), Cho Busho and Yo Gyokko supposedly left warring China and arrived in Japan, bringing with them the foundation upon which the Gyokko Ryu would later be based. Some say the original techniques were created by a princess in the Chinese Imperial Court who used quick body movements to attack specific targets on the body, which correlates with the Kosshijutsu striking techniques of this school. History and our research tell us that the oldest martial art schools of India, Tibet and China were called tiger striking (kosshijutsu) schools, and Gyokko Ryu is the jeweled tiger school.
The Kihon Happo is made from the first two levels of the Gyokko Ryu, Ki Gata and Torite Kihon Gata, which are also the basic techniques of the school. Typical of the Gyokko Ryu are powerful blocks and balance taking. The school specializes in Kosshijutsu (attacks against muscles) and Shitojutsu (use of thumbs and fingers). Kosshijutsu means “to knock down the enemy with one finger.” Koshi can also mean “backbone,” as Kosshijutsu is the backbone of martial arts. Togakure Ryu Ninpo Taijutsu is a distant branch of the Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu.
The Gyokko Ryu uses Ten Ryaku Uchu Gassho (heaven and universe prayer), Chi Ryaku Futen Goshin Gassho (circle of wind prayer) and Jin Ryaku Chi Sui Ka Fu Henka Ryaku (circle of earth, water, fire, wind prayer). Its Gassho Kuji Kiri are Kongo (cloud), Suirin (water ring) and Kaku Gassho (fire and winds), also called the Sanpo Gassho (three treasures), which also appear in the Koto Ryu.
The Five Levels
- Ki Gata (5 techniques)
- Torite Kihon Gata
- Jo Ryaku no Maki
- Chu Ryaku no Maki
- Ge Ryaku no Maki (5 techniques)
The katas of the Koppo San Ryaku Hiden are also known as Jo Ryaku no Maki (higher level), Chu Ryaku no Maki (intermediate level) and Ge Ryaku no Maki (lower level). Each is written as a separate scroll. Also in the Gyokko Ryu are Kurai Dori (sizing up the situation), Shin Shingan (God’s heart, God’s eyes) and Tenmon Chimon (heaven and earth tactics).
The Gyokko Ryu has one fundamental rule: destroy the enemy’s power, but leave his life. When a fight is about to start, do not let the opponent win, but take him down with a technique only as strong as the situation requires. Another saying of the school: “Bushigokoro wo motte totoshi no nasu” (The warrior’s heart is precious and essential).
The Sanshin no Kata is one of the hiden (secret transmissions). Takamatsu taught this only to Hatsumi Sensei.
The Nine Rules of the Gyokko Ryu
- The character ‘nin’ means to guard the nation with one’s life.
- Forget the self, be patient, and do not fear dying.
- When in danger say or show nothing.
- As a strong enemy comes, keep an indomitable spirit.
- Serve and protect the master as you must your own parents.
- Vices dissipate your proficiency.
- Being drunk affects your judgment.
- Destroy your enemy’s power but not his life.
- Don’t teach to others without the master’s permission.
Happō Bikenjutsu · The Nine Demon Gods School
Kukishinden Ryu
九鬼神伝流八法秘剣術 Kukishinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu
Before the history of the Kukishinden Ryu can be discussed, the history of its parent school, the Kukishin Ryu, must first be examined. The techniques of the Kukishin Ryu are said to come from China, and the lands beyond China.
The ‘Kuki’ (nine demons) in the name Kukishin was given directly to Yasushimaru Kurando by the Emperor after seeing how he fought.
The Kukishinden Ryu has its roots in the Kukishin Ryu, and there are many branches of both:
- Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu*
- Kukishinden Ryu Happo Bikenjutsu*
- Kukishinden Hyoho
- Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu
- Kukishin Ryu Dakentaijutsu
- Hon Tai Kukishin Ryu
- Hon Tai Kukishin Chosui Ryu
- Tatara Shinden Ryu
- Shinden Tatara Ryu
- Nakatomi Hyoho
- Tenshin Hyoho Kukishin Ryu
*The Kukishinden Ryu is known both as Happo Hikenjutsu and Happo Bikenjutsu.
Also in the teachings of the Kukishinden Ryu is the ability to overcome an opponent from a distance, called taoke no jutsu.
Bikenjutsu is the heading for a group made up of Kenjutsu, Kodachi and Jutte. Juttejutsu is the most important part of the Bikenjutsu, and the jutte also includes Tessenjutsu (the art of the fan). This school excels especially in its use of the sword. The Kukishin Ryu also has a large weapon called the bisento, similar to the naginata.
The Kukishinden Ryu Hanbojutsu is one of the basic weapon forms taught to all students of the Bujinkan. The yari waza (sojutsu) and bo waza (bojutsu) of both the Kukishinden Ryu and the Kukishin Ryu come from the Amatsu Tatara makimono.
Some of the Kukishinden Ryu Densho appear on the second color page at the front of Hatsumi Masaaki’s book on Bojutsu, titled (left to right):
- Kukishin Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu 1
- Kukishin Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu 2
- Kukishin Ryu Happo Biken no Jutsu 3
- Kukishin Happo Biken no Jutsu 3
- Hon Tai Kukishin Chosui Ryu, Kukishin Ryu Dakentaijutsu Gokui no Maki 2
Koppōjutsu · The Tiger Knockdown School
Koto Ryu
虎倒流骨法術 Kotō Ryū Koppōjutsu
It is thought that the Koto Ryu came from China via Korea, brought by Chan Busho, a Chinese warrior. The first listed Soke of the Koto Ryu are also the Soke of the Gyokko Ryu, and there are many similarities between the two schools.
Koto Ryu and Gyokko Ryu
| Koto Ryu | Gyokko Ryu |
| Koppojutsu: attacks to the bone | Kosshijutsu: attacks to muscles and organs |
| Straight in | Circular, in yourself and in taking the opponent’s balance |
| Short distance | Greater distance |
| Short, quick, straight to the point | Longer techniques with more movement |
| More striking | More locks and throws |
If both schools are studied completely, the student will know all forms of fighting, including distance, striking, throws and locks. The two schools complement each other, and to study only one is to know only half.
The name of the school, ‘Tiger Knocking Down,’ refers to knocking down the tiger with the tips of the fingers (the Chuden Kata techniques sometimes start this way). Attacks to the face, in addition to metsubushi, are common in the techniques of the school.
The Levels of Training
- Kurai Dori (5 Kamae)
- Shoden no Kata (18 techniques)
- Chuden no Kata (12 techniques)
- Okuden no Kata (12 techniques)
- Hekito
Okuden and Hekito are the highest levels of training in the school, and contain the secret teachings. The Hekito is unarmed combat against the sword, but a skilled member of the school can also do the Hekito with sword against sword.
The Bujinkan Dojo video Koto Ryu Koppojutsu by Soke Hatsumi shows three makimono (scrolls). Two of them are partially legible as “Koto Ryu Koppojutsu” and “Koppojutsu.”
Typical Movement
- Yoko Aruki (cross stepping) and Toki (stamping on toes)
- Short distancing, and striking hard
- “The eyes are everything.” Keep the eyes blank so no movement can be read by the opponent, and look at the opponent’s eyebrows rather than their eyes
The Koto Ryu has a unique form of Kenjutsu (swordsmanship). It also contains the Sanpo Gassho (three treasures) kuji prayer forms, which also appear in the Gyokko Ryu: Kongo (cloud prayer), Suirin (water ring prayer) and Kaku Gassho (fire and winds prayer).
Dakentaijutsu · The Immovable Heart School
Shinden Fudo Ryu
神伝不動流打拳体術 Shinden Fudō Ryū Dakentaijutsu
The founder of this school, Izumo, learned Chinese Kempo boxing, and some of this is still noticeable in its techniques today. Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru is also credited as the founder of the Kukishinden Ryu Happo Hikenjutsu.
Above the door of Toda’s dojo hung a nameplate reading “Shindenfudo Ryu Jutaijutsu,” and inside were the rules every student had to abide by. From the Shindenfudo Ryu Densho:
- Know the wisdom of being patient during times of inactivity.
- Choose the course of justice as the path of your life.
- Do not allow your heart to be controlled by the demands of greed, ease, or pain.
- Sorrow, pain, and resentment should be regarded as natural qualities to be found in life. Therefore, work to cultivate an immovable spirit (heart).
- Hold in your heart the importance of family loyalty, and aspire greatly for the ways of the pen and the sword with balanced determination.
“Observing the 5 rules above is the law of the Dojo.” Written at New Year, Meiji 23 (1891). Toda Shinryuken Masamitsu.
The secret principle of the Shindenfudo Ryu is the Principle of Nature.
Two Styles of Taijutsu
Dakentaijutsu has no formal kamae and emphasizes natural posture. Jutaijutsu has 5 kamae.
Dakentaijutsu
- Ten no Kata (8 kata)
- Chi no Kata (8 kata)
- Shizen Shikoku no Kata (12 kata)
Jutaijutsu
- Kamae (5 kamae)
- Shoden no Kata (16 kata)
- Chuden no Kata (11 kata)
- Okuden no Kata (8 kata)
Hojojutsu (rope restraint) is also taught in this ryu-ha, used alongside the taijutsu to restrain the opponent. The school uses several types of yari, the ono (war axe), o-tsuchi (war hammers) and naginata.
Jūtaijutsu · The High Tree, Raised Heart School
Takagi Yoshin Ryu
高木揚心流柔体術 Takagi Yōshin Ryū Jūtaijutsu
In 1569, during the Eiroku era (1568–1579), in the Funagata Yama mountain area of Miyagi, there was a Chinese mountain priest from the Abe family called Unryu (Cloud Dragon). He was an expert in shuriken, bojutsu, yari, naginata and taijutsu from the Amatsu Tatara Rinpo Hiden Makimono. The Amatsu Tatara scroll was kept by the Abe, Nakatomi, Otomo and Monobe families (Takamatsu Sensei’s family and the Kuki family also possessed a copy).
The Dai Nippon Bugei Ryu-Ha gives Unryu’s name as Sounryu, a wandering Taoist monk living in Rikuzen Funagawa, not far from Sanroku Mountain. Some historians say Unryu came from Hieizaenji Yama in Kyoto. He studied Sessho Hiden no Jutsu, a system using the yari, also known as Juppo Sessho no Jutsu.
Unryu taught this yari system to a samurai from Katakura Kojuro (Fukushima province) named Ito Ki-i Morisatada, also called Ito Sukesada, a famous martial artist of the 1570s and founder of the Itto Ryu Kenko Ryu.
The transmission of the Takagi Yoshin Ryu scrolls from Takamatsu Toshitsugu to Hatsumi Masaaki took place on a lucky day in the 5th month of Showa 33 (May 1959).
The Levels of Training
| Level | Techniques |
| Shoden no Kata | 14 |
| Chuden no Sabaki Gata | 10 |
| Chuden no Tai no Gata | 15 |
| Okuden no Kata | 8 |
| Moguri Gata | 11 |
| Daisho Sabaki Gata | 14 |
Hon Tai Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu: Ueno Takashi (Mizuta line).
The Takagi Yoshin Ryu takes its techniques further than those of Judo and Aikido. When the techniques are applied, it is made as difficult as possible for the assailant to escape by rolling and breakfalling. This style of jujutsu comes from training inside a building, unlike styles that originated outdoors, so the opponent is thrown, locked or held close to the body in a confined space instead of being thrown away from you.
In the Takagi Yoshin Ryu you are taught to look at the eyes and use speed, and to use your opponent’s own weight and momentum against him. One technique uses the Rensa Sankaku (three sticks), a movement used as a defense against someone with a sword.
Koppōjutsu · The Truth, Loyalty and Justice School
Gikan Ryu
義鑑流骨法術 Gikan Ryū Koppōjutsu
Gikan Ryu was founded by Uryu Gikanbo, the Daimyo of Kawachi no Kuni (Kawachi province), who lived in the family castle called Uryujo. It is said that Uryu Gikanbo’s punch was so powerful that he once broke a sword blade in half. He was also a master of Hichojutsu and Senban Nage.
Gikan Ryu contains many special kicks, punches and throws, and its dynamic footwork is used widely within the Bujinkan system. Unfortunately little of the actual technique has been taught in the West, so little is known. Many think the Gikan Ryu kamae are off balance because they need extensive practice before they start to “feel” right.
One of the special teachings of the ryu is Bufu ni sente nashi (from this side there is not the first strike), which tells us this was a defensive, not offensive, art.
The 5 Levels of Training
- Shoden Gata
- Chuden Gata
- Okuden Gata
- Kaiden Gata
- Menkyo Kaiden
The Makimono scrolls of the Gikan Ryu have sections on the kata names, history, secret striking points (kyusho) and strategies of the ryu. But research revealed that when referring to techniques, the makimono only mention the names and do not contain step-by-step instructions. This kept the teachings secret in case the scrolls were stolen. From what we understand there are no densho in the Gikan Ryu. The whole range of kata was taught orally.
Ninpō · The Jeweled Heart School
Gyokushin Ryu
玉心流忍法 Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō
It is believed that the Gyokushin Ryu’s founder, Sasaki Goemon, was originally from the Gyokko Ryu, or that the techniques of the Gyokushin Ryu were based on the Gyokko Ryu. Gyokushin Ryu is considered a style of koshijutsu.
The fighting techniques of the Gyokushin Ryu are not widely known in the West. What is known is that it uses sutemi (sacrifice) throws, and that the school concentrated more on the espionage side of ninjutsu than on the fighting side. Its specialties have been said to include kusari fundo, ninjutsu, koppojutsu, jutaijutsu, kenjutsu and iaijutsu, although we have no confirmation of this.
The Bugei Ryuha Daijiten states that Takamatsu Toshitsugu transferred the Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo to Hatsumi in the middle of the 20th century, making him its lineage holder. Hatsumi is the 21st Soke.
Hatsumi says this about the Gyokushin Ryu in his book Hiden Ninja Submission:
It is a faction of kosshijutsu and was founded by Sasaki Orouemon Akiyari. A characteristic of the ryu is found in the kind of weapons it uses. Gyokushin Ryu is known for its superior use of nagenawa, a lasso.Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
Ninpō · The Hidden Cloud School
Kumogakure Ryu
雲隠流忍法 Kumogakure Ryū Ninpō
It has been said that this ryu was created by the Toda family in the 1600s as a ninjutsu school of thought, centering its techniques on the non-violent side of ninjutsu. The Togakure Ryu teaches that violence is to be avoided, which would also explain why the school’s taijutsu is similar to the Togakure Ryu, as the Toda were also Soke of the Togakure Ryu.
One of the special weapons of the ryu is the kamayari (hook spear). Originally designed for climbing up the sides of ships, it was also used when fighting against swordsmen. The densho mentions a ninja named Sarutobi Sasuke of the Kumogakure Ryu, who used a kamayari to hook onto branches and swing from tree to tree, just like a monkey.
Another climbing device is the ippon sugi noburi (single cedar climbing tool): a metal tube 25 cm long with three rows of spikes on the outside and a chain running through the middle, with a metal hook at each end.
Another specialty of this ryu is the demon mask sometimes worn by its members. The kikaku ken, or “demon horn strike” (head butt), may give rise to another theory: that the mask, even when not worn, gave the idea to use the head in fighting.
The ninja of the Kumogakure Ryu wore armored sleeves into combat, for protection and for attacking. Outdoor skills such as lighting fires in wet weather and other aspects of survival were part of the training. Kumogakure Ryu taijutsu specialties include double blocks and strikes, and jumping while fighting.
In the Bujinkan Dojo, the chant “Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo” is used to open and close training sessions. As far as the Bujinkan is concerned, it is thought this was first used in the Kumogakure Ryu teachings. Although this Sanskrit chant has its roots in Vedic teachings, some say it is waka (poetry), showing both Buddhist and Shinto attitudes.
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu
Training, History and Rank
How the Bujinkan Trains
Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu training does not include competitions or contests. The training aims to develop the ability to protect oneself and others, using techniques that disable an attacker, or remove their desire and ability to continue, as efficiently as possible.
Training is done with predefined attackers (tori) and receivers (uke). But the Bujinkan differs from many traditional martial arts in that training progresses through these stages:
- Predefined sets of movements (kata) and physical conditioning
- Variations of the fixed drills (henka), responding to changes in the attacker’s movements or situation
- Free-form training (randori): spur-of-the-moment, dynamic techniques in which the defender hits, locks, chokes or throws the attacker in a controlled and safe manner
- Advanced training in controlling the attacker’s mind, using techniques such as pain compliance and deception
The Bujinkan does not follow a set of rules that limits the techniques used in training. It trains to survive dangerous situations, not to win a competition or an evenly matched duel.
Taijutsu: The Body Arts
Taijutsu is the Bujinkan system of unarmed defense using strikes, throws, holds, chokes and joint locks. It includes koppo jutsu, the way of attacking or using the skeletal structure; koshi jutsu, attacking muscles and weak points; jutai jutsu, the relaxed body method of throwing, grappling and choking; and dakentai jutsu, which emphasizes strikes, kicks and blocks.
The first levels of training, such as leaping, tumbling, breakfalls and body conditioning, form the basis for taijutsu. Once learned, taijutsu can be applied to any situation, armed or unarmed.
Tori and Uke
Training begins with two partners practicing pre-arranged forms (waza or kata), then advancing to unlimited variations of those forms (henka). Tori applies the technique; Uke receives it.
Ukemi and Balance
Bujinkan taijutsu uses body movement and positioning rather than strength. Every technique unbalances the opponent while keeping your own balance, moving the opponent into inferior positions and working along weak lines where it is hard to resist. In advanced training, the attacker may apply reversal techniques (kaeshi-waza) to regain balance.
Ukemi is the act of receiving a technique: a roll or breakfall to avoid pain or injury. Before receiving 9th kyu, a student must demonstrate the ability to roll smoothly in a variety of directions without exposing the neck to injury.
Weapons
Weapons are among the 18 disciplines taught in the Bujinkan: ken (sword), kodachi (short sword), jutte (sword breaker), tessen (iron fan), kabutowari (helmet breaker), bō (long staff), jo (4-foot staff), hanbo (half staff), yari (spear), naginata (halberd), shuriken (throwing blades), kusarigama (sickle and chain), kusarifundo (weight and chain), kyoketsu shoge (dagger and chain), ono (war axe), tetsubishi (caltrops), tanto (dagger), shuko (hand claws), ashiko (foot spikes), metsubushi (blinding powders) and kayaku (firearms).
Some weapons have more than one type. Hira shuriken (flat blades, also called shaken or senban) have three to eight points, in styles such as Sanko Gata, Juji and Kumi Awase. Bo shuriken (straight blades) come round or flat, pointed at one or both ends, in styles such as Hari Gata (needle), Tanto Gata (knife), Yari Gata (spear) and Empi Gata (swallow). Swords include the Ken, Katana, Tachi, Odachi, Wakizashi, Kodachi, Nadachi, Shikomizue and Tanto, and there are many types of yari.
Physical Conditioning
Junan taiso (junan meaning flexible) is a yogic method of stretching and breathing by which the Bujinkan practitioner develops and maintains good physical condition and wellbeing. The exercises promote relaxation, circulation, muscle tone and flexibility, and form a core part of every training session. All major joints are rotated and stretched properly while healthy breathing and concentration are practiced.
Origin of the Schools
Almost all of the ryūha in the Bujinkan are listed with their historical lineages in the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten (Encyclopedia of Martial Art Schools, researched by Watatani Kiyoshi and Yamada Tadashi, first published in 1963). From 1968 on, four years before Takamatsu’s death, it has listed Hatsumi below Takamatsu.
Several Bujinkan ryūha are mentioned in the Kakutogi no Rekishi (History of Fighting Arts) among the schools “well-known for being effective arts” (jitsuryoku ha): Gyokko Ryū, Gikan Ryū Koppō jutsu, Gyokushin Ryū Ninpō, Kukishin Ryū, Takagi Yōshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu and Asayama Ichiden Ryū (not one of the nine, but studied by Hatsumi via Takashi Ueno).
Several of the samurai systems, such as Kuki Shinden Ryū Happō Bikenjutsu and Takagi Yoshin Ryū Jūtai jutsu, have well-documented lineages, with other branches surviving under their own Sōke. The nature of ninjutsu means there are no surviving written records of ninjutsu teachings before 1676, so some researchers hold that the oral lineage of the Togakure Ryu tradition cannot be independently verified.
From the Bugei Ryuha Daijiten
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 (1181–1182), 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.On Togakure Ryu
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.On Gyokko Ryu
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 its revitalization in the Tenbun era is said to have been from Momochi Sandayu inheriting the tradition from Toda Sakyo Ishinsai.On Koto Ryu
The Yearly Themes
Since 1988, Hatsumi’s teaching has focused on a particular theme each year, announced at the Daikomyosai. This is one reason there are often noticeable differences in the techniques of different Bujinkan teachers: their focus reflects the years they trained in Japan. Before founding the Bujinkan and teaching the nine ryū together, Hatsumi awarded rank certificates in individual ryū.
For 2009, Hatsumi spoke of three things important to a martial artist: Sainou (ability, talent), Kokoro (heart) and Utsuwa (capacity). He later replaced Kokoro with Tamashii (soul), reasoning that the heart is constantly changing, while the soul is permanent and essential to the person.
Uniforms and Rankings
Kyu Levels
Below shodan, the new student starts at mukyu (“without grade”) and progresses from kukyu (9th kyu) to ikkyu (1st kyu). Unranked practitioners wear white belts, kyu grades wear green belts, and shodan and above wear black belts. Some dojos, especially children’s classes, use colored belts. Today most Bujinkan practitioners wear green belts over a black gi, with tabi on the feet (soft-sole indoors, jika-tabi outdoors).
Dan Levels
In the Bujinkan, typically the study of the Tenchijin Ryaku no Maki (arts of heaven, earth and man) guides progression from 9th kyu to shodan, and covers all the fundamentals required for advanced study. Until 4th dan the student focuses on strong foundations and perfect form. At 5th dan the focus changes to responding naturally in dynamic, increasingly challenging situations.
To attain godan (5th dan), a 4th dan must pass the sakki test, proving the ability to sense the presence of danger and evade it, a fundamental survival skill. After passing, the practitioner may apply for a teaching license (shidōshi menkyo). A shidōshi (5th to 10th dan) may open a dojo and grade students up to 4th dan. A 1st to 4th dan may become a licensed assistant teacher (shidōshi-ho) under a shidōshi. Eighth dan and above are often called shihan.
Rank is also shown by the color of the wappen, the emblem inscribed with the kanji 武 (bu) and 神 (jin), sometimes with silver, gold or white stars (hoshi). A few practitioners have also earned menkyo kaiden, a license of complete transmission in an individual school.
Study the Schools. Don’t Just Read About Them.
Train the Nine Schools Step by Step
The Bujinkan Masters Course takes you rank by rank through the schools, from Shodan foundations through Gyokko Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Budo Taijutsu, to Godan and Master Teacher level.
Doshi Richard Van Donk